LUKE LITTLER and co may believe they are the main attraction at the German Darts Grand Prix, but they risk being upstaged by referee Franz Engerer.
The 24-year-old is a rising star among PDC referees, and is making waves in the darts fandom.
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This is in part thanks to his remarkable calling technique during games.
During the European Darts Trophy clash between Andrew Gilding and Callan Rydz in Gottingen, Netherlands in March, Engerer went viral thanks to his uniquely operatic way of calling 180s.
The lifelong darts enthusiast explained to DartsNews how he had been encouraged to use his voice for a career.
He said: “People kept telling me to do something with my voice, but I wasn’t sure. Should I really apply? In the end, I did—and I’m incredibly happy I took that chance…
“Most of the feedback has been really lovely.
“Of course, not everyone’s a fan—and that’s fine, especially with how unique my 180 is—but it’s amazing to get that recognition. People come up to me asking for photos, and that’s just surreal.”
His unique 180 call is not something done off the cuff, but rather the result of him taking singing lessons and singing in a choir since the age of 12.
He explains: “I’ve been taking singing lessons and singing in a choir since seventh grade. We’ve performed everything from operas to musicals and solos.
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“At first, my 180s weren’t as theatrical, but I realised this style suits me—and I ran with it.”
However, opera singing is not his only talent.
Engerer, who appears to support German fourth tier club Spvgg Bayreuth, also plays the saxophone, drives motorbikes, and plays bowling.
On top of everything else, he has also been dubbed with the moniker, “German Eye Candy”.
It is a key part of Engerer’s ever-growing brand.
Speaking on its origin and what he thinks of it, he said: “That actually started at the Women’s Series.
“Philip Brzezinski (PDC Europe’s Master of Ceremonies) picked it up and ran with it—especially at galas.
“I’d never give myself that nickname—that would be a bit awkward!”
Engerer’s first darts events came at galas and grassroots competitions like the PDC Europe Super League.
And despite now shaking it up in the big leagues he admits he still needs to block out the nerves of being on TV.
He added: “I just have to block out the fact that the TV cameras are on me.
“Funny enough, I was way more nervous at my first gala than at my Euro Tour debut.”
Speaking about how he had first got into darts refereeing, he revealed: “There was a caller casting organised by Sport1 and PDC Europe around two years ago.
“I applied because I had already called at smaller tournaments and had received a lot of positive feedback about my voice.”
