Darts referee Owen Binks breaks down in tears and consoled by player as he prepares for huge career step

Darts referee Owen Binks became visibly emotional after officiating his final match in the MODUS Super Series before making the step up to the Professional Darts Corporation circuit.

The 27-year-old is preparing to take over from legendary caller George Noble, who stepped away following the World Darts Championship.

Binks will make his debut on the big stage at the PDC European Tour event in Poland this weekend, meaning Monday’s fixture marked his final appearance at the Super Series.

As the moment sank in, Binks appeared overcome with emotion, realising he was saying goodbye to the tournament where he has officiated more than 6,000 matches before earning his shot at the sport’s biggest stage.

A video shared by the official Super Series account captured him looking tearful near the end of his last match. The post joked, “Is someone cutting onions?” alongside a crying emoji.

Footage showed Binks doing his best to remain composed while delivering instructions to the players, though he looked visibly sombre. After the match, one of the players stepped in to console him.

Earlier in the day, the account had posted a farewell message, wishing him every success as he moves on from refereeing at the Live Lounge to pursue his career at the highest level.

Speaking recently to Darts News, Binks admitted the reality of replacing such an iconic figure still hasn’t fully hit him.

He said becoming a main-stage caller has always been a dream and described the opportunity as surreal, adding that it will probably only feel real when he finally steps up to officiate.

Binks also revealed Noble had long hinted he would one day take over, telling him the moment was coming and that discussions had been ongoing for some time.

Despite the excitement, nerves remain. He joked that one of his biggest fears is forgetting how to count when he gets on stage — just one of many anxious thoughts that come with such a huge opportunity.

With no guarantees attached, Binks knows the next step is entirely in his hands — a chance he’s determined to make the most of.