Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a prominent figure in the darts community, will take to the stage for her second consecutive appearance at the PDC World Darts Championship. She is set to go head-to-head against two-time world champion Peter Wright on December 15, 2025, at 12:05 PM. This year marks a significant moment in her career, as she continues to break barriers for transgender athletes in sports.
Noa-Lynn van Leuven and Her Historic Journey
Last year, Van Leuven made headlines as the first openly transgender player to compete at the prestigious Ally Pally venue. In her debut match, she faced Kevin Doets but was unable to secure a victory, losing 3-1. Despite this setback, Van Leuven’s presence at the event resonated with many, highlighting the importance of representation in sports.
Challenges Faced by Van Leuven
Recently, Van Leuven encountered a significant challenge when the World Darts Federation (WDF) barred her from participating in women’s tournaments. This decision was part of a new policy change implemented in July 2025, which restricts entry to players born female. Consequently, her competitive options within the WDF are now limited to open-category tournaments.
While she grapples with this new reality, Van Leuven remains eligible for women’s events on the PDC circuit. Following the announcement of the WDF’s policy change, she took to social media to express her heartbreak not only for herself but for the broader transgender community in sports.
- WDF new policy effective from July 28, 2025.
- Youth and girls tournaments redefined to include only players born female.
- Van Leuven’s social media response highlighted the emotional impact of this ruling.
Looking Forward
As Van Leuven prepares for her clash with Wright, the stakes remain high. Wright, currently ranked 30th on the PDC Order of Merit, poses a formidable challenge. Despite past challenges, Van Leuven is determined to push beyond these obstacles and represent her community on a prestigious platform.
While individual struggles are painful, Van Leuven’s resilience serves as an inspiration for many. She advocates for inclusion and understanding in sports, emphasizing the necessity for policies that genuinely reflect the diversity of competitors.
As the World Darts Championship unfolds, all eyes will be on Noa-Lynn van Leuven as she aims for a strong showing against her experienced opponent.
