Stepping into the spotlight of a world championship final, amidst a lively crowd and millions of viewers glued to their screens, is no task for the faint-hearted.
In the vibrant world of darts, referees have a dual role — keeping score and ensuring the smooth flow of the game.
On a pivotal Friday night in London, Huw Ware will be tasked with overseeing the PDC World Darts Championship final. This marks a significant milestone in Ware's career as a professional referee, being the first time he’s taken on this prestigious role.
The stakes are high as 17-year-old prodigy and last year's runner-up, Luke Littler, faces off against the seasoned three-time champion, Michael van Gerwen. In addition to the title, a prize of $626,000 is up for grabs with an audience of potentially 5 million tuning in.
Ware, who has been openly gay since his late teens, has gradually become a prominent LGBTQ ambassador within the darts community. At 31, he expresses excitement about officiating the finale of such a distinguished tournament.
“This match is the pinnacle of the darts calendar, and for referees, it’s the ultimate achievement too,” Ware said. “Handling the second half of the final means I will have the honor of announcing the new champion.”
Reflecting on his career with the PDC, which started eight years ago, Ware considers this opportunity as a testament to his dedication and the confidence that the organization places in him.
From Player to Referee
Ware hails from South Wales and initially competed in the British Youth Championships. He later shifted his focus to refereeing, discovering his talent for number crunching and score announcing.
At just 19, Ware was already calling shots at major tournaments such as the Winmau World Masters. His rapid ascent led him to officiate his first BDO World Championship final at a young age.
In February 2014, during LGBT+ History Month in the U.K., Ware publicly came out as gay, leveraging his platform to increase visibility and support within the darts community.
The support from the community was encouraging, and in 2016, Ware transitioned to the PDC. Two years later, he championed the organization's involvement in the Rainbow Laces campaign, promoting LGBTQ inclusion in sports annually.
A Role Model in Darts
Recently, Winmau recognized Ware's growing influence by naming him their Global Ambassador. Continuing his advocacy, Ware launched “Out on the Oche,” an LGBTQ network for darts enthusiasts.
“Many members of the group were or are the only LGBTQ individuals in their local leagues,” he explained. “Being part of this network helps combat feelings of isolation, especially amidst negative societal narratives that can impact personal identity.”
Ware emphasized the importance of solidarity and community support, stating, “Participants frequently express relief and gratitude for the existence of such a supportive space.”
“Out on the Oche” has been actively engaging members through social media, with Ware appearing on various platforms to discuss the group's mission and impact.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite progress, the sport faces ongoing hurdles in maintaining consistent LGBTQ inclusion messaging across different cultures. Ware's previous experience officiating in Bahrain, where same-sex activity is legal but stigma persists, highlights these challenges.
Looking ahead, Ware is excited about opportunities like the U.S. Masters at Madison Square Garden, eager to soak in New York's rich LGBTQ culture.
He also looks forward to launching a podcast and blog series in conjunction with his ambassadorial role, aiming to feature conversations with notable figures from the sports world, including fellow Welshman and renowned rugby referee, Nigel Owens.
Personal Aspirations
Despite a hectic schedule, Ware aspires to find a significant other. “It’s challenging to cultivate a relationship with my travel commitments,” he noted, “but I remain hopeful.”
His unmistakable Welsh voice and magnetic personality continue to draw audiences, especially when delivering the iconic darts call, “ONE HUNDRED AND EIGH-TY!”
Ware remains committed to promoting inclusivity in darts, striving to inspire more LGBTQ individuals to engage with the sport. “The opportunities are there for everyone,” he affirmed, “and I hope my role encourages others to pursue their passions.”
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