Noa-Lynn van Leuven is poised to make history as the first-ever transgender woman to compete at the PDC World Darts Championship (WDC) later this year.

After years of hard work and determination, she’s now gearing up for one of the biggest events in the sport, drawing global attention.

But what’s it really like stepping onto that stage, with all eyes on her and her remarkable journey?

Overcoming Challenges and Rising Above

Van Leuven, who began her transition in 2021, has already made significant strides in the world of darts.

Earlier this year, she became the first trans woman to win a PDC Tour event and has earned four titles in 2024 alone.

Yet, her path hasn’t always been easy. When she faced off against darts legend Michael van Gerwen earlier this month, the loss in her Group G opener was tough, but it didn’t overshadow her journey.

“Being one of the players in the spotlight, especially in a not-so-positive way, hasn’t been easy, but I’ve handled it,” Van Leuven shared.

“I think I’m stronger than people realize. It’s rough stepping onto that stage, but I love it.

Every time I face negativity, I seem to come out better. I win a tournament or play amazing games after those moments.”

Support from fans and allies has been a significant source of strength for her.

“So many people send me messages saying I’m doing well, encouraging me to just be myself. That keeps me going.”

Facing the Spotlight and the Crowd

When Van Leuven took on Van Gerwen, the match wasn’t just about the game—it also brought with it intense scrutiny.

Sections of the crowd booed her as she made her way to the stage, and the jeers continued through the first leg.

However, Van Gerwen’s advice to her was clear: block out the negativity.

He emphasized the importance of ignoring the crowd’s reaction, something she can’t control.

“Bullying is one of the worst things in the world,” Van Gerwen said. “There are worse things in life to worry about.”

Despite the tough loss, Van Leuven was able to find moments of pride.

“Even though I lost 5-0, it was an incredible experience. Playing against one of the best players in darts is amazing.

Every time I hit a good shot, like a 140 or 171, and the crowd cheers, it feels fantastic.

Stepping out on that stage isn’t easy, but it’s a chance to show who I am, to take pride in myself, and hopefully inspire others.”

Competing on the World Stage

Van Leuven’s qualification for the Grand Slam of Darts came after strong performances in the PDC Women’s Series, where she was ranked as the Order of Merit runner-up.

Yet, her success hasn’t come without controversy.

Some of her female competitors, like Britain’s Deta Hedman, have expressed opposition to Van Leuven’s participation in women’s events, even calling for her to be banned from ranked tournaments.

PDC chief executive Matt Porter addressed these concerns, acknowledging that the PDC’s policies have sparked disagreement.

“We consulted legal experts and took inspiration from policies of organizations like the IOC,” Porter said.

“While we understand not everyone agrees, we believe our policy is fair, and Noa-Lynn has competed under these rules for years.”

Despite the backlash, Van Leuven has continued to thrive, attracting more attention as she wins more titles.

“The more success I achieve, the more vocal the opposition becomes,” Porter acknowledged.

“It’s something we respect, but we stand by our policy.”

Handling the Backlash

The reaction to Van Leuven’s appearances in women’s competitions has been divisive.

Some opponents, like Hedman, have withdrawn from events to avoid facing her.

In response to the controversy, Van Leuven didn’t hold back, calling out the toxic behavior of some of her critics.

Her determination to break barriers and succeed in the face of adversity continues to fuel her journey.

As she prepares for the World Darts Championship, Van Leuven remains committed to showing up as her authentic self, inspiring others to do the same.

What’s next for Noa-Lynn van Leuven? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: she’s making history every step of the way.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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