Gary Anderson, the two-time world darts champion, has stirred controversy by branding Luke Littler and the new generation of darts players “boring” during an X-rated rant following his second-round win at the 2025 World Matchplay in Blackpool. The 54-year-old Scot, who advanced with a 10-5 victory over Luke Woodhouse on July 20, 2025, unleashed his frustration in a post-match interview, lamenting the lack of the “good old days” when dart players embodied a more colorful persona. Anderson’s comments, aired during the second day of the tournament, included a blunt assessment: “The youngsters are boring, absolutely boring,” contrasting the current crop with the more vibrant characters of his era.
This outburst comes amid Littler’s standout 10-2 first-round win over Ryan Searle, where the 18-year-old showcased a near 109 average and a 126 checkout, fueled by “hours and hours” of practice. Anderson’s critique appears to target Littler’s reserved off-stage demeanor, with past reports from players like Stephen Bunting noting the teenager’s preference for gaming or watching Manchester United rather than socializing or practicing extensively. Anderson’s rant also echoes his earlier concerns about media pressure on young stars, a theme he raised during Littler’s 2024 World Championship run, though this time the focus shifted to their perceived lack of personality.
The remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some fans and peers defending Littler’s focus and results, while others nod to Anderson’s nostalgia for darts’ rowdier past. Littler, preparing for his second-round match against Jermaine Wattimena on July 23, has brushed off similar criticism, calling it “banter” and maintaining his laid-back approach. Anderson’s outburst, laced with expletives, reflects his ongoing commentary on the sport’s evolution, though it risks overshadowing his own solid performance as he advances in the tournament.
