Gary Anderson hits out at the rise of ‘influencers’ in darts
Gary Anderson hits out at the rise of ‘influencers’ in darts
Gary Anderson has never been one to jump on whatever is fashionable, and following his opening victory at the 2026 World Masters, the two-time world champion made it clear that the modern rise of darts “influencers” is something he views with open scepticism.
After seeing off Niels Zonneveld in Milton Keynes, the Scot used his post-match media appearance to launch into a typically forthright assessment of YouTube culture within the sport. Anderson suggested that younger players would be far better served investing their time and money in actual practice, rather than following online advice — a pointed comment at a time when darts content has exploded across platforms such as YouTube and TikTok, particularly following the rapid rise of Luke Littler.
That surge in popularity, Anderson argued, has also contributed to a sharp increase in equipment prices, with manufacturers releasing premium and bespoke dart sets to cash in on the boom — something he admits he finds hard to stomach.
“I don’t do YouTube, but I do watch,” Anderson said. “These — what do you call them — influencers. ‘How to play darts’. I’ve never seen the bloke in my life. I’ve watched him throw darts and he’s absolutely ****, so why would I listen to him?”
Anderson went on to stress that darts doesn’t need to be an expensive sport to enjoy or improve at. “Kids need to realise you can buy a set of darts for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 quid. Stop spending hundreds of pounds and just play the game.”
When pressed further on the topic, Anderson doubled down on his stance, offering little sympathy for the influencer trend. “There’s my influencers — what a load of ****. Absolute ****,” he said. “You watch lads on YouTube and think they’re pros — who is he? Oh, he’s a pro, is he? Does he really know darts? For young kids, it’s not good. Let them play darts and enjoy it. Buy a £20 set and enjoy your game. End of story.”
The outspoken comments were entirely on-brand for Anderson, who admitted that media duties remain his least favourite part of being a professional darts player. “I’m a darts player — I don’t need to sit here talking,” he said. “That’s the one thing that p**** me off about this game. I just want to play darts. When I start talking, I usually end up in trouble.”
Gary Anderson hits out at the rise of ‘influencers’ in darts
Despite his blunt delivery, Anderson had reasons to be satisfied on the oche, grinding out a tough opening win over Zonneveld in what he admitted was a rusty performance.
“I went all out in the first leg and got killed,” he said. “But that was my first competitive throw since the Worlds — well, January 6th. I was at Unicorn throwing a few darts that day, and that was it. So yeah, I was always going to be rusty.”
Anderson insisted there was no exaggeration in his lack of preparation. “I swear on my kids’ lives — that’s the truth.”
Asked whether his strong run at the World Championship had given him momentum heading into 2026, Anderson brushed the idea aside. “No,” he said. “I sleep, wake up, and it’s gone. That was last year. This is a new year.”
He acknowledged he could have played earlier ProTour events to sharpen up, but accepted the challenge of diving straight into the World Masters. “It can only get better — hopefully.”
Now 56, Anderson made it clear he is no longer driven by rankings milestones or specific targets such as a return to the world’s top four. “Not really,” he said. “I just throw darts. I still enjoy it, so that’s what I’m doing.”
That relaxed outlook, he explained, removes pressure rather than competitiveness. “When you say you’re going to do this or that and it doesn’t happen, you look a right muppet,” he said. “If I win, great. If I lose, great — I get to go home. That’s it.”
Anderson also acknowledged the growing strength in depth on the PDC circuit, even if the details occasionally escape him. “Zonneveld did well at the Worlds, didn’t he? Who did he play… Michael? No — Michael Smith,” he said. “All the lads are dangerous now.”
The World Masters format earned Anderson’s approval too, with short matches offering little room for error. “Best of three — it’s hard,” he said. “But I love it.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming Players’ Championship events, Anderson remained relaxed and upbeat. “A bit next week, one step at a time. I’ll be there,” he said, before smiling: “Nice little town. Good noodles, good kebab — I like it.”
As for confidence, Anderson admitted his form is still settling after a long layoff. “I was flying at the start of January, then had to come back down a bit,” he said. “It’s early days — it’s a long road.”
