Darts referee Huw Ware, a prominent figure in the PDC, has been named an official ambassador for EuroGames Cardiff 2027, Europe’s largest annual LGBTQ+ inclusive multi-sport event taking place from July 14 to 17, 2027. Ware, who found his confidence and came out in Cardiff, made history as the first openly gay man to referee a PDC World Darts Championship final. He joins Olympic hockey medallist Sarah Jones and football great Jess Fishlock in this vital role. Darts is expected to be a major highlight, organized by Out on the Oche, highlighting the sport’s inherent inclusivity. The Games aim to create a safe and welcoming environment, breaking down barriers for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies, where participants can register in their comfortable gender category.
A Historic Appointment for a Pioneering Figure
At 32 years old, Huw Ware has become one of the most recognizable voices and faces in modern darts. His journey to this prominent position began when he moved to Cardiff at 19, a city he credits with helping him gain the confidence to truly be himself. It was in the professional darts world that he later bravely came out, paving the way for others. In a landmark moment in 2025, Ware made history by becoming the first openly gay man to referee a PDC World Darts Championship final, a testament to his talent and courage.
His appointment as an ambassador for EuroGames Cardiff 2027 is a deeply personal and significant honour. Ware will stand alongside Olympic hockey medallist Sarah Jones and Welsh football legend Jess Fishlock, bringing a clear darts connection to the event at a time when the sport’s popularity is soaring.
“To be an ambassador for the first-ever EuroGames to be held in the UK is one of the greatest honours of my life,” Ware stated, underscoring the profound importance of this role to him.
EuroGames Cardiff 2027: A Landmark Event for Inclusivity
From July 14 to 17, 2027, Cardiff will host EuroGames Cardiff 2027, bringing Europe’s largest annual LGBTQ+ inclusive multi-sport event to the Welsh capital. This selection marks a significant moment for British sport, as it will be the first time the EuroGames are held in the UK.
Having personally experienced the city’s welcoming nature, Huw Ware expressed full confidence that all athletes traveling to Wales in 2027 will be embraced:
- “I can tell you from my own personal experience that this is a city that will welcome all athletes.”
- “It will give you a safe space to compete and to enjoy yourselves in equal measure.”
A core mission of EuroGames Cardiff 2027 is to champion inclusion and dismantle barriers to participation. Recent data from YouGov, released through Stonewall, revealed that more than a third of LGBTQ+ individuals have encountered discrimination while exercising or attempting to exercise. The Games directly address these challenges by providing a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ athletes and their allies. Participants will have the empowering option to register in the gender category in which they feel most comfortable, ensuring a truly inclusive experience.
Darts at the Heart of the Games
Darts is anticipated to be one of the most popular competitions at the EuroGames. The tournament will be expertly run by Out on the Oche, the official LGBTQ+ darts group that enjoys the full support of the PDC. This partnership is a fitting link, as darts has long been celebrated for its inherent fairness and accessibility.
The beauty of darts lies in its simplicity and equality. “It doesn’t matter who you are, what your background is, or where you are from,” Ware explained. “Both players have three darts in their hand, and it’s about who throws them better — that’s it. I encourage as many people as possible to enter, whether you are a beginner or have lots of experience.” On the oche, factors like background, size, age, and prior experience truly fade away, leaving only the skill of the throw.
This event also serves as a powerful reminder of darts’ expanding reach beyond the professional stage. While major televised events continue to attract vast crowds and audiences, the community aspect of darts remains equally vital. Grassroots leagues, local tournaments, social groups, and inclusive clubs all play a crucial role in making the game accessible and enjoyable for a broader spectrum of people.
Ware’s Expanding Influence and the Legacy of EuroGames
Huw Ware’s appointment further solidifies his growing influence both on and off the microphone. After a decade with the PDC, he has become an important figure in the sport, not only as a respected referee but also as a visible and vocal advocate for inclusion and diversity.
EuroGames Cardiff 2027 will be delivered by Pride Sports, the UK’s long-standing LGBTQI+ sports development and inclusion organization. The event itself is governed by the European Gay & Lesbian Sport Federation, continuing a proud tradition that began with the first EuroGames held in The Hague in 1992.
For Cardiff, hosting these Games adds another significant chapter to the city’s impressive sporting history. For Huw Ware, it is a deeply personal mission. And for darts, it represents yet another powerful opportunity to demonstrate that the oche truly is a place for everyone.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
