“I require a new nickname” – PDC's newest referee Owen Binks less than impressed by Star Wars themed introduction

The PDC introduced a new face on stage during the first Euro Tour weekend of 2026. With veteran George Noble’s farewell at the World Darts Championship earlier this year, a spot opened up in the core refereeing team. That place is now filled by 27-year-old Englishman Owen Binks.

His debut with the organisation was flawless from a sporting perspective, but it still took an unexpected turn when he was given a nickname live on stage — one he doesn't seem all that impressed by. He made that abundantly clear with a response on social media.

Binks was called into action for the first time on Sunday at the Poland Darts Open, part of the European Tour. There, he successfully oversaw, among others, the match between Chris Dobey and Michael Smith.

For darts followers, his name may not have been entirely new: Binks has gained experience in recent years at the Modus Super Series, an independent tournament circuit often seen as a breeding ground for talent, both players and officials.

Within the PDC, the refereeing corps is a close-knit and recognizable group. Officials like Noble have over the years become familiar faces to the audience. With Noble’s departure at the end of the 2026 World Darts Championship, a new chapter began for the PDC. Since then, Binks has officially joined the core team and now has the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage.

His baptism on the European Tour, however, took an unexpected twist. Master of ceremonies Philip Brzezinski decided to immediately attach a nickname to the new referee during his walk-on. In the darts world, nicknames are standard fare: from ‘Hollywood’ to ‘Bully Boy’, almost every player has one. Even referees, with Noble nicknamed 'The Pup' and Kirk Bevins 'The Kirkulator'.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome a new referee to the stage,” rang out across the arena. “It’s Owen Jar Jar Binks!”

The reference was obvious: Jar Jar Binks, the much-discussed character from the iconic Star Wars film series. Jar Jar is known as a comic and somewhat clumsy figure within the typically epic and serious science fiction saga. Although the character was intended as a light-hearted note, it has been a subject of debate and criticism among fans for years.

While the audience may have met the wordplay with a smile, Binks’s body language showed he had not seen the nickname coming. His facial expression said it all: surprise, with a hint of irritation.

Shortly after, Binks made his feelings known on social media. “I REQUIRE A NEW NICKNAME,” he wrote in all caps.