Spellman seals Ally Pally return with his second CDC Continental Cup title

Alex Spellman has secured his return to the Paddy Power World Darts Championship this December after winning his second CDC Continental Cup title on Saturday evening. His triumph in Philadelphia not only earned him a place at Alexandra Palace but also confirmed his debut appearance at the upcoming Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts.

Spellman now becomes only the second North American player, alongside Leonard Gates, to win multiple CDC Continental Cup titles. His path to glory this time was filled with drama, resilience and world-class finishing under pressure.

The American began his campaign on Friday with a 5–3 win over Nick Linberg. On Saturday, he faced Leonard Gates in a high-stakes clash where he found himself 5–2 down. In a spectacular turnaround, Spellman forced a deciding leg and kept his cool to complete a 6–5 win. This result ensured that once the semi-final lineup was confirmed, Spellman was guaranteed a spot at the World Championship, with Adam Sevada, Stowe Buntz and David Cameron already qualified through the CDC rankings.

Still, Spellman wasn’t satisfied with just qualification. In the semi-finals, he faced top seed Adam Sevada and delivered a strong 7–5 victory, producing superb 13 and 11-dart legs when the match was in the balance. That set up a final showdown against Canadian veteran David Cameron.

Cameron stormed into a 5–1 lead and looked ready to pull further ahead, but Spellman changed the momentum with a stunning 146 checkout to make it 5–2. That finish sparked one of the most remarkable turnarounds seen in the tournament. From that point on, Spellman won seven consecutive legs to secure a 7–5 victory and reclaim the title he first won in 2022.

After lifting the trophy, Spellman explained that rhythm was the key to his incredible fightback, saying: “My throw felt good today, and if my throw feels good, I always feel I can reel off six or seven legs in a row.”

He also spoke honestly about the struggles he faced over the past year: “I think I’ve struggled over the last year because I knew what people were expecting of me, and I was trying so hard. It wasn’t until the beginning of this year when I stopped trying so hard, and I think that’s when I have started seeing more consistent success.”

The North Carolina player will now return to Alexandra Palace for the expanded 128-player World Championship and will also be heading to Wolverhampton for the Grand Slam of Darts from November 8–16.

Although David Cameron missed out on the title and a Grand Slam place, he enjoyed a strong run in Philadelphia. He defeated fellow Canadian Darryl Christie in the quarter-finals and then overcame Stowe Buntz in the semi-finals to book his place in the final. Buntz, who famously reached the Grand Slam quarter-finals in 2023, had beaten former UK Open finalist Gary Mawson earlier in the day.

Top seed Adam Sevada also made headlines throughout the tournament. He knocked out three-time World Champion John Part and World Series of Darts Finals qualifier Jason Brandon on his way to the semi-finals before falling to Spellman.

Spellman’s success signals a major moment for North American darts. With his confidence restored, titles returning and two major televised tournaments ahead, he finds himself back among the leading figures in the sport at exactly the right time.

Spellman seals Ally Pally return with his second CDC Continental Cup title

2025 CDC Continental Cup

Saturday October 19

Quarter-Finals

Adam Sevada 6-3 Jason Brandon

Alex Spellman 6-5 Leonard Gates

Stowe Buntz 6-3 Gary Mawson

David Cameron 6-3 Darryl Christie

Semi-Finals

Alex Spellman 7-5 Adam Sevada

David Cameron 7-4 Stowe Buntz

Final

Alex Spellman 8-5 David Cameron