Owen Binks, a regular referee at the MODUS Super Series, has become a prominent figure in the darts world. The 27-year-old Englishman, who also works as a spotter at major darts tournaments, credits a life-changing phone call from the tournament organizers for his current career.
According to Binks, the phone call from MODUS Super Series asking him to leave his job and become a full-time referee was a turning point. “They asked me ‘can you leave your job and be a full-time referee for us?’ and I was like ‘yes, absolutely’ – so I quit my job on the spot,” Binks recalled in an interview with BBC. “I knew that’s what I wanted to do and I’ve been living my dream ever since. I’ve got a lot to thank them for because that call changed my life.”
Binks revealed that office jobs were incompatible with his ADHD, but he found that the “hyper-concentrated” environment of darts was the perfect fit. In addition to his refereeing duties, he also serves as a spotter, a role that involves directing camera operators to the appropriate dartboard box. “I’ve always been good at mental maths, but you need darts maths to be an expert in this field,” Binks explained. “A lot of it is knowing the patterns, although you have to be on your toes for someone like Luke Littler, who sprays around the board.”
Binks credits his ADHD with helping him excel in this role. “Without this condition, I don’t think I would have this job,” he admitted. “When I was growing up, I was always in trouble at school, being the class clown and getting sent out. It really helps when you have a hyper-focus on the thing you love. For me, that’s darts numbers – how random is that?”
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Reflecting on his role, Binks acknowledges the privilege of being at the heart of the action. “It’s such a privilege to be up on stage as there’s no better crowds than the crowds at Ally Pally,” he said. “The best thing is I get the best seat in the house to watch the best players in the world do the most amazing things.”
When asked if he considers darts a sport or a glorified pub game, Binks firmly responded, “It’s definitely a sport. It’s the greatest sport on earth.”
