Opera-Singing Referee is Stealing the Show at European Darts - and Fans Can't Get Enough

By Lewis Barnett 21 April, 2025 5 mins read 55 Views

So I was watching some darts highlights last night (yes, that's how I spend my Tuesday evenings now apparently) when this referee's voice nearly made me spill my drink. Holy moly. This guy wasn't just calling 180s - he was PERFORMING them like he was center stage at La Scala.

Audio Playback

The German Eye Candy with Pipes to Match

While Luke Littler and teh other big names are busy throwing perfect games at the German Darts Grand Prix, there's a 24-year-old referee stealing their thunder with operatic flair. Franz Engerer is quickly becoming the unexpected star of the show, and I'm honestly here for it.

This isn't your typical darts referee.

Back in March at the European Darts Trophy in Gottingen, Netherlands, Engerer went absolutely viral when he belted out a 180 call that had viewers rewinding their TVs. My roommate thought I was watching some weird opera/sports crossover show when he walked in. I tried explaining it was just darts. He didn't believe me until I showed him the clip.

Wait... is this guy for real?

Turns out Engerer's been taking singing lessons since he was 12 and has performed in everything from operas to musicals. As he told DartsNews: "People kept telling me to do something with my voice, but I wasn't sure. Should I really apply? In the end, I did—and I'm incredibly happy I took that chance..."

"Most of the feedback has been really lovely. Of course, not everyone's a fan—and that's fine, especially with how unique my 180 is—but it's amazing to get that recognition. People come up to me asking for photos, and that's just surreal."

Listen. We've all seen plenty of darts referees over the years, but none quite like this.

The Accidental Nickname That Stuck

Oh, and did I mention he's also known as "German Eye Candy"? Not my words! Apparently that nickname started at the Women's Series and was amplified by Philip Brzezinski, PDC Europe's Master of Ceremonies. Engerer himself seems slightly embarrassed by it, admitting: "I'd never give myself that nickname—that would be a bit awkward!"

I showed his Instagram to my sister and she immediately followed him. When I asked why, she just shrugged and said "research purposes." Yeah, right.

More Than Just a Pretty Voice

The guy's basically a renaissance man. Beyond his operatic talents, Engerer plays saxophone (and plays it well from what I can tell), drives motorbikes, and even bowls competitively. He also appears to support German fourth-tier club Spvgg Bayreuth.

In 2020, he applied for a caller casting organized by Sport1 and PDC Europe after receiving positive feedback about his voice at smaller tournaments. The rest, as they say, is history.

I've watched about 17 videos of his calls now (don't judge me) and each one is slightly different. The theatrical flair isn't accidental - it's carefully crafted. "At first, my 180s weren't as theatrical, but I realised this style suits me—and I ran with it," he explained.

From Nervous Newcomer to Viral Sensation

Despite his confident stage presence, Engerer admits he still gets nervous. "I just have to block out the fact that the TV cameras are on me," he says. "Funny enough, I was way more nervous at my first gala than at my Euro Tour debut."

That makes me feel better about my own public speaking anxiety. If a guy who can belt out 180s like Pavarotti still gets nervous, maybe there's hope for the rest of us.

I'm betting we'll be seeing (and hearing) a lot more of Franz Engerer in the coming years. And honestly? The darts world is all the better for it.

My prediction: merchandise with his operatic 180 call transcribed on it will be selling out at darts events by Christmas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?

Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.

What weight darts should beginners use?

For beginners, I generally recommend starting with medium-weight darts between 21-24 grams. This range offers enough heft to fly straight without requiring too much force, but isn't so heavy that it becomes tiring during longer practice sessions.

How often should I replace my dartboard?

A quality sisal dartboard should last anywhere from 1-3 years with regular play, though this varies dramatically based on usage and care. Professional-grade boards like Winmau Blade 5 or Target Unicorn typically outlast budget options by a significant margin.

What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?

Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

Statistics

A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.

External Links

How To

Common Problems & How I Fixed Them

Inconsistent grouping was my biggest issue for years. The solution? I recorded my throw in slow motion and noticed I was dropping my elbow at different heights. Once I fixed that, my grouping tightened up immediately.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/darts/shaggys-middle-finger-fiasco-munich-crowd-gets-more-than-they-bargained-for