The Red Dragon Champion of Champions marked its 10th anniversary in style this year, with a lively crowd filling. The Depot in Cardiff to celebrate one of grassroots darts’ most prestigious events. Among those enjoying the occasion was PDC referee Huw Ware, who has a deep personal connection to the tournament.
“Ten years? My God,” Ware laughed in an interview with Online Darts. “I remember the first one like it was yesterday. It’s amazing how far this event has come — it’s like the modern-day News of the World. A brilliant tournament.”
A Launchpad for Future Stars
Over the past decade, the Champion of Champions has developed a reputation as a stepping stone for emerging talent. Ware has witnessed first-hand how a single win can change careers.
“The standard of players involved — and the winners — says it all,” he said. “Ryan Searle told me this event changed everything for him. I remember Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton winning it too. Whoever takes the title this year, keep an eye on them.”
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Despite its ruthless best-of-three format, Ware believes that’s part of the magic. “It’s brutal. One bad five minutes and you’re out. But it levels the playing field — anyone can win on the day.”
He even suggested the Pro Tour could experiment with the same cutthroat format. “It’d be chaos — in the best way. I’d love to see it.”
From Player to Referee
For Ware, this event is more than just another date on the calendar — it’s a nod to where his journey began. Starting out as a county-level referee in Glamorgan, he’s now one of the sport’s leading officials.
“I’ve seen people here today I haven’t seen in over a decade,” he said. “It takes me back. This is one of my favourite days of the year.”
Though he once played competitively — even representing Wales at youth level — a chance invitation to referee at the Winmau World Masters changed his course.
“I was in a room with players like Max Hopp and Jeffrey de Zwaan — guys going places. I realised I probably wasn’t one of them,” he admitted. “When they asked me to referee, I knew it was a one-shot deal. If I’d said no, someone else would’ve taken the spot.”
Settled at the Top
Now two years into his full-time role with the PDC, Ware says he feels firmly at home. “This year’s been life-changing,” he said. A key moment came when he refereed the 2024 World Championship final between Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen. “To be the voice of Luke Littler’s first world title – that’s special. It was a blur at the time, but the aftermath was surreal. I ended up in the press for 10 days, on BBC Radio 4 — things I never thought I’d do.”
Farewell to a Legend
Ware also paid tribute to veteran referee George Noble, who is set to retire after this year’s World Championship. “George has been a huge influence,” said Ware. “His voice, his presence, the way he runs the stage — he’s still as good as he was 20 years ago. To work alongside him has been a privilege. His final Championship will be emotional.”
With the likes of Noble, Paul Hinks, and Russ Bray stepping away, a new generation is taking the reins. “There’s been a big shift,” Ware acknowledged. “Kirk [Bevins] and I are now the senior names. Charlie [Corstorphine] is stepping up well. If I can have even half the career George or Russ had, I’ll be happy.”
Podcast Passion Project
Away from the oche, Ware has found success with his darts podcast, which just wrapped its second series. “People have been incredibly supportive — even on YouTube, which isn’t always kind!” he joked. “I travel with the gear to record it at events, which is a bit mad, but it gets me the guests I want. Sometimes it feels like it’s taking over from refereeing — but I love it. Hopefully we’ll have a third series soon.”
A Career Built on Opportunity
Reflecting on his journey — from Glamorgan county darts to calling world title moments — Ware says it’s all been about grabbing the chances when they came. “I’ve been incredibly lucky,” he said. “To be in this moment right now, doing what I love — I feel very privileged.”
