In the heart of London’s Alexandra Palace, a groundbreaking moment unfolded at the 2024 World Darts Championship. Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a 28-year-old from Heemskerk, Netherlands, made history as the first transgender woman to ever compete in the sport’s most prestigious event. Despite facing criticism and even death threats, van Leuven remains undeterred, focusing on her love for the game and the support she has received from within the darts community.
Breaking Barriers and Facing Challenges
Van Leuven’s journey to the World Darts Championship has been marked by both triumph and adversity. As she stepped onto the stage to face Kevin Doets in the first round, the crowd’s reaction was a mix of cheers and boos. However, the jeers were not directed at van Leuven’s identity but rather a playful response to her narrowly missing a nine-dart finish, a common occurrence in the sport.
Off the stage, van Leuven has faced far more serious challenges. According to sources close to the darts player, she has been the target of death threats and vicious messages on social media. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has had to disable comments on posts about her on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, due to the hateful nature of some responses.
“It’s just a great game,” van Leuven said after her defeat. “I love the game. I just want to play darts. And anyone who’s being terrible about me, it says more about them.”
A Breakthrough Year and a Narrow Defeat
Despite the challenges, 2024 has been a breakthrough year for van Leuven. She has made significant improvements in her game, securing landmark victories against men on the Challenge Tour and multiple wins in the Women’s Series. Her debut at the Grand Slam of Darts and her qualification for the World Championship mark major milestones in her career.
In her first-round match against Kevin Doets, van Leuven showcased her talent and potential. She took the first set and was on track to maintain an impressive average of over 90. However, a pivotal leg in the second set, marred by missed doubles from both players, shifted the momentum in Doets’ favor. He went on to win the match 3-1.
“I stopped playing darts for a few years because I was unhappy with myself,” van Leuven explained. “Kevin continued playing darts. He got to the Pro Tour. He’s got so much more experience than I do. I guess that’s what made the difference this game.”
Finding Support Within the Darts Community
Despite the loss, van Leuven found overwhelming support from the crowd at Alexandra Palace. They cheered her on stage, celebrated her 180s, and applauded her performance. Even her opponent, Kevin Doets, was surprised by the positive reception.
“To be fair, I was expecting a lot of bad behavior from the crowd today,” Doets admitted. “But I don’t think I heard a single boo for her. I like that.”
Van Leuven has also found strong allies within the darts community. Fellow players like Fallon Sherrock, Luke Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen have publicly supported her. This solidarity, often surprising to outsiders, is a testament to the inclusive nature of the sport. In darts, what matters most is the skill and passion one brings to the oche.
Other Notable Matches and Upsets
The first round of the World Darts Championship saw several other notable matches and upsets:
- Fallon Sherrock, who famously reached the third round in 2019, was defeated 3-2 by Ryan Meikle in a closely contested match.
- World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker suffered a shock exit, losing to Luke Woodhouse in a major upset.
- World number two Peter Wright narrowly avoided an early exit, surviving a scare against Wesley Plaisier to advance to the third round.
Looking Ahead: Q-School and Beyond
For Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the World Darts Championship is just the beginning. She plans to attend Q-School next month, aiming to win a coveted PDC Tour Card for the first time. Her determination and love for the game remain unshakeable, and she continues to focus on honing her skills and achieving her goals.
As the world of darts becomes increasingly diverse and inclusive, trailblazers like van Leuven are paving the way for future generations of players. Her presence at the World Championship serves as an inspiration to those who may have felt excluded or marginalized in the past. It is a reminder that in darts, as in life, what truly matters is the passion, dedication, and skill one brings to the table.
Noa-Lynn van Leuven may have lost her first-round match, but her impact on the sport extends far beyond the results. As she continues her journey in the world of professional darts, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of countless individuals who see in her a beacon of hope and a symbol of change. With each throw of the dart, van Leuven is not only aiming for the bullseye but also breaking down barriers and challenging perceptions, one treble at a time.
