TV presenter blasted for ‘downright embarrassing’ reaction to 13-year-old’s historic Tetris win

A Sky News presenter’s reaction to a 13-year-old boy’s historic Tetris win has been blasted by viewers.

Earlier this week, Willis Gibson, from Oklahoma, became the first known person to get so far in the game that it actually breaks.

For the first time since Tetris was released in 34 years, the game froze at level 157, after Willis cleared a whopping 1,511 lines in 38 minutes.

And after his reaction was caught on camera and widely praised, one TV host had a response viewers weren’t as keen on.

Jayne Secker told him ‘to go outside and get some fresh air’ as she reported on the news.

She said: ‘As a mother I would just say step away from the screen, go outside, get some fresh air.

‘Beating Tetris is not a life goal.’

Sky News presenter Jayne Secker’s comments were criticised (Picture: Sky News)

Her comments were widely criticised with games journalist Chris Scullion referring to reports on World Darts Championship finalist Luke Littler and writing on X: ‘It is the Year of Our Lord 2024 and @SkyNews is still telling people who play video games to go outside and get some fresh air, notably on the same day they’re praising a 16-year-old darts player.’

Gaming creator @MrDalekJD added: ‘The smugness just makes my blood boil. Not understanding it is one thing, but to undermine a a 13 year old for achieving a world record on a video game and present it in that way on national TV is just downright embarrassing.’

@MADkurious pointed out: ‘“Go outside,” she says, while also inside, looking directly at a screen.’

‘Willis Gibson should absolutely be proud of what he achieved. The act of “beating” Tetris by forcing a kill screen had only been done by AI bots before. He also dedicated his win to his late father, who passed away last month. For @SkyNews to belittle him is just pathetic,’ @WadeBox added.

Willis Gibson is the first known person to beat Tetris (Picture: aGameScout_

Another X user called for Secker to be removed from air after her comments, as @BurdittPhoto wrote: ‘Dear @SkyNews what Jayne Secker did to disrespect this young man who beat Tetris in tribute to a family member who just passed away is appalling, and I wish to see her removed from air and the news station.’

@ArtFromBelow replied: ‘My jaw hit the floor when that needlessly venomous statement aired. Absolutely uncalled for. Nauseating.’

In a YouTube interview, Willis said he wanted to dedicate the achievement to his father, who had passed away in December.

He also said that if anyone beats his record, he’ll be ready to take back the crown right away, having played Tetris from when he was aged 11, and placing third in a competition in October.

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‘My jaw hit the floor.’