Luke Littler has delivered a cheeky, unprompted reply to Gary Anderson’s recent ‘boring’ dig at the new generation of darts players, turning the criticism into a playful jab. Following his dramatic 16-14 quarter-final victory over Andrew Gilding at the World Matchplay on July 25, 2025, the 18-year-old world champion seized the moment to address Anderson’s comments. Anderson, a two-time world champion, had labeled younger players, including Littler, as “boring” for their focus on phones and lack of backstage banter, contrasting them with the lively camaraderie of his era with Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis. In response, Littler quipped, “Like Gary Anderson said, we’re boring, so that’s what we do,” delivering the line with a smile that underscored his confidence and lighthearted defiance.
This retort came after Littler averaged 99.14 and hit five 180s to secure his semi-final spot against Michael van Gerwen, proving his on-ouce prowess despite the off-stage critique. Anderson’s remarks, made after his first-round win over Luke Woodhouse, highlighted his frustration with the younger players’ disinterest in socializing, suggesting they prioritize money and technology over the sport’s traditional spirit. Littler’s reply, however, suggests he’s unfazed, embracing the label with humor while letting his performance—his third straight win at the Winter Gardens—speak for itself.
The exchange has added a layer of entertainment to the tournament, with posts found on X reflecting a mix of amusement and support for Littler’s cheeky comeback. As the World Matchplay heads into its semi-finals on July 26, 2025, this banter-fueled rivalry could further energize the Blackpool crowd, though it remains a playful sideshow to Littler’s pursuit of the Triple Crown, having already claimed the World Championship and Premier League titles.