Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the first transgender woman to secure victory in a PDC event, continues her groundbreaking journey by clinching the top spot in event two of the PDC Women’s Series.
In a stunning display of skill and resilience at event two of the PDC Women’s Series 2024 in Wigan, Noa-Lynn van Leuven, 27, achieved a remarkable feat. The 27-year-old darts sensation claimed a well-deserved £2,000 prize in Wigan, marking another milestone in her remarkable career. Defeating reigning World No. 1 Beau Greaves in the quarter-finals and overcoming Fallon Sherrock in the semis with a score of 5-3, van Leuven showed her dominance on the dartboard. In an electrifying final showdown against Ireland’s Katie Sheldon, van Leuven emerged victorious with a convincing 5-2 win.
This triumph comes hot on the heels of van Leuven’s historic win just a week prior, where she made headlines as the first transgender woman to claim victory in a PDC Tour event on the Challenge Tour in Hildesheim, Germany. Competing against both male and female opponents, she navigated her way through a field of seven competitors to reach the final, where she showcased her exceptional talent and sealed the win in the event’s showpiece moment.
She first made headlines as the first transgender woman to compete in a televised PDC event during last year’s Women’s World Matchplay. Since joining the Women’s Series in 2022, the Dutch player has been open about the transformative impact of her transition. In an interview with the PA news agency, she revealed the profound change it brought to her life, stating, “I think if I didn’t have the transition, I wouldn’t be here anymore. The last two years before I transitioned were terrible for me, I was depressed, I wasn’t having fun in life.”
Van Leuven’s journey took a positive turn after her transition. She found joy and purpose in playing darts, which she described as her passion. The sport not only brought her happiness but also opened doors for new experiences, including meeting new people and traveling. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities darts has provided her, emphasizing that it has given her a reason to embrace life fully.
Despite her success and positive outlook, van Leuven’s participation in the Women’s Series has sparked controversy among some of her peers. Deta Hedman, among others, has raised concerns about transgender women competing in ranked women’s tournaments, calling for their exclusion.
