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PDC Inducts John McDonald and George Noble Into Hall of Fame as Duo Prepare Final World Championship Duties

Both veterans cited family priorities for stepping back after decades shaping the sport's biggest stages.

Overview

  • The Master of Ceremonies and the referee will retire from on-stage roles after the 2026 World Darts Championship, with George Noble set to oversee the final and John McDonald introducing the finalists.
  • Their Hall of Fame announcement comes on the day of the final, recognizing careers that helped define the PDC era.
  • Noble’s résumé includes calling the first PDC World Championship nine-darter by Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor’s two nine-darters in the 2010 Premier League final.
  • McDonald described a missed chance to watch his grandson play football as the moment that convinced him to prioritise time with his grandchildren and wife.
  • Both plan to remain involved in darts off stage, as PDC chief executive Matt Porter praised them as pivotal contributors; the final winner lifts the Sid Waddell trophy and earns £1 million.