Gary Anderson has hit out at the rise of influencers in darts after his World Masters first-round match.
The two-time world champion beat Niels Zonneveld 3-2 at Arena MK on Thursday.
In his post-match interview with the media, Anderson said: “I don’t [watch] YouTube, but I’m watching – what do you call them? – influencers. ‘How to play darts’ – I’ve never seen the bloke in my life,” Anderson said.
“I’ve watched him play darts, he’s absolutely rank at it, so why watch him?
“Who is he? They’re actually pros and they actually know about darts, do they?
He added: “Kids need to learn they can go buy a set of darts that cost you 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 quid, instead of spending hundreds of pounds on darts, and play the game.
“Just let them play darts and enjoy it. Buy a £20 set of darts and go and enjoy your game of darts. End of, easy.”
While it is unclear who Anderson was referring to, his rant follows the announcement that YouTuber and I’m a Celebrity Winner ‘Angry Ginge’ is considering entering PDC Qualifying School, which is open to any darts player aged 16 and above to compete to win a PDC tour card.
The influencer, who’s real name is Morgan Burtwistle, said he could attend the event in Milton Keynes next year to test himself on the oche against the sport’s elite.
Burtwistle is a close friend of Luke Littler and was recently at Ally Pally supporting ‘The Nuke’ during his World Championship win.
Former pro Matthew Edgar does not agree with Anderson, telling the Mission Darts Podcast that Burtwistle’s journey would be good for the sport.
“I think it would be good for the game,” he said.
“If he was to show some progression from where he is now, it will show people that it’s a potential avenue and it’s an actual journey. So I’m all for it, to be honest.”
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