Burnham-On-Sea Darts Star Gary Anderson Criticizes Influencers in Fiery Rant
Burnham-On-Sea darts star Gary Anderson has made headlines with a scathing critique of social media influencers in the sport. His remarks emerged following a tense 3–2 victory against Dutch player Niels Zonneveld at the Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes.
Anderson’s Fiery Rant Against Influencers
The 55-year-old player expressed his growing frustration during a post-match interview. He criticized online personalities who provide advice to young, aspiring players, labeling many of their tactics as questionable.
Anderson emphasized that he does not engage with platforms like YouTube, yet he finds himself observing the content. He stated, “We’ve got these influencers telling people how to play darts. I’ve watched some of them — they’re nowhere near good enough. So why watch them?” This sentiment highlights his concerns about the impact of these figures on the sport.
Focus on Enjoyment Over Trends
In his passionate address, Anderson urged young players to prioritize enjoyment of darts over spending significant amounts on trendy equipment influenced by social media. He advised, “Kids need to learn they can buy a £20 set of darts and just play. Enjoy the game. That’s what matters.”
The Context of His Remarks
While Anderson refrained from naming specific influencers, his comments coincided with YouTuber Morgan Burtwistle, popularly known as “Angry Ginge,” considering participation in the PDC Qualifying School. Burtwistle is well-connected within the darts community, notably a close friend of world champion Luke Littler.
Reactions from the Darts Community
- Some members of the darts community have welcomed the idea of influencers entering competitive play.
- Former professional Matthew Edgar remarked on the Mission Darts Podcast that Burtwistle’s involvement could potentially attract new fans to the sport.
Gary Anderson’s comments reflect a broader debate about the role of social media in sports. As the landscape evolves, the balance between traditional playing experience and modern online influence remains a contentious topic.
