When is Russ Bray retiring, as the famous West Ham United supporter referees his 28th PDC World Darts Championship?
The 2024 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace kicked off on Friday, as the best tungsten throwers from across the globe converged in north London for the show-piece event in the sport, and Russ Bray will be taking his usual place alongside the famed ‘Ally Pally’ oche for the next couple of weeks.
It has been a fantastic career in the sport for Bray, littered with incredible moments alongside some of the greats including Eric Bristow, John Lowe, Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson, Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen.
His gravelly voice is intrinsically linked with darts, and it forever will be long after he retires. He has already established himself as an absolute legend in the world of tungsten.
Who is Russ Bray?
Bray was a county player for Hertfordshire before moving on to the professional circuit. He won the Norway and Finland pairs, teaming up with the legendary Eric Bristow.
He moved into refereeing when a regular caller failed to show up for a county match, and he subsequently signed a contract with the PDC in 1996.
Bray achieved a Guinness World Record in by hitting the bullseye outdoors from 10 feet away on Blackpool’s North Pier, beating Scott Gibling’s previous record of 9ft 6in. For context, the dartboard usually sits at just under 8 feet away from the oche.
Unfortunately for Russ, Freddie Flintoff then beat his record during a Children in Need special!
Aside from darts, the 66-year-old does plenty of voiceover work and is a lifelong West Ham United fan.
He opened up to the Hammers’ official website back in 2020 about his love for the East London club.
He discussed how he actually played darts for West Ham years ago:
“Funnily enough I used to play for West Ham in the London Super League all those years ago, at The Lamb in Plaistow. I didn’t do too bad. I played pairs with the late, great Eric Bristow, so I didn’t do bad!”
Bray then went on to discuss his love for some of our former players:
“Bobby Moore. Well, there were actually quite a few… I’m from the Bobby Moore era but I like Billy Bonds, Frankie Lampard Senior, Harry Redknapp, Hurst and Peters obviously, but my real true favourite was Bobby. He epitomised what the game was, he was a gentleman, he was a brilliant footballer, his timing was impeccable and his delivery was absolutely second to none. If he’d have been Brazilian, they’d have praised him even higher. That’s the truth, isn’t it? I never actually got to meet Bobby Moore. I met Martin Peters, and I’ve met Geoff Hurst at golf events over the years, but I never actually physically met him, and he’s one person I’d love to have done so.”
Finally, he was asked what was his favourite West Ham goal of all-time:
“I tell you what, he was a school mate of mine. We were in the same year and that was Geoff Pike. Me and Pikey played together at school and he went to the Hammers and I went to the Orient as a goalkeeper in my youth. One goal that he scored was a header at Manchester United. We beat them 2-0 in the FA Cup back in March 1986. Brilliant!”
Bray is clearly obsessed with the Hammers, and as we all say, ‘unless you’re one of us, you will never understand’.
When is Russ Bray retiring?
The 66-year-old, who was born in South Ockendon in Essex, is set to retire after this year’s World Championship Final.
The world famous darts referee announced his retirement recently, stating that the 2024 Worlds will be the last event that he officiates.
It is hard to imagine watching darts without Bray’s unmistakable tones reverberating around the arena.
He has been just as much of a draw for the sport over the past few decades as the likes of Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson, Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen have been.
So in answer to the question – When is Russ Bray retiring – not too far in the distant future unfortunately. He will be greatly missed by darts fans across the world. And from one West Ham fan to another – best of luck for the future Russ.
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