The Voice We All Know Is Hanging Up His Mic (And I'm Not Ready)

By Lewis Barnett 27 May, 2025 4 mins read 84 Views

God, this one hits different.

George Noble – you know, "the Puppy" – just dropped the news that he's calling it quits after next year's World Championship. And honestly? I feel like someone just told me my favorite uncle is moving to Florida permanently. This guy's voice has been the soundtrack to some of the most insane moments in darts history, and now we're losing him.

Hear the Summary

From Sick Day Hero to Darts Legend

Here's the crazy part that still blows my mind: Noble only became a referee because some other guy called in sick back in 1992. Can you imagine? Dude probably had the flu, stayed home to binge-watch TV, and accidentally created one of darts' most iconic careers. That's like... the ultimate butterfly effect.

The man went on to call every single BDO World Championship final from 1995 to 2007. Every. Single. One. That's not just impressive – that's borderline supernatural consistency in a sport where everything can go sideways in seconds.

21 Nine-Darters and Counting

Noble's been the voice behind 21 televised nine-dart finishes. Twenty-one! More than any other ref in the game. I remember watching that first PDC World Championship nine-darter when Raymond van Barneveld absolutely destroyed Jelle Klaasen in 2009, and Noble's call was perfect. Not too much, not too little – just pure professional excitement that matched what we were all feeling at home.

Poor guy's probably seen more perfect legs than he can count at this point.

He joined the PDC tour in 2007 (smart move, considering where the sport was heading) and has been calling the shots for 18 World Championships. That's nearly two decades of standing on stage while grown men throw pointy metal objects at tiny targets for life-changing money.

The End of an Era (Again)

Noble already stepped away from the European Tour after last week's Dutch Darts Championship. At 56, the guy's earned his retirement – he's been doing this for over three decades, which is longer than some players have been alive.

But here's what gets me: he's following Russ Bray and Paul Hinks into retirement. We're losing all the voices that made this sport what it is today. It's like watching your favorite band members leave one by one until you're left wondering if the magic can ever be recreated.

What Comes Next?

Noble made an interesting point to Viaplay that honestly made me think. He said it's time for the first female referee at a major tournament, and maybe even the first non-British one. The man's got a point – darts has exploded globally, but the officiating still looks pretty much the same as it did 20 years ago.

Change is coming whether we like it or not. The question is whether the PDC will embrace it or drag their feet like they sometimes do with innovation.

I'm gonna miss Noble's voice calling those big moments. Some things just won't sound the same without him.

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.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

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.

Wait, so how exactly do you score in darts? I always get confused.

Dart scoring is straightforward once you get the hang of it! The standard game (501 or 301) starts with that number, and you subtract whatever you hit with each throw. The goal is to reach exactly zero, with your final dart landing in a double.

Statistics

Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
The distance from the throwing line (oche) to the dartboard is precisely 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters).
The standard height from the floor to the bullseye on a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
The dartboard wire system known as "razor wire" reduced bounce-outs by approximately 60% when introduced.
The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
A standard dartboard is divided into 20 numbered sections, with the bullseye at the center worth 50 points.
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.

External Links

How To

Mastering Your Grip & Stance

There's no single "correct" way to hold a dart, but there are definitely wrong ways. Most players use 3 fingers (thumb, index, middle) with the dart resting primarily on the middle finger. Some pros use 4 or even 5 fingers, but I'd suggest starting with 3.