Darts legend Russ Bray has been unveiled as the latest inductee into the PDC Hall of Fame, to recognise his remarkable contribution to the sport throughout the last four decades.
Bray will referee his last televised ranking match in tonight’s Paddy Power World Darts Championship final, which will see teenage sensation Luke Littler and newly crowned world number one Luke Humphries compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Bray – starring in his 28th and final World Championship behind the microphone – will sign off in style during Wednesday’s Alexandra Palace showpiece, which has already generated global headlines.
The 66-year-old has already featured in some of the sport’s most iconic moments, including the 2007 World Championship decider between Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld at the Circus Tavern.
He also refereed John Part’s history-making victory over Taylor in 2003, and called in maiden World Championship titles for Adrian Lewis, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Peter Wright in 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2020 respectively.
“This is an unbelievably proud moment for me,” said Bray, speaking after being inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame by PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.
“It is not often that I get lost for words, but this is an amazing honour for me.
“I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone involved at the PDC who I’ve worked with over the last 27 years for making the game what it is today.
“I am really looking forward to tonight. It’s probably the biggest World Championship final we’ve ever had, certainly in terms of the media coverage.
“You’ve got 16-year-old Luke Littler against the new world number one Luke Humphries. I’m sure it’s going to be an absolutely amazing final.”
Bray joins the likes of PDC President Barry Hearn OBE, PDC founders Dick Allix and Tommy Cox and former stars Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow MBE, John Lowe MBE, Dennis Priestley, Rod Harrington and John Part in the PDC Hall of Fame.
The man nicknamed ‘The Voice’ has played a crucial role in the sport’s global growth since joining the PDC as a referee in July 1996, and he will now begin a new role as a PDC ambassador in 2024.
Having already played a key role in the expansion of the PDC’s global affiliate tours – including the Asian Tour – over recent years – Bray believes that the sport’s worldwide growth will continue over the coming years.
“I’m so excited about my new role as PDC ambassador,” added Bray, who will continue to referee on the World Series of Darts circuit.
“I will still be doing the PDC Asian Tour and I’ll be involved on the World Series of Darts, so I’ll still be involved in the game.
“I’m so excited about the talent we have globally, and who knows – we may be able to find another Luke Humphries or Luke Littler!
“It’s been an incredible journey so far, and now I’m looking forward to the next part of my career.”
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