Transgender Player Qualifies for 2026 Darts World Championship Amid Tournament Withdrawal Controversy

Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a transgender darts player, has qualified for the 2026 World Darts Championship through the PDC Women’s Series, finishing fourth in the rankings due to other players' qualifications. Despite meeting the Darts Regulation Authority's criteria to compete, her participation has sparked controversy, notably with darts veteran Deta Hedman withdrawing from matches against her, citing discomfort with competing against a transgender woman. The World Darts Federation (WDF) banned transgender players from women's events earlier this year, restricting them to the Open category, but the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) continues to allow transgender players like Van Leuven to compete in women-only events. Van Leuven has faced online abuse and death threats but has received support from prominent players such as Michael van Gerwen, who criticized the WDF's ban as "heartbreaking." Hedman, who has been vocal against transgender participation in women's darts, previously lobbied for the WDF ban and reiterated her stance by forfeiting matches against Van Leuven. The debate highlights ongoing tensions in darts regarding transgender inclusion and the differing policies between major governing bodies.