Huw Ware is to make history as the first openly gay referee for a PDC World Darts Championship final this evening when Luke Littler takes on Michael van Gerwen.
Ware, one of the few openly gay figures in professional darts, said on his blog: “I’ve been with the PDC for eight years now and it will be one of the biggest honours of my life to take charge of the second half and call in the champion.”
Ware’s presence on stage in the biggest game in the entire sport marks a real landmark moment for the PDC. “If I was to say anything to that, it would be that if there are gay boys or gay girls out there who are worried that their sexuality could close doors to worlds they would like to be in but no longer feel that they can, then that is not the case,” he says proudly.
“These worlds, like the sports world, are open to everybody both gay and straight, and even if the journey can be hard sometimes, days like tomorrow make it so worth it. No matter who you are you can achieve in any world you want to, and most importantly, you can belong.”
In an interview with OutSports, Ware further commented on just how much being the man to announce the new world champion means to him. “It’s the biggest darts match of the year so as referees, it’s our pinnacle as well,” he said.
“I’m doing the second half of the final which also means I get to call in the new champion. It’s difficult to put into words. I’ve been with the PDC for eight years now and I take this as confirmation that it’s all been worthwhile and that they have every confidence in what I do.”
