Russ Bray, the legendary darts referee known as ‘The Voice of Darts’ for his iconic raspy tone, has hinted at the possibility of returning to the mic for one special occasion—a world championship final showdown between two rising stars of the darts world, Luke Littler and Beau Greaves. After almost three decades of officiating the biggest matches in darts, Bray announced his retirement following the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship. Yet, the prospect of witnessing these young phenoms battle it out may just be enough to lure him back to the stage.
Bray’s career, which began with the PDC in 1996, is storied and revered. His unmistakable voice and on-stage charisma have become synonymous with the sport, making him one of the most recognized figures in darts. But as his illustrious career drew to a close, it became clear that the sport is set to enter a new era—one defined by the exceptional talents of Littler and potentially Greaves.
Littler, the young prodigy who took the darts world by storm, made a memorable debut at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, capping it off with a finals appearance against Luke Humphries. Though Littler ultimately fell short in that match, his talent and potential were undeniable. Already dubbed a “once-in-a-generation talent” by Bray, the youngster has quickly cemented his status as one of the brightest prospects in the sport.
Reflecting on Littler’s meteoric rise, Bray told *The Sun*: “Luke is a once-in-a-generation darts talent. After his World Championship final, he was given a place in the 2024 Premier League. Some pundits wondered if he was ready. Ha! He only went and won the whole thing, beating Luke Humphries in the final, including a nine-darter, in front of 14,000 screaming fans at the O2.”
Bray’s admiration for Littler is clear, comparing the young player’s potential dominance to that of darts legend Phil Taylor. “Luke has the attributes to become like Phil Taylor and dominate darts for the next 20 years,” Bray remarked. “Will he want to? Only he can answer that. But even in the first few months of his career, the effect he’s had on the sport is unbelievable.”
However, the story of darts’ future may not belong solely to Littler. Enter Beau Greaves, the 20-year-old sensation who has already made waves in the sport by capturing her second WDF Women’s World Championship title with astonishing dominance—losing only a single leg throughout the tournament. Greaves is widely regarded as one of the most talented female players in darts history, with many believing she has the skills to bridge the gap between men’s and women’s darts. Despite her reluctance thus far to compete against male players and her repeated decisions to decline PDC World Championship invitations, her potential remains a tantalizing prospect for fans and pundits alike.
Bray believes in Greaves’ potential to shake up the sport. “In fact, here’s a thought,” he mused, “in the not-too-distant future, I can easily imagine a World Championship final between Luke Littler and Beau Greaves. And how good would that be? I might even come out of retirement to call that one.”
Greaves’ rise in the sport has been marked by her exceptional skill and poise under pressure, with many speculating that it is only a matter of time before she steps into the PDC spotlight. Should she choose to compete against the men, Greaves has the potential to become a trailblazer, further blurring the lines between men’s and women’s darts and setting new standards for what is possible within the sport.
For Bray, the prospect of a Littler versus Greaves final encapsulates the very essence of darts’ bright future—an intense, high-stakes battle between two extraordinary young talents. Such a match would not only be historic for its significance but also for its potential to redefine the competitive landscape of darts. Bray’s willingness to return, even temporarily, underscores just how special this hypothetical clash would be for the sport’s legacy.
As Bray steps away from the stage after a career filled with iconic calls and unforgettable moments, the legacy of darts continues with fresh faces poised to carry the sport into a new era. Whether or not Littler and Greaves ever meet in a World Championship final, their stories, journeys, and potential impact on the sport serve as a testament to darts’ continued evolution and its power to inspire generations. Bray’s hope to witness and call such a match serves as a fitting tribute to the excitement and unpredictability that makes darts a truly special game.