John McDonald and George Noble earns darts award as unimaginable careers finish at World Champs
John McDonald has become a renowned name on the PDC circuit as the Master of Ceremonies received a reward ahead of his retirement at the World Championship alongside referee George Noble
Master of Ceremonies John McDonald was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame ahead of his retirement after the World Darts Championship final.
The 65-year-old has worked full-time on PDC tournaments since 2007 after being a former member of the Parachute Regiment and a news photographer. McDonald brought his illustrious career to a close at the Ally Pally final on Saturday night.
McDonald called his final players onto the stage as he introduced Luke Littler and Gian van Veen to the 2026 final as the two darting sensations battled it out for the Sid Waddell trophy.
Ahead of the final, McDonald, alongside long-serving referee George Noble were both inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame.
Fans took to X to laud the two icons of darts, with one saying: “Two legends still need a replacement for John even if he’s truly irreplaceable, will miss that iconic noble 180 call and voice.”
A second lauded: “John McDonald put his absolute all into announcing Littler then, god I’m going to miss him so much.” A third added: “Darts will never be quite the same without John McDonald Legend.”
McDonald is the second Master of Ceremonies to be inducted to the PDC Hall of Fame after his predecessor Phil Jones. Noble also follows referees Freddie Williams and Bruce Spendley into the elite list.
The pair join the likes of PDC President Barry Hearn OBE, PDC founders Dick Allix and Tommy Cox, iconic referee Russ Bray and former stars Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow MBE, John Lowe MBE, Dennis Priestley, Rod Harrington and John Part in the PDC Hall of Fame.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter said: “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.
“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.
“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.”
