Darts referee George Noble has retired from the Premier League after officiating the 2025 final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
The 56-year-old has stepped down following three decades as one of the sport's top callers.
Noble began his refereeing career in 1992 and has been a regular caller on the Pro Tour ever since.
He worked on the PDC Tour since 2007, having previously been part of the BDO team where he called every World Championship final between 1995 and 2007.
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|Darts referee George Noble has retired from the Premier League after officiating the 2025 final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries
Noble witnessed the best players in the world over the past three decades, culminating in the two biggest stars fighting it out to win the Premier League.
He joined the PDC Tour in 2007, where he called the first ever nine-dart finish in PDC World Championship history when Raymond van Barneveld hit a perfect leg against Jelle Klaasen in 2009.
Since then he has been the voice of a total of 21 televised nine-darters - more than any other referee. Noble has taken part in 18 World Darts Championships throughout his distinguished career.
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|George Noble's voice has become synonymous with darts over the past three decades
Noble has already called time on his work as a referee on the European Tour, stepping away after the Dutch Darts Championship last week.
After confirming his retirement plans, Noble spoke about the future of refereeing.
"I think it's time we had the first female referee at a major tournament and maybe even the first non-British one, too," he said.
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The veteran official's suggestion comes as the sport continues to evolve and expand its global reach.
Noble's retirement marks the end of an era for darts officiating, with his distinctive voice having become synonymous with the sport's biggest moments over three decades.
Meanwhile, it was a joyous night for Humphries as he won the Premier League for the first time.
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And the world No 1 expressed his joy after his victory over Littler, saying: "I've joined an elite club with Gary Anderson, Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen [by managing the triple crown].
"I must say to Phil Taylor a big 'thank you' because he's been giving me a lot of support the past few weeks. It's really helped me so Phil if you are watching, thank you.
"He's given me a lot of advice and that extra boost."
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|Luke Humphries was too strong for Luke Littler as he clinched Premier League glory
He continued: "He [Taylor] was telling me stuff about myself and just believing in me.
"When you get the greatest darts player in the world showing a bit of support and belief in you, it makes you feel good."