Darts Legend Retires Suddenly After Heartbreaking Revelation

Two of the most iconic figures in the history of the PDC World Darts Championship are set to retire from the sport, marking the end of an era. John McDonald, the legendary Master of Ceremonies, and George Noble, a top referee, will step down following the final between Luke Littler and Gian van Veen. Their departure comes after decades of service, with both men having played pivotal roles in shaping the tournament.
John McDonald, 65, has been associated with the PDC since 2004. His energetic introductions and booming voice have become synonymous with the event, making him a beloved figure among fans. Over the past two decades, he has been a constant presence at Ally Pally, helping to create the atmosphere that defines the world championship.
George Noble, on the other hand, has spent over 30 years in the sport. He began his refereeing career with the British Darts Organisation before joining the PDC, where he became one of the most respected officials in the game. His experience and professionalism have made him a key part of the tournament's operations for nearly two decades.
Both McDonald and Noble announced their decision to retire in October, citing it as the right time to move on. McDonald expressed his pride in being part of the PDC's journey, stating that the World Darts Championship final would be the perfect place to end his career. He also mentioned that he looks forward to participating in the remaining events on stage.

Noble, 57, shared similar sentiments, highlighting the incredible opportunities the sport has provided him over the years. He said he will remain involved in darts but will focus more on family life. "The time is right for me to retire from refereeing," he said. "I'll still be involved in darts away from refereeing, but this will give me the chance to spend more time with my family in future."
McDonald revealed that a heartfelt conversation with his grandson played a significant role in his decision to retire. As a former paratrooper, he admitted that he had missed out on many moments with his children and grandchildren. The call from his grandson, who asked him to come watch a match, left him feeling left out. This moment prompted him to reflect on his life and decide that it was time to prioritize family.
"I’m not getting any younger for sure," McDonald told talkSPORT. "I’ve missed so much of my own children growing up, never mind my grandchildren. What really spurred me on [to retire] was I got a call from my grandson, who plays at the Chelsea Foundation. He said, ‘I’m playing at Southampton tomorrow, grandad, can you come and watch?’"

"I was like, ‘No, I can’t, I’m up in Leicester.’ And he said to me that it’s alright because his other grandad could take him, and I felt a bit left out again. I thought, ‘How many times do you do this in your life when you feel so left out’," McDonald added. "So I thought ‘Well, I’ve had a good run, it’s time for someone else to enjoy it.’ I thought that maybe I can go off and enjoy my eight grandchildren and my lovely wife, that’s what I’ll do and I can’t wait."
As the final approaches, Luke Littler, the world number one, will look to defend his title and secure back-to-back world championships. Gian van Veen, however, aims to cause an upset and add the World Championship trophy to the European Championship title he won in October. With McDonald and Noble stepping down, the stage is set for a new chapter in the history of the PDC World Darts Championship.