Know all details about age 31 referee Huw Ware, who officiated the PDC World Darts Championship final 2025
During the PDC World Darts Championship final at Alexandra Palace, a historic moment unfolded beyond the dazzling display of darts as Huw Ware, the referee, etched his name into the sport’s history books. As Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen faced off in a thrilling final, Ware made history by becoming the first openly gay referee to officiate the prestigious match. His presence at the center of the action drew widespread positive attention, as millions around the world watched the two darting legends battle.
Who is Huw Ware first PDC World Darts Championship final openly gay referee, bio, age, nationality and net worth
Age 31 darts referee Ware who has a net worth of $250,000-500,000 has built up considerable self-confidence and courage to get to this point. He’s been out as gay since his late teens and has become visible and vocal as an LGBTQ ambassador in darts.
Ten years ago today I came out. 🎯🏳️🌈
The best thing I’ve ever done. Thank you to everybody who made that so.
It’s not whom we love, but the capacity to love that defines us.
Here’s to many more years of visibility that can make a better tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/uHi7F6pLJW
— Huw Ware (@HuwWare100) February 2, 2024
Growing up in South Wales, Ware competed in the British Youth Championships but switched focus to refereeing after discovering he had a knack for the numbers and for announcing and was still in his teens when he was asked to ref at the Winmau World Masters.
Ware’s rise was so rapid that in January 2013, when 19, he took charge of his first BDO World Championship final and called the BDO final again the following year before coming out as gay one month later.
Winmau, the manufacturer of dartboards and equipment, has recognized Ware’s role model status in the sport by making him their Global Ambassador.
The World Darts Championship final evening was a defining one not just for Littler, but also for Huw Ware, who made a significant impact by breaking barriers within the sport. Ware’s landmark achievement is a testament to the growing inclusivity and acceptance in professional darts, while Littler’s victory marks the beginning of what promises to be a glittering career in the sport.
Who is Huw Ware?
Ware, who has been with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) for eight years, expressed his immense pride and joy in a statement he later shared on his blog. He called the opportunity to officiate the final the “biggest honor” of his career. Ware took to the stage at Ally Pally to call the final stages of the match, with Kirk Bevins having controlled the early part of the game.
Reflecting on the moment, Ware shared his personal feelings and offered words of encouragement to others, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasized that the world of sports, including darts, is open to everyone, regardless of their sexuality. In his statement, he encouraged young LGBTQ+ individuals not to feel disheartened, noting that “these worlds are open to everybody, both gay and straight.”
As for the match itself, Luke Littler became the sport’s youngest-ever world champion, dominating Michael van Gerwen in a breathtaking final. Littler’s performance throughout the tournament had been exceptional, and he capped it off with an incredible display in the final, where he comfortably overcame van Gerwen to claim the title. Not only did Littler win the coveted PDC World Championship, but he also collected the Ballon D’Art, awarded to the player who hits the most 180s in the tournament.