Even in the twilight of a remarkable career, Gary Anderson isn’t shying away from speaking his mind — especially when it comes to the current state of professional darts and the sport’s rising stars. The two-time world champion recently made headlines not for a run deep into a televised event, but for the blunt way he addressed the narrative surrounding Luke Littler and the evolving standard of the game.
At 55, Anderson remains one of the most respected figures in darts, a veteran whose achievements include back-to-back world titles in 2015 and 2016. Yet, as the sport witnesses a youth-driven era led by the likes of 18-year-old Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, Anderson has publicly challenged what he sees as exaggerated praise for the current crop — particularly the notion that the standard of play has fundamentally jumped because of their emergence.
“You hear a lot of chat about standards going up and up. But honestly, I don’t think the bar has been lifted that much,” Anderson said in a recent interview, dismissing claims that Littler’s rise alone has transformed the professional circuit. “There are more players hitting 100-plus averages consistently, sure, but the absolute top level? I’ve seen that before. When you’ve played as long as I have, you spot the difference between hype and history.”
Anderson’s outspoken remarks could hardly be timelier. Littler, who has burst onto the global stage in spectacular fashion with multiple major titles and back-to-back world championships, has become a focal point of conversation — not just for his incredible scoring, but for how quickly he has reshaped expectations around what a top player looks like. For some fans and commentators, Littler represents a generational leap; for Anderson, that narrative is more myth than milestone.
“I’d rather leave that door open. I enjoy where the sport is, and I’m grateful darts has taken me to some unbelievable places,” Anderson continued. “But I’m also selective with my schedule. Traveling the tour, Premier League — it’s a grind, and I won’t do something just because everyone says you should.”
In fact, Anderson’s decision not to compete in the Premier League this season — despite being among the most accomplished players ever — has only added fuel to the debate. He’s been candid about his priorities: family, balance, and a pace of competing that fits his life now, rather than chasing every possible ranking point or weekly spectacle.
“I’ve enjoyed life. I’ve seen places, I’ve got kids, I’ve got things outside darts that I love,” he said. “I’m not closing the door forever, but I’m not chasing a Premier League spot just for the sake of it. It would take something special to drag me back into that weekly loop.”
The backdrop to this exchange is impossible to ignore: Littler’s extraordinary recent achievements that have captivated a new generation of darts followers. The teenager secured another world title in dominant fashion and has rapidly compiled a list of accolades that would impress any player, young or old. His performances have pushed darts into mainstream conversation like never before.
For many, Littler embodies a new era — fresh excitement, youthful confidence, and stunning consistency. His explosive style and remarkable composure under pressure have helped elevate the sport’s profile globally, attracting legions of new fans and driving discussions about longevity, legacy, and what comes next.
But Anderson’s comments serve as a reminder from the sport’s older guard: success is multifaceted, and every era brings its own champions and challenges. His perspective suggests that while the faces at the top may change, the essence of elite competition — pressure, precision, and performance — remains timeless.
“Let the young lads have their moment. I’ll be watching, and I’ll still be proud of what darts is,” Anderson said. “Just don’t make me part of some fairy tale myth that standards are suddenly through the roof. That’s not how I see it.”
Whether fans agree with him or not, the conversation Anderson has sparked adds another fascinating layer to a sport in the midst of transformation — one where legends and newcomers continue to shape its narrative.
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