Darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven forced to retire by trans ban: ‘I have worked so damn hard’

A new ruling from the world of darts means that Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the first trans darts player to qualify for the World Championships, has been forced into “retirement.”

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), which governs the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), has banned trans women from competing in its women’s events with immediate effect.

This follows the World Darts Federation (WDF) banning trans women from women’s competitions in 2025.

‘I respected the sport every game and every single day’

Posting on Instagram, Van Leuven shared: “I just got an email. Apparently, I just got retired. Not by choice, but because I am no longer allowed to compete.

“I have worked so damn hard for years just to get here. I showed up and I competed.”

She continued: “I respected the sport every game and every single day. Now, with just one decision, I am being told I no longer belong.

“This isn’t just about me; it is another huge hit for the trans community.”

Since 2022, the 29-year-old player from the Netherlands has won six titles. She made her debut at the 2022 PDC Women’s Series, reaching the quarter-finals.

In 2023, she became the first trans woman to play in a televised PDC tournament. In the first round of the Women’s World Matchplay, she lost to Beau Greaves.

2024 was a milestone year for Leuven. She made history as the first trans woman to qualify for the World Championship. She lost 3–1 in sets to Kevin Doets.

Leuven’s breakthrough was not without obstacles. Deta Hedman forfeited a quarter-final match against Leuven in 2024 and then another match in 2025. Reports stated Hedman “withdrew after learning of her opponent.”

‘This isn’t just about me; it is another huge hit for the trans community’

In 2025, Van Leuven was targeted by protestors during a tournament. As Leuven walked out, protesters unfurled a banner reading: “He’s a man”.

Speaking about the event, Leuven thanked fans for their “support, messages and love”. 

She went on to say: “Was it the performance I dreamed of? Not even close. I couldn’t quite find my rhythm on stage. But considering how these past few weeks have gone, just being up there was already a win in itself.”

Leuven has also faced waves of online abuse. She details that she “didn’t want to leave the house” because of it.

She went on to note that the comments: “still haunt me to this day. It has impacted me massively“, adding that the abuse has resulted in her having panic attacks and her depression worsening. 

However, a number of her fellow players have had her back throughout her career. 

For example, darts world champion Luke Humphries and Northern Irish darts star Neil Duff have both voiced support for Leuven.

Speaking about playing Leuven, Humphries said: “She has been doing great, playing well, so I wish her all the best.”

Duff described her as a “lovely person” and said he hopes those with anti-trans views would “rethink” their stance.