Gary Anderson: “The best player in the world? That’s easy: Luke Humphries, but Van Gerwen is still the best in Europe”

In a Q&A with Darts Corner, two-time world champion Gary Anderson addressed the eternal debate: who are the best players of the moment - and of all time? The Scot made no bones about it and was quite clear and firm in his choices.

When asked who he thinks is currently the best player in the world, Anderson did not have to think long. "That's easy, you just go by World Number One that's Luke Humphries: Luke Humphries," he said with a smile. And then who is the best in Europe, outside the United Kingdom? "Michael van Gerwen," it sounded resolute. 'Might Mike' still remains the best player on the continent, according to the Scot.

When the conversation shifted to the best player in North America, Anderson had to dig into his memory. "I've not got a blooming clue" he admitted, after the interviewer got him started with names like Jeff Smith, Matt Campbell and Leonard Gates. "Yeah, I'd go maybe Leonard," he finally decided. When asked who is currently the best player without a Tour Card, he then didn't have to think long: "Hendo," or his compatriot John Henderson, with whom Anderson has had a good relationship for years.

A tricky category Anderson found was the best player who never became world champion. Yet one clear name eventually emerged: "James Wade" he said. 'The Machine' has been a fixture at the top for years, but has never been crowned world champion.

About the greatest talents of the moment, the Scot had to think longer: "All the youngsters, I've not got a clue who they are," he said, laughing. Still, a few names came to mind: "Danny Noppert, Wessel Nijman maybe. There's loads of them, there's a lot of them, Cannae pick just one."

Then the inevitable question: who is the best of all time? Anderson did not hesitate for a second: "Phil Taylor," he answered briefly but firmly. 'The Power' remains for him the ultimate greatness in the darts world. Finally, he was asked about his favorite stage? That made the Scot briefly nostalgic: "I love the Civic Hall Wolverhampton, which is not there now, but that's my favourite one."