Gary Anderson calls out opponent for ‘cheeky’ backstage question at World Championship
Gary Anderson has revealed how a “cheeky” backstage question from an opponent caught his attention during the World Darts Championship, prompting the two-time world champion to call it out with a smile after his latest appearance at Alexandra Palace.
The Scot was speaking following his match at the World Darts Championship, where tensions and mind games are never far from the surface. While Anderson ultimately kept his focus on the oche, he admitted that a comment made away from the cameras lingered in his mind.
According to Anderson, his opponent approached him backstage before the match and asked a question that he felt crossed into psychological territory. Describing it as “cheeky,” Anderson suggested it was designed to test his confidence or gauge how he was feeling ahead of the contest.
Rather than reacting negatively, the 54-year-old chose to laugh it off, but later mentioned the moment publicly, making it clear he had noticed the attempted mind game. “I know what they’re trying to do,” Anderson said, hinting that experience has taught him to spot such tactics instantly.
Anderson, affectionately known as The Flying Scotsman, is one of the most seasoned competitors on the Alexandra Palace stage. Having won the title twice, he has encountered every form of pressure imaginable — from hostile crowds to verbal barbs — and insists that nothing surprises him anymore.
He also suggested that such moments underline how much respect he still commands within the game. Younger or less experienced players, Anderson implied, sometimes look for any small edge they can find when facing proven champions on darts’ biggest stage.
Despite the backstage distraction, Anderson stressed that once he steps onto the stage, nothing else matters. The noise, the lights and the crowd at Alexandra Palace, he said, quickly drown out any lingering thoughts.
The incident adds another layer of intrigue to an already drama-filled World Championship, where psychological battles often begin long before the first dart is thrown. For Anderson, however, the message was clear: he has seen it all before — and a “cheeky” question is not about to knock him off course.
As the tournament progresses, Anderson’s blend of experience, composure and quiet authority ensures he remains one of the most respected — and toughest — opponents in the draw, regardless of who tries their luck backstage.
