Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a transgender darts player, has made a remarkable return to the sport by winning two consecutive PDC Women’s Series titles in Rosmalen, the Netherlands.
The 28-year-old first claimed victory in Event 9, defeating Stefanie Lueck 5-0, and followed it up by winning Event 10 with a 5-1 triumph over Rhian O’Sullivan. Both wins earned her £10,000 each in prize money and brought her career total to six Women’s Series titles, equalling Mikuru Suzuki’s tally.
Van Leuven’s victories come just two months after she took a break from the sport to focus on her mental health. In January, she openly shared her struggles on Instagram, admitting that she had been mentally unwell for months and needed time away from competitions.
Despite her success, Van Leuven has faced criticism and calls for bans from some female players, including Deta Hedman, due to her participation as a transgender athlete. In response, Van Leuven has strongly defended her place in the sport, calling out the discrimination and negativity she faces, and emphasizing her dedication to training and improvement.
Previously, Van Leuven made her World Championship debut in December 2024 but lost in the opening round. Her journey has been challenging, including rejection from some Dutch teammates, but her resilience and determination continue to define her career.