Noa-Lynn van Leuven has opened up about the moment she feared her darts career could be over after a major rule change rocked the sport.
The Dutch star, nicknamed “The Duchess,” was left in limbo when the World Darts Federation introduced new regulations banning transgender players from competing in the women’s category. The decision, voted through at the WDF Europe Cup in Slovakia, meant she could no longer play in women’s events — leaving her questioning everything.
At just 29, Van Leuven suddenly found herself asking: what now?
She admitted the uncertainty hit hard. Even though she knew a rule change was coming, she had no clarity on when it would take effect or what it would mean for her future. For a time, she was left wondering whether to continue in darts at all or look for a new path entirely.
But once the ruling was officially confirmed, that uncertainty turned into something else — motivation.
Instead of walking away, Van Leuven chose to push forward. While she is now excluded from WDF women’s competitions, she can still compete in open events against both men and women, as well as tournaments under the Professional Darts Corporation.
And rather than holding her back, the change has reignited her drive.
She admitted the situation still feels strange, especially no longer being able to compete in WDF women’s events, but she’s found enjoyment in open competitions, particularly on the Dutch circuit. More importantly, it’s given her a renewed hunger to improve and prove herself all over again.
That resilience comes despite a difficult period. Van Leuven has faced intense criticism and online abuse, particularly after her first-round defeat to two-time world champion Peter Wright at the PDC World Darts Championship. The backlash contributed to her taking a temporary break to focus on her mental health.
Still, quitting never crossed her mind.
Her love for darts has kept pulling her back — even after stepping away in the past during her transition. Now, she says, she simply can’t stay away from the game.
And she’s already proving that determination on the international stage. Van Leuven has qualified once again to represent the Netherlands at the Four Nations Cup — this time in the open category — a moment she described as especially meaningful given everything she’s faced.
Following the WDF’s official policy update in July 2025, the organization confirmed that women’s events would now be restricted to players defined as female under its rules, with other competitions reclassified as “open.” While acknowledging the challenges, the WDF said it had contacted member nations to support affected players.
Van Leuven responded emotionally, calling the decision “a loss for the trans community in sports,” while vowing to remain visible and continue competing.
She has also received backing from fellow Dutch star Michael van Gerwen, who described the criticism directed at her as “heartbreaking” and urged others to simply let her play.
Despite everything — the rule changes, the backlash, and the uncertainty — Van Leuven’s message is clear: she’s not going anywhere.
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