Noa-Lynn van Leuven Makes History as First Trans Player in PDC Tournament
- Noa-Lynn van Leuven becomes the first trans player in a televised PDC tournament against men, competing at the Grand Slam of Darts.
- She has drawn tough opponents including former champions Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson.
- The event highlights both her historic achievement and the challenges she faces in a sport experiencing hostility from some players.
Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven has made history by being the first trans player to compete in a televised PDC tournament against men, taking place at the Grand Slam of Darts. This significant event highlights her journey after transitioning in 2021. Despite the historic nature of this competition, she faces formidable opponents, including former world champions Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, as well as Ryan Joyce in the round-robin group stage. The Dutch player is balancing her darts career with a part-time job as a sous chef while also preparing for her upcoming participation in the World Championship at the Alexandra Palace scheduled for December. Van Leuven’s entry into the professional darts scene has been challenging, marked by hostility from some of her fellow competitors, leading her to refer to them as “toxic b******.” One notable incident includes Deta Hedman, a fellow player, refusing to compete against her, which reflects the ongoing struggles for acceptance faced by transgender athletes in professional sports. In contrast, the defending champion Luke Humphries expressed a commitment to practice with James Wade, despite being drawn in the same competition group, showcasing a more supportive atmosphere among some players in the tournament.