Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven banned from female events in new ruling

Noa-Lynn van Leuven and other trans players will no longer be able to compete in women's tournaments under the World Darts Federation. It comes after the WDF updated the organisation's eligibility rules on transgender players and just days after Van Leuven was targeted by protestors at the PDC Women's Matchplay.

WDF members voted on the decision during a Monday meeting, after a remit was put forward at the organisation's general meeting in September 2024, calling for a restriction on participation in women's events by players who weren't female by birth. It means trans players like Van Leuven are unable to play in female-only events and will only be able to partake in Open category tournaments.

A WDF statement on the change said: "Effective Monday 28 July 2025, entry and participation in WDF Women's and Girls Ranking Tournaments and Cups will only be open to players that are women/female as defined under this policy. Accordingly, WDF Tournaments, Cups and Ranking Tables will be renamed and redefined as 'Open', 'Women', 'Open Youth' and 'Girls' tournaments and cups.

"We understand these changes may be challenging for people who want to compete in darts in the gender which they are now registered as. The WDF has directly contacted its Member Countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly."

The decision only impacts tournaments held by the WDF and doesn't affect PDC events, such as the Women's Matchplay, which took place in Blackpool over the weekend. Van Leuven reached the semi-finals of the tournament, but was beaten by eventual runner-up Fallon Sherrock in the last four.

Sunday's action at the Winter Gardens was marred by anti-trans protestors, with suggestions that three people had to be removed by security after attempts to confront Van Leuven during the walkout of her opening match. One of the protestors was said to be wearing a 'Save Women's Spot' t-shirt, with claims the trio were attempting to throw things on stage during the pre-match presentation.

Compatriot Michael van Gerwen has previously supported Van Leuven, admitting he has no issues with her competing in tournaments. The three-time world champion said: "It's just heartbreaking. She does what she does and she can play terrific darts.

"Let her play nice. For me, there's never been a discussion, but I don't make the rules. The PDC has people who go over them. They can never make the right choice anyway. If they go left, people say they should go right and vice versa. Everyone has an opinion about it, but there is no point at all in continuing to argue."