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DARTS fans were surprised to learn that the legendary referee Russ Bray has announced his retirement, but several talented successors are ready to take over the microphone.
Bray, a former player, has committed nearly thirty years to the darts community.
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His unique refereeing style has rightfully earned him the title of ‘The Voice’ of darts.
Meanwhile, Luke Littler’s thrilling victory over Luke Humphries in the Premier League final at the start of 2024 signaled Bray’s last official match as a referee.
Bray has stepped back from officiating in the UK and is now focusing on international World Series events.
Lucky darts fans can rest assured; the PDC has announced the names of those who will be stepping into Bray’s considerable role.
Who’s officiating at the World Darts Championship 2024?
Kirk Bervins
Kirk Bervins embarked on his career in 2010 but gained recognition in 2009 as the British ‘Countdown’ champion on Channel 4.
His rapid calculation skills come from his background as a math teacher, though his real passion lies in being a darts referee.
Kirk had never seen a top darts player up close prior to auditioning to referee at The Assassin Martin Atkins exhibition, before he entered university.
He volunteered on the pro tour for two years and secured a permanent position when Bruce Spendley retired in 2013.
His first significant tournament was at the 2014 World Championship.
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Charlie Corstorphine
Charlie Corstorphine is set to take on officiating duties at the World Darts Championship 2024.
The 29-year-old from Southend began his refereeing career in the Essex Youth Super League and made his television debut at the World Masters in 2016.
After leaving a positive impression, Charlie was invited to referee at the 2017 Lakeside World Championships.
Corstorphine subsequently joined Team Ref, regularly officiating matches for England during the British Internationals and Six Nations Cup events.
In a significant personal achievement, he officiated his first and only nine-darter in 2017, thanks to Paul Hogan.
Now he is thrilled to have worked his way up to the prestigious Ally Pally tournament.
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George Noble
George Noble exemplifies how many of the best referees often start their careers in unexpected ways.
Noble’s journey commenced on stage in 1992 when the regular country caller fell ill, and in just two years, he reached the pinnacle of darts officiating.
This English referee has officiated every BDO World Championship final at Lakeside from 1995 to 2007.
He made the switch to the PDC in 2007 and marked his first televised nine-dart appearance at Ally Pally when Raymond van Barneveld achieved it against Jelle Klassen in 2009.
Since then, Noble has worked with many legendary players and became the first referee to oversee two nine-dart legs in a single match, thanks to Phil Taylor.
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Huw Ware
Huw Ware’s refereeing journey commenced in 2010, and by 2012, he had rapidly climbed the ranks to established notability in the field.
The Welsh referee began making a name for himself at the Lakeside Country Club during the BDO World Championship, before moving on to officiate at the PDC UK Open.
Since 2018, Huw has also served as an ambassador for the LGBTI community within the darts fraternity.
In February 2014, Ware candidly shared his experiences regarding his sexual orientation and the challenges he faced.
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What’s been conveyed?
Charlie, in particular, has expressed immense excitement about officiating at the prestigious 2024 World Darts Championship.
The enthusiastic referee stated: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be debuting at the major event at Ally Pally.
“Last year, I was at Alexandra Palace working in the fan area with Paddy Power, the sponsors, but finally stepping onto the main stage is a monumental milestone.
“This will undoubtedly be the most significant event I’ve participated in, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Is Russ Bray considering a return from retirement?
Renowned referee Russ Bray hinted at a potential return from retirement for an ideal World Championship final featuring teen sensation Luke Littler.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport in November 2024, Bray shared: “Luke has the potential to emulate Phil Taylor and dominate darts for the next two decades.
“Only he can decide whether he wants that. However, even in the early stages of his career, his influence on the sport has been incredible.
“I can easily picture a future World Championship final between Luke Littler and Beau Greaves.
“How fantastic would that be? I might even consider coming out of retirement to referee this match…”
