'One of the greatest honours of my life': Gay darts referee Huw Ware named as EuroGames Cardiff 2027 ambassador

Gay professional darts referee Huw Ware has been officially named as the latest ambassador for EuroGames Cardiff 2027.  The annual multi-sport event, which will take place from 14-17 July 2027, is the largest of its kind in Europe for LGBTQ+ athletes and allies. Next summer's edition in the capital of Wales will make history as the first EuroGames ever to be held in the UK. 

Ware, a proud Welshman who made history in 2025 as the first out gay man to referee a PDC World Darts Championship final, says the appointment is "one of the greatest honours of my life." The 32-year-old joins Olympic hockey medalist Sarah Jones and Wales football legend Jess Fishlock as the third official ambassador for EuroGames 2027. 

Ware moved to Cardiff at the age of 19, where he says the city's welcoming LGBTQ+ scene gave him the confidence to eventually come out within the professional darts world. “I can tell you from my own personal experience that this is a city that will welcome all athletes," Ware said. "It will give you a safe space to compete and to enjoy yourselves in equal measure.” 

The announcement comes just a few days after registration opened in the majority of the sports competitions for EuroGames 2027. Recent YouGov data shows that more than a third of LGBTQ+ people have faced discrimination while exercising or trying to exercise. To help address and break down these barriers, EuroGames Cardiff 2027 is focusing on inclusion. Participants can sign up for the gender category they feel most comfortable with. 

Thanks to Ware's involvement and the sport's massive popularity, darts is expected to be a major draw. The competition is being run by Out on the Oche, the official LGBTQ+ darts group supported by the PDC. "The beauty of darts is that it doesn’t matter who you are, what your background is, or where you are from," Ware added. “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.”