Darts icon Gary Anderson, a two-time world champion, has voiced his strong disapproval of the sport’s growing ‘influencer’ culture. Following a recent victory, Anderson emphatically stated that darts is a craft to be learned by playing, not by creating online content. He criticized online personalities who teach the game despite lacking professional skill, and expressed concern that young players are being misled into believing success can be bought with expensive equipment instead of earned through practice. Anderson’s candid remarks highlight his steadfast commitment to the traditional values of darts, prioritizing genuine skill and enjoyment over digital trends.
The Flying Scotsman’s Unwavering Stance: Darts as a Pure Craft
Gary Anderson, affectionately known as “The Flying Scotsman,” has always been an anomaly in the increasingly digital world of professional darts. While many players embrace microphones, cameras, and social media algorithms, Anderson remains rooted in a simpler philosophy: darts is a game of skill, honed by throwing, not by talking.
After a convincing win against Niels Zonneveld at the Winmau World Masters, the two-time world champion didn’t hold back, making his feelings on the modern “influencer” culture crystal clear. For Anderson, the essence of darts lies in its raw, competitive nature, a craft passed down through practice, not a stream of online content.
“Influencers? What a Load of Bollocks”: Anderson’s Fiery Critique
Anderson’s frustration peaked when the discussion turned to online personalities creating “how-to-play-darts” content. His response was typical Gary – blunt, uncompromising, and hilariously candid.
“I’m a darts player, I’m not here to sit and talk and tell stories,” he stated in the press room. “And when I do, I usually get into trouble. I don’t do YouTube, but I’m watching. We’ve got, what do you call them? Influencers? How to play darts.”
His irritation wasn’t abstract; it was rooted in the credibility of those offering advice:
- Authenticity over Performance: Anderson is not one to feign outrage for clicks. This was genuine Gary, a staunch traditionalist in a sport rapidly embracing digital polish.
- Questioning Credibility: He specifically called out influencers whose playing ability he deemed subpar. “I’ve never seen the bloke in my life, I’ve watched him play darts, he’s absolutely rank at it. So why watch him?”
- Concerns about Dilution: This sentiment arrives as influencer culture increasingly intersects with the professional game, with personalities like ‘Angry Ginge’ discussing potential Q School attempts. For Anderson, this signifies a dilution of the sport’s integrity.
A Warning to Young Players: Skill, Not Spending
The conversation sharpened further when addressing young, aspiring players. Anderson expressed deep concern over the creeping idea that success in darts can be bought rather than earned through dedication and practice.
“Kids need to learn they can go buy a set of darts that cost you £10, £20, £40, £50,” he explained, contrasting this with the trend of spending “hundreds of pounds on darts” in the belief it will instantly improve their game.
His message is simple and powerful:
- Focus on the Game: “Just let them play darts and enjoy. Buy a £20 set of darts and go and enjoy your game of darts. End of. Easy.”
- Value of Simplicity: He advocates for the pure enjoyment and learning of the game with basic equipment, stressing that expensive gear is not a shortcut to skill.
Gary Anderson: The Unfiltered Voice of a Darts Traditionalist
Anderson’s rant, punctuated with his famously direct language – “Influencers? What a load of b****cks. Absolutely t*****s” – quickly went viral. But beneath the profanity lay a sincere desire to protect the sport’s fundamental simplicity, the game he grew up loving.
In an era dominated by branding, sponsored content, and carefully curated public personas, the two-time World Champion remains stubbornly analogue. He offers no tutorials, no elaborate narratives, and certainly no performative wisdom. Just darts. Thrown quietly. Learned slowly. Earned properly.
If the future of darts insists on being streamed and monetized through digital trends, Anderson will likely be found elsewhere – perhaps with a fishing rod in hand, his phone switched off, completely uninterested in how many views anything gets. His legacy is built on throws, not clicks.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
