In a landmark moment for both the sport of darts and the LGBTQ+ community, Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the first openly transgender woman to compete in professional darts, is set to make her debut at the Grand Slam of Darts. The 28-year-old Dutch thrower will enter the 32-player major tournament in Wolverhampton, where she has been drawn into Group G, one of the toughest sections in the competition. Van Leuven will face some of the biggest names in darts, including multiple world champions Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, in what promises to be a historic and high-stakes challenge.
For van Leuven, who has spent the past few years competing in the Women’s Series, this tournament represents a significant step in her journey as she becomes the first transgender player to compete in a live PDC TV tournament against male counterparts. Her inclusion in this prestigious event, which kicks off on Saturday, is an exciting moment not only for the darts community but for the wider world of sport, as it highlights the growing inclusivity of elite competitions.
### The Road to the Grand Slam: A Bold Step for Van Leuven
Van Leuven has made a name for herself in the darts world, particularly through her success in the Women’s Series, where she qualified for the upcoming PDC World Darts Championship next month. Describing her achievement as the “ultimate middle finger” to the “toxic b*tches” on the circuit, van Leuven’s determination to compete at the highest level is a testament to her resilience and refusal to be defined by prejudice or adversity.
Her journey to the Grand Slam of Darts has been far from easy, and the obstacles she’s faced along the way have only served to fuel her ambition. As a part-time sous-chef in her hometown of Beverwijk, van Leuven has balanced her professional career with her passion for darts, proving that talent and dedication are what truly matter in this sport. Now, with the opportunity to play in front of a global audience and test herself against some of the most renowned players in darts, van Leuven is ready to make her mark.
Despite the challenges that lie ahead, including competing in a men’s tournament for the first time, van Leuven has expressed excitement about the opportunity. “This is a huge moment for me, and I am going to give it everything I’ve got,” she said, acknowledging the importance of her debut but also focusing on the task at hand. “I’ve worked hard to get here, and now it’s time to show what I can do.”
### Group G: A Tough Challenge
Van Leuven’s group at the Grand Slam of Darts is a challenging one, with the Dutch thrower facing off against some of the most accomplished players in the sport. Michael van Gerwen, the three-time World Champion and one of the best players in the world, will undoubtedly be the favorite in this group. Known for his blistering pace and ability to perform under pressure, van Gerwen will be a formidable opponent, but van Leuven is determined to rise to the challenge.
Gary Anderson, a two-time World Champion from Scotland, is another huge test for van Leuven. Anderson is known for his consistency and his ability to perform in big tournaments, making him a player to watch in any competition. Despite having a quieter season by his own high standards, Anderson remains one of the best in the world, and van Leuven will need to be at her best to compete with him.
Completing the quartet in Group G is Ryan Joyce, a solid and reliable player who will also pose a challenge to van Leuven’s ambitions. The group is a highly competitive one, but the Dutch player is not intimidated. “I know I’m facing some of the best players in the world, but I’m here to compete, not just to be a spectator,” van Leuven said confidently. “It’s a great opportunity to test myself against the best, and I’m looking forward to it.”
### The Rise of Luke Humphries and Other Key Players
Meanwhile, reigning Grand Slam champion Luke Humphries will be looking to defend his title in the 2024 tournament. Humphries, who claimed the trophy in 2023 with a 16-8 victory over Rob Cross, will face tough competition in the group stages. The world No. 1 is keen to put in another strong performance, though he admitted that the draw for this year’s event presents a tough challenge. “You’re never going to get an easy draw in this tournament. Every player here has earned their spot, and every match is going to be tough,” Humphries said after the draw.
Humphries’ group includes James Wade, a perennial contender who is always a danger in major tournaments, as well as Austrian Rowby-John Rodriguez and Northern Ireland’s Mickey Mansell. Humphries is taking nothing for granted, especially with Rodriguez, who may not have had his best season but has shown he can perform on the big stage. “Mickey is always a dangerous player. I rate him as underrated, so I won’t be taking those players lightly, especially in a best of nine,” Humphries warned.
### Rising Stars: Luke Littler and Beau Greaves
One of the most anticipated debutants at the Grand Slam of Darts is 17-year-old Luke Littler, who has already earned a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in darts. Littler, who is the Premier League champion and considered one of the sport’s brightest prospects, is making his debut in the prestigious tournament this year. Drawn into a less challenging group than some of the other top names, Littler will face Belgian Dimitri van den Bergh, Irishman Keane Barry, and Lourence Ilagan from the Philippines. Although Littler has avoided some of the big names, his group still presents a test of his ability to handle the pressure of his first Grand Slam appearance.
Beau Greaves, the reigning women’s world champion, will also be a key figure in the tournament. Greaves is in Group B, alongside Danny Noppert, Martin Schindler, and Scotsman Cameron Menzies, who is the partner of Fallon Sherrock. Greaves, who has been a dominant force in women’s darts, will be looking to make her mark in the men’s game and prove that her success on the women’s circuit can translate to the highest level of competition.
### Gerwyn Price Missing from the Field
One notable absentee from this year’s Grand Slam of Darts is Welshman Gerwyn Price, a three-time Grand Slam champion. Price, who has been one of the most dominant players in recent years, failed to qualify for the tournament this time around, which has surprised many fans and analysts. His absence opens up the field for other players to step up and challenge for the title, including Humphries, van Gerwen, and other rising stars like Littler and Greaves.
### Conclusion
The 2024 Grand Slam of Darts promises to be a thrilling and historic event, with Noa-Lynn van Leuven’s participation marking a significant milestone for the sport. Her inclusion in the tournament highlights the increasing inclusivity in darts and offers a powerful message to athletes and fans alike about the importance of embracing diversity in competitive sport. With a strong field of top players, including former champions and rising stars, this year’s Grand Slam is set to be one of the most exciting yet. As the tournament begins this weekend in Wolverhampton, all eyes will be on van Leuven and the rest of the players as they look to make their mark on one of darts’ biggest stages.