Gender-critical protesters thrown out after confronting trans darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven

Updated 30th July 2025, 11.49am: An earlier version of this article stated that protesters “tried to throw objects onto the stage”. We retract this claim and clarify that protesters stood and unfurled a banner reading “He’s a man” before being removed.

Three members of the audience were thrown out of a darts tournament after targeting trans darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven.

The Dutch player transitioned in 2021. Last October, she became the first trans woman to qualify for the Professional Darts Corporation World Championship. 

On Sunday (27 July), the trans darts player took to the stage in Blackpool for the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay, winning her opening game against Lorraine Winstanley before losing in the second round to Fallon Sherrock.

But organisers were forced to take action after Van Leuven was targeted by protestors, The Express reports.

On Sunday (27 July), as van Leuven walked towards the oche for the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, protesters stood and unfurled a banner reading ‘He’s a man’. They were removed by security staff.

‘I just want to play darts’

“I love this game too much, why would I let anyone else ruin my passion for darts? I just want to play darts,” Van Leuven said.

“It feels amazing to be back. It’s such an iconic place to play at. Last year, I lacked a bit of confidence, I guess. I’ve been gaining a lot of stage experience now, so hopefully I can bring my A game this time.” 

Van Leuven took “a bit of time away from darts,” but now feels ready to “enjoy darts again”.

At the end of last year, she revealed her battle with panic attacks and depression in the face of a backlash to qualifying for the world championships. She made headlines in May 2024 after her British opponent, Deta Hedman, forfeited a quarter-final match at the Denmark Open.

She has previously hit back at her “toxic” rivals after qualifying for the tournament and told PinkNews that the online abuse she faced left her not wanting to leave her home.

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