EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | The operatic PDC referee known as German Eye Candy Franz Engerer on his path to the European Tour stage

The 2025 European Tour season is delivering sporting drama in relentless fashion—but amidst the action on the oche, it’s a figure off it who’s capturing fans’ hearts. Franz Engerer, a rising star among PDC Europe referees and callers, is quickly becoming one of the standout personalities on tour.

In an exclusive interview with Dartsnews.com, the 24-year-old opened up about his path to the PDC, the life of a darts caller, and the story behind his now-iconic 180 call.

“There was a caller casting organized by Sport1 and PDC Europe around two years ago,” Engerer recalls to DartsNews.com. “I applied because I had already called at smaller tournaments and had received a lot of positive feedback about my voice.”

Encouraged by friends and fellow darts enthusiasts, Engerer decided to test his talent. “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.”

Engerer’s first experiences as a caller came at gala events and grassroots competitions such as the PDC Europe Super League. Despite now appearing on the European Tour stage, he admits the nerves haven’t completely disappeared. “I just have to block out the fact that the TV cameras are on me. Funny enough, I was way more nervous at my first gala than at my Euro Tour debut,” he says.

That debut came at the 2025 European Darts Trophy in Göttingen, where Engerer didn’t just make his mark—he stole the spotlight. His operatic 180 call quickly went viral, sparking a wave of positive reactions online. “Most of the feedback has been really lovely,” Engerer shares. “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.”

A lifelong darts enthusiast, Engerer has long been mesmerized by the sport. “I’ve been a huge fan for years and watched everything I could. The atmosphere in the halls is unlike anything else in sport. To be a part of that now is just incredible—especially since I was never good enough to make it as a player,” he adds with a grin.

Engerer’s distinctive 180 call, which momentarily transforms the thunderous PDC arenas into grand opera houses, is no coincidence—it’s the product of years of musical training. “I’ve been taking singing lessons and singing in a choir since seventh grade. We’ve performed everything from operas to musicals and solos,” he explains. “At first, my 180s weren’t as theatrical, but I realized this style suits me—and I ran with it.”

Then there’s the nickname—“German Eye Candy”—now a fan-favorite moniker and a key part of Engerer’s growing brand. “That actually started at the Women’s Series,” he laughs. “Philip Brzezinski (PDC Europe’s Master of Ceremonies) picked it up and ran with it—especially at galas. I’d never give myself that nickname—that would be a bit awkward!”