Noa-Lynn van Leuven is a pioneering Dutch professional darts player who made history as the first openly transgender person to compete in a televised PDC tournament and the PDC World Darts Championship. As of early 2026, she is widely recognized for her record-breaking performance on the PDC Women’s Series, where she notably set the highest-ever match average for a woman in the competition’s history with a score of 109.64. Her career is defined by a rapid ascent through the rankings, having secured multiple titles on both the Women’s Series and the PDC Challenge Tour, proving her ability to compete at the highest level of mixed-gender professional sports.
This comprehensive guide delves into Noa-Lynn’s biography, her landmark achievements at Alexandra Palace, and a detailed breakdown of her statistical dominance on the oche. From her early beginnings in Heemskerk to her current standing as a global figure in the darts community, we provide the authoritative data and context surrounding “The Duchess.”
Early Life and Biography
Noa-Lynn van Leuven was born on September 27, 1996, in Beverwijk, Netherlands. She grew up in Heemskerk, where she discovered her passion for darts at the age of eight, inspired by legendary Dutch players like Raymond van Barneveld. Despite a natural talent for the game that saw her join the Netherlands youth team, she stepped away from the sport for several years during her late teens to focus on her personal well-being and gender transition.
Outside of the professional darts circuit, Noa-Lynn is a trained chef de partie, a profession she balances with her rigorous training schedule. She has often spoken about how the precision and pressure of the kitchen environment mirror the mental demands of professional darts. Her return to the sport in 2022 marked the beginning of a historic chapter in PDC history.
Professional Career and PDC Debut
Noa-Lynn’s professional resurgence began in earnest in 2022 when she debuted on the PDC Women’s Series. Her breakthrough year came in 2024, a season in which she became the first trans woman to win a title on the PDC Challenge Tour, defeating several highly-ranked male opponents. This victory was a significant milestone, as it demonstrated her ability to win in a completely open, non-gendered professional environment.
In December 2024, she qualified for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, becoming the first transgender player to walk onto the iconic Alexandra Palace stage. Although she faced a first-round exit against Kevin Doets, her presence at the “Ally Pally” sparked global media coverage and cemented her status as a trailblazer in the sport.
Key Career Statistics and Records
Noa-Lynn van Leuven’s impact is best measured by her statistical output, which places her among the elite tier of female players globally.
- Highest Recorded Average: 109.64 (PDC Women’s Series 21, 2024).
- PDC Titles: 7 (including 6 Women’s Series and 1 Challenge Tour).
- WDF Titles: 8 (including the Denmark Open and Belgium Open).
- 2025/26 Season Performance: Qualified for back-to-back PDC World Championships (2025 and 2026).
- Three-Dart Average (Overall): Consistently maintains a seasonal average between 82.00 and 87.00 in major competitions.
Her record average of 109.64 remains a benchmark for the Women’s Series, showcasing a level of scoring power that rivals many of the top 64 players on the main PDC Order of Merit.
PDC World Championship 2026 Performance
In the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, Noa-Lynn van Leuven made her second consecutive appearance at Alexandra Palace. She was drawn against the two-time world champion Peter “Snakebite” Wright in the opening round on December 15, 2025. Despite a valiant effort and a respectable three-dart average of 82.87, she was defeated 3-0 in sets by the veteran Scotsman.
Following the match, Noa-Lynn expressed frustration with her performance, noting that the mental toll of the preceding year had impacted her focus. However, her qualification for the event—finishing fourth on the 2025 Women’s Series Order of Merit—underscores her consistent status as one of the top four female players in the world.
Impact on the Darts Community
Noa-Lynn’s career has been a catalyst for significant discussion regarding inclusivity in professional sports. She has received public support from major figures in the game, including Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries, who have praised her talent and resilience. Conversely, her participation in women’s categories has been a subject of debate within the World Darts Federation (WDF), which introduced new eligibility criteria in 2024.
Despite the external noise, Noa-Lynn remains focused on her performance. She has become a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in sports, frequently using her platform to encourage others to “be yourself and love the game.” Her resilience in the face of online scrutiny has made her a symbol of perseverance for many aspiring athletes.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans looking to follow Noa-Lynn van Leuven or attend tournaments where she competes, the following details are essential.
How to Watch Matches
- PDCTV: All Women’s Series and Challenge Tour events are streamed live via the official PDC subscription service.
- Sky Sports: Major televised events like the World Championship and Grand Slam of Darts are broadcast in the UK.
- DAZN: Primary broadcaster for European and North American viewers.
Ticket Information
- PDC Women’s Series: These events are generally played in floor-tournament formats (e.g., in Wigan or Milton Keynes) and are often free for spectators or have very low entry fees.
- World Championship: Tickets for Alexandra Palace must be purchased via the PDC’s official partner, SeeTickets, often selling out months in advance.
Tips for Fans
Noa-Lynn’s walk-on song is “Euphoria” by Loreen, which typically creates a high-energy atmosphere in the arena. If you are attending a tournament to support “The Duchess,” be aware that the PDC maintains a strict code of conduct regarding fan behavior to ensure a respectful environment for all competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Noa-Lynn van Leuven?
She is a Dutch professional darts player and the first openly transgender person to play in the PDC World Darts Championship. She is a multi-time title winner on the PDC Women’s Series.
How many PDC titles has Noa-Lynn van Leuven won?
As of early 2026, she has won 7 PDC titles, consisting of six Women’s Series titles and one Challenge Tour title.
What is the highest average Noa-Lynn van Leuven has hit?
Her career-high televised average is 109.64, set during the 2024 Women’s Series in a match against Beau Greaves.
Did Noa-Lynn van Leuven play in the 2026 World Championship?
Yes, she qualified for the 2026 PDC World Championship but was defeated 3-0 in the first round by Peter Wright.
What darts does Noa-Lynn van Leuven use?
She uses 24-gram Cosmo Darts, which are customized to her specific grip and throwing style.
Is Noa-Lynn van Leuven still working as a chef?
Yes, she balances her professional darts career with her work as a sous-chef, though she took a brief hiatus in 2025 to focus on her mental health and tournament preparation.
How did Noa-Lynn van Leuven qualify for the World Championship?
She qualified via the PDC Women’s Series Order of Merit, finishing in the top spots reserved for the most successful female players of the season.
Who are Noa-Lynn van Leuven’s biggest rivals?
Her most frequent and toughest opponent is Beau Greaves, the world number one in women’s darts. She also frequently competes against Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton.
Final Thoughts
As of January 2026, Noa-Lynn van Leuven remains a pivotal figure in professional darts, transitioning from a historic debutant to an established competitor on the global stage. After a challenging 2025 that saw her balance high-level competition with a significant focus on mental health recovery, she entered the 2026 season with renewed vigor. Having successfully qualified for her second consecutive PDC World Darts Championship, she faced two-time world champion Peter Wright in the first round on December 15, 2025. Although Wright secured a 3-0 victory, Van Leuven’s consistent ability to qualify for major televised events via the Women’s Series—where she finished 4th in the 2025 rankings—solidifies her position as a mainstay in the sport.
Looking ahead through 2026, “The Duchess” is expected to be a primary contender for the Women’s World Matchplay and a key player in the PDC Women’s Series, which has expanded its global reach. While she faces an evolving landscape of regulations, including the World Darts Federation (WDF) ban on transgender women in their women-specific events, her status within the PDC remains secure under their current inclusivity policies. With a career-best televised average of 109.64 and multiple titles under her belt, Van Leuven’s 2026 season is poised to be defined by her pursuit of a maiden televised major title and her continued advocacy for visibility in professional sports.
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