In a passionate discourse following his victory at the World Masters, darts champion Gary Anderson dismissed the rising trend of influencers in the sport. His comments came after defeating Niels Zonneveld 3-2 in the opening round at Arena MK. The two-time world champion didn’t hold back in his criticism, questioning the value of social media personalities in the game.

Anderson's Unfiltered Opinions

Anderson candidly shared his thoughts on the growing presence of influencers, stating he has no interest in what they contribute to the darts community. "I don't watch YouTube, but these so-called influencers are popping up everywhere," Anderson remarked. He voiced his disbelief at their lack of skill, adding, "I've seen some of them play, and they're not good at darts, so why watch them?"

Highlighting his concerns over the influence on youth, Anderson emphasized the simplicity of enjoying darts without extravagant spending, suggesting kids should purchase affordable dart sets and focus on the game rather than being swayed by online personalities.

Response to Influencer Ambitions

The remarks appear to be aimed partly at Morgan Burtwistle, known online as 'Angry Ginge,' who has shown interest in joining the PDC Qualifying School. This event is open to any darts player aged 16 and above who wishes to compete for a tour card. Burtwistle, a friend of darts player Luke Littler, has been present at major events, fueling his ambition to challenge the elite.

Differing Views

However, not everyone shares Anderson’s views. Former professional darts player Matthew Edgar spoke on the Mission Darts Podcast, supporting Burtwistle’s decision. Edgar believes that if Burtwistle progresses, it could open up new avenues and inspire others. "It's a potential journey others might want to follow," Edgar said.

As the tournament continues, Anderson prepares to face James Wade in the next round, his focus unwavering on the competition rather than the debate around influencers.

Looking Ahead

The discourse around influencers in darts raises questions about the sport’s future direction. While Anderson’s traditionalist views highlight concerns over authenticity, others see the potential benefits of increased visibility and interest. As darts evolves, the role of influencers remains a topic of debate.

Source:bbc uk