Darts chief issues stark warning over the ‘scary’ problem threatening to derail sport’s incredible global boom

The rapid rise of darts shows no signs of slowing down — but according to Huw Ware, one key issue must be addressed if the sport is to keep growing.

The PDC referee believes the biggest obstacle isn’t a lack of interest, but something far simpler: time.

With the calendar already packed, Ware says fitting everything into a 365-day year is becoming increasingly difficult as darts continues its global expansion. Speaking about the sport’s boom, he pointed to the growing number of international qualifiers at the PDC World Darts Championship, including players from countries like India, Singapore, and Kenya.

According to Ware, darts is only “at the tip of the iceberg” in terms of worldwide growth — which raises a major question: how do you squeeze even more tournaments into an already crowded schedule?

The 32-year-old, who is also a global ambassador for Winmau, understands why top players have started voicing concerns about the relentless demands of the tour.

Gary Anderson recently criticized the packed schedule, admitting he no longer has the energy for events like the Premier League Darts. The Scottish star described the constant travel between countries and venues as exhausting, even without adding extra tournaments to his calendar.

Ware himself admits the lifestyle can take its toll. Travelling from Cardiff to events across Europe, he revealed he has experienced burnout — although he partly attributes that to his workload outside officiating.

Still, he made it clear that both players and referees must take responsibility for managing their own schedules. As a self-employed official, Ware says he could turn down work — but chooses not to, given how rewarding the role is.

Despite the challenges, he remains grateful, describing darts as a “travelling circus” that continues regardless of global events. However, he acknowledged that burnout is very real in such a demanding environment.

Interestingly, Ware believes the toughest part of the job isn’t what happens on stage — it’s everything around it.

Late-night finishes followed by early-morning flights, especially after European Tour events, leave little time for rest. He explained that going from refereeing a final at midnight to catching a 6am flight never gets easier, no matter how often it happens.

Players have also raised concerns about travel issues, including passport control delays at European events, adding to the strain of an already intense schedule.

Beyond officiating, Ware has become a popular figure within the sport. Through his podcast, Tops and Tales, he brings together former pros and current stars, helping bridge the gap between players and fans.

Looking ahead, he hopes to expand the podcast’s reach even further by inviting guests from outside darts — from other sports to entertainment — in a bid to attract new audiences and continue driving the sport’s remarkable growth.

For Ware, it’s all part of contributing to darts’ ongoing boom — even if fitting it all into one year remains the sport’s biggest challenge.