Russ Bray, one of the most recognizable voices in the world of darts, has revealed what might entice him to step out of retirement and take up the mic once more. Known as “The Voice” for his deep and commanding tones that have echoed through arenas for nearly three decades, Bray stepped back from his role as a referee after the 2024 World Darts Championship final. That match saw Luke Humphries defeat 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler 7-4 at Alexandra Palace, in a game watched by a peak audience of 4.8 million on Sky Sports. For Bray, this tournament served as a perfect high note on which to end his storied refereeing career.
During his impressive debut at the World Championship, Littler captured the hearts of darts fans worldwide with a remarkable run that saw him topple established giants like Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross. His meteoric rise and talent left an indelible mark on the sport, and Bray himself has been one of his most vocal admirers. Reflecting on Littler’s transformative impact, Bray cheekily remarked, “The Luke Littler effect is so strong that even people in remote Guatemalan villages have heard of him.”
Since retiring from UK events, Bray has taken up a new role as an ambassador for the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), aiming to expand the sport’s reach to every corner of the globe. But his admiration for Littler’s talent hints that there may still be one match that could draw him back. Writing in his newly released autobiography *All About Darts*, Bray speculated on Littler’s future dominance and how it might one day lead to a truly iconic showdown that could lure him out of retirement.
“Luke is a once-in-a-generation darts talent,” Bray wrote. “After his run to the World Championship final, he earned a spot in the 2024 Premier League, and there were questions about whether he was ready. Ha! He not only held his own—he won the whole thing, defeating Luke Humphries in the final. He even scored a nine-darter in front of 14,000 fans at the O2. It was electrifying.”
Bray believes Littler has the potential to become as dominant as 16-time world champion Phil Taylor. “Luke has all the attributes to rule the sport for the next 20 years,” Bray stated. “Whether he wants to dominate like Phil is up to him, but there’s no doubt he’s already reshaping the game.” Bray even shared a vision of a future showdown that could see Littler squaring off against another rising star: “Imagine a World Championship final between Luke Littler and Beau Greaves. How incredible would that be? I might even come out of retirement to call that one.”
Bray’s career as a darts referee has taken him across the globe, with his voice resounding in diverse locales such as Australia, Japan, Dubai, Bahrain, Las Vegas, and Mongolia. His distinctive gravelly voice and passion for the sport have endeared him to millions, making him a beloved figure in the darts community. Reflecting on his journey, Bray said, “I’ve been a lucky sod with the best seat in the house as darts evolved from humble beginnings to the global phenomenon it is today. And what a ride it’s been.”
In his new role as a PDC ambassador, Bray is now focused on expanding the sport’s reach even further. “Where next for darts? Honestly, there are no limits,” he declared. “The PDC has already hosted tournaments in South Africa, which were well-received and drew big crowds. But Africa is vast and offers untapped potential.” Bray is also eyeing expansion in South America, revealing ongoing conversations with darts enthusiasts in Chile and hopes to establish tournaments in countries like Argentina and Brazil. “It’d be sensational to get things moving there,” he added, noting, “For me, it’s not a matter of if, but when.”
As he embarks on this new chapter, Bray remains steadfast in his mission to grow darts’ global appeal. His commitment, combined with his enduring passion for the sport, ensures that even in semi-retirement, Russ Bray will continue to play a key role in shaping the future of darts. And who knows? Perhaps one day, fans will once again hear his unmistakable voice announcing a Littler-Greaves final, fulfilling his promise to return for a match worthy of his legendary status.