John McDonald and George Noble inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame as World Darts Championship final signals end of an era

John McDonald and George Noble have been inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame. With this honour, the PDC underscores the immense significance of the Master of Ceremonies and the referee to professional darts over the past three decades. Both bid farewell on Saturday after the final of the World Darts Championship between Luke Littler and Gian van Veen, marking the end of an era at Alexandra Palace.

McDonald has worked full-time for the PDC since 2007, after succeeding Phil Jones as Master of Ceremonies. Before that, he was already involved in major events, including The Showdown in 2004 and the early years of the Premier League Darts. In the years that followed, he became one of the most recognizable voices in darts, with his distinctive and theatrical announcing style.

Before his darts career, McDonald served in the Parachute Regiment and worked as a press photographer. His career as a sports presenter began in boxing, after which he became involved in numerous sports over the years. That broad experience translated into a stage presence now inextricably associated with the PDC.

George Noble served as a referee on the PDC circuit for nearly twenty years and had already earned respect within the BDO, where he headed the refereeing team. The now 57-year-old Englishman called seven nine-darters on the World Championship stage at Alexandra Palace and, during the 2009 edition, announced the very first perfect leg in PDC World Championship history, produced by Raymond van Barneveld.

PDC chief executive Matt Porter expressed his appreciation when announcing their induction. “John and George have played an instrumental role in the PDC’s growth over the last 20 years. John's enthusiasm, passion and his ability to create an atmosphere through his delivery has been one of the main reasons why darts has become so loved. Someone has to set the scene, and I think John's voice has done that so well for us."

Porter also praised Noble. "When George came across to the PDC, there were quite a few players coming over from the BDO on a regular basis, and it was Tommy Cox, our Tournament Director, who persuaded him to join the PDC. At the time, it was that big it felt like signing a player. George really added to our roster of referees, and he's been a brilliant signing for us."

With their induction into the Hall of Fame, McDonald and Noble join illustrious company, including PDC president Barry Hearn OBE, founders Dick Allix and Tommy Cox, referee Russ Bray, and iconic players such as Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow MBE, John Lowe MBE, Dennis Priestley, Rod Harrington, and John Part. Former Master of Ceremonies Phil Jones and referees Freddie Williams and Bruce Spendley were also previously inducted.

According to Porter, the recognition is more than deserved. “We are incredibly grateful to John and George for their contributions, not just to the PDC but to darts in general, and their induction into the Hall of Fame recognises their enormous impact on the sport.”