Trans darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven quietly gears up for World Darts Championship

Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the trailblazing trans Dutch darts player, is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of her career as she heads to Alexandra Palace for the PDC World Darts Championship. The 29-year-old, who made history as the first openly trans competitor at the event last year, has revealed that her build-up to this year’s tournament has been deliberately low-key.

Van Leuven secured her spot through the PDC Women’s Series, finishing fourth in the rankings after a season marked by resilience and determination. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, she has remained focused on her game, telling reporters that her preparation has been “mostly behind the scenes”.

“I’ve definitely been busy for a while,” she explained. “I’ve been working towards the World Championship all year through the Women’s Series. The final touches now, and off we go.” 

Her first-round draw is far from easy: she will face two-time world champion Peter Wright, known to fans as ‘Snakebite’. Van Leuven acknowledges the challenge but remains optimistic. “It will be tough, but certainly not impossible,” she said. “Peter is almost always in form on that stage, but I’m very much looking forward to it.”

Interestingly, her training routine hasn’t changed dramatically. Alongside standard practice sessions, Van Leuven has incorporated bouldering—climbing without ropes - into her schedule as a way to relax and clear her mind. “I have such a nice group at bouldering, it’s really relaxing for me. And that helps me again in darts,” she noted. 

Van Leuven’s journey to Ally Pally is not just about sport; it’s a story of perseverance and representation. Since beginning her transition in 2021, she has faced scrutiny and even hostility, but insists that negativity only fuels her determination. “Every time I face criticism, I seem to come out stronger,” she said in an earlier interview. 

The World Darts Championship begins on 11 December, with a record-breaking £1 million top prize on offer.