The Rise of Womens Darts: A New Era for Womens Sport

The world of darts has traditionally been dominated by men, often overshadowing the immense talent that is on offer in the women's game.

In recent years, however, this landscape has transformed dramatically with a dedicated women's tour and increased prize money with opportunities to play in PDC major events. 

The greats of the game, like Deta Hedman and Lisa Ashton, have passed the batton on to the exciting next generation in Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock.

The Historical Background

To fully understand the recent surge in women’s darts, it’s important to explore the sport’s history. While darts have been enjoyed for centuries, it was traditionally a male-dominated pub activity, with women previously lacking any professional opportunities to play. 

Some pioneering women began to challenge this trend as early as the 1970s. Players like Maureen Flowers and Linda Batten competed in prominent tournaments, blazing trails for future generations. 

The most significant breakthrough came with Trina Gulliver, who became synonymous with women’s darts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Gulliver, known as the “Golden Girl,” has won the Women’s World Championship ten times, a feat that remains unmatched. Her dominance not only set a high benchmark but also brought much-needed visibility to women’s darts.

The Emergence of Leading Female Players

The 21st century has seen a wave of exceptional female players redefining the sport. Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton are two of the most notable names in recent darts history, achieving milestones that have propelled women’s darts into the spotlight.

Fallon Sherrock made history in December 2019 when she became the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship, defeating Ted Evetts 3-2. Sherrock then went on to beat Mensur Suljović, a top-11 ranked player, in the next round. 

Her victories captivated a global audience and demonstrated that women could compete at the highest levels of professional darts. Fallon’s remarkable performance earned her the nickname “Queen of the Palace” and a spot in prestigious events such as the World Series of Darts.

Lisa Ashton, often called the “Queen of Darts,” has also made her mark. A four-time BDO Women’s World Champion, Ashton became the first woman to earn a PDC Tour Card through the Qualifying School in 2020, granting her the right to compete against the world’s best male players over two seasons. 

Ashton’s qualification not only showcased her skill but also opened doors for other women aspiring to break into mixed-gender competitions.

Achievements and New Trends

The rise of female players has led to a surge of accomplishments and initiatives that are reshaping the darts landscape. Women’s tournaments now feature larger prize pools and greater media coverage, increasing both the stakes and the visibility of the sport.

Key Achievements:

• Mikuru Suzuki, a Japanese darts star, won back-to-back BDO Women’s World Championships in 2019 and 2020, solidifying her reputation as a global powerhouse.

  
  

• Beau Greaves, a young English prodigy, became the youngest-ever Women’s World Champion at age 18 in 2022. Known for her exceptional scoring ability, Greaves has inspired younger players worldwide.

  
  

• Fallon Sherrock’s Nine-Dart Finish: In 2022, Sherrock became the first woman to achieve a televised nine-dart finish during the Modus Super Series, a historic moment in darts.

Fallon Sherock was the first woman to hit the perfect leg on TV:

Darts was once perceived as a niche sport, dominated by pub culture. The success of women has helped shift the narrative to focus on professionalism over outdated stereotypes.

New Initiatives In Womens Darts:

The PDC Women’s Series, launched in 2020, provides a platform for women to compete in high-level tournaments with opportunities to qualify for major mixed-gender events like the Grand Slam of Darts. Participation has soared, with over 1,000 women competing in these events since their inception.

Current PDF Womens Series Rankings At Start Of 2025:

The 2024 PDC Women's Series will feature an exciting lineup of 24 tournaments, offering female players ample opportunities to showcase their skills and earn prize money.

The top two players on the final Order of Merit will earn coveted spots in the 2024/25 World Darts Championship, while the top-ranked player will also secure a place in the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts.

Additionally, qualification for the 2024 Betfred Women's World Matchplay will be determined by a 12-month Order of Merit, ensuring a fair and competitive selection process.

Position	Name	Value
1	Beau Greaves	£24,200
2	Noa-Lynn van Leuven	£16,300
3	Fallon Sherrock	£14,100
4	Mikuru Suzuki	£11,000
5	Lisa Ashton	£10,100
6	Gemma Hayter	£7,700
7	Aileen de Graaf	£6,700
8	Robyn Byrne	£6,600
9	Lorraine Winstanley	£5,600
10	Rhian O'Sullivan	£5,200
11	Angela Kirkwood	£5,100
12	Steph Clarke	£4,000
13	Katie Sheldon	£3,800
14	Kirsi Viinikainen	£3,600
15	Kim Holden	£3,300
16	Lorraine Hyde	£3,200
17	Anastasia Dobromyslova	£2,800
18	Neuza Araujo	£2,700
19	Denise Cassidy	£2,600
19	Paige Pauling	£2,600
21	Trina Gulliver	£2,500
22	Vicky Pruim	£2,400
23	Desiree Geel	£2,200
24	Laura Turner	£2,000
25	Anca Zijlstra	£1,800
25	Deta Hedman	£1,800
27	Felicia Blay	£1,600
27	Natalie Gilbert	£1,600
29	Yukie Sakaguchi	£1,500
29	Kirsty Hutchinson	£1,500
31	Wendy Reinstadtler	£1,400
32	Rose Mort	£1,300
33	Stacey Ellis	£1,200
34	Jo Locke	£1,100
34	Evonne Taylor	£1,100
34	Chris Savvery	£1,100
34	Leanne Topper	£1,100
34	Aoife McCormack	£1,100
34	Maria O'Brien	£1,100
40	Hannah Meek	£1,000
40	Roos van der Velde	£1,000
40	Eve Watson	£1,000
43	Aurora Fochesato	£800
43	Eleanor Cairns	£800
43	Priscilla Steenbergen	£800
43	Rebecca Brouse	£800
43	Sharona Veld	£800
43	Aletta Wajer	£800
43	Kelly Streef	£800
50	Nathalie Van Marm	£700
50	Phonsawan Whillis	£700
50	Samantha Kirton	£700
53	Laura Patton	£600
53	Michelle Andrews	£600
53	Rhiannon Graham	£600
53	Rebecca Hoyland	£600
53	Laura van den Berg	£600
53	Greta Tekauer	£600
59	Jane Robson	£500
59	Lauryn Salter	£500
59	Gemma Reynolds	£500
59	Chelsea Campbell	£500
59	Joanne Oldershaw	£500
59	Adriana van Wijgerden-Vermaat	£500
65	Mahi Bosmia	£400
65	Rowena Sidley	£400
65	Sara Walton	£400
65	Amy Evans	£400
65	Vanessa Zuidema	£400
65	Eireann van Wijgerden	£400
65	Mozhgan Rahmani	£400
65	Chloe O’Brien	£400
65	Sarah Roberts	£400
65	Kyana Frauenfelder	£400
65	Snezana Veljkovic	£400
76	Jacqueline Maiden	£300
76	Kim Palstra	£300
76	Maret Liiri	£300
76	Paula Jacklin	£300
76	Marie Fitton	£300
76	Ros Hemmings	£300
76	Courtney Hine	£300
76	Daniela Schug	£300
76	Irina Armstrong	£300
76	Corrine Hammond	£300
86	Janet Hardman	£200
86	Jan Robbins	£200
86	Hilary Kirkbride	£200
86	Becky Taylor	£200
86	Crissy Manley	£200
86	Danielle Evans	£200
86	Barbora Hospodarska	£200
86	Talita Biagetti	£200
86	Ingibjorg Magnusdottir	£200
86	Sandy Wolf	£200
86	Kirsty Chubb	£200
86	Janine Wagener	£200
86	Nanako Shimizu	£200
86	Quintey Bieman	£200
86	Sophie Hadley	£200
86	Ann Chilton	£200
86	Amy Grant	£200
86	Annmarie Potts	£200
86	Lauren Bloomfield	£200
86	Debbie McBride	£200
86	Debra Watling	£200
86	Carly Townsend	£200
108	JieYu Gao	£100
108	Kaori Sagawa	£100
108	Jo Andrews	£100
108	Christine Readhead	£100
108	Fiona Roberts	£100
108	Tammy Mackenzie	£100
108	Ina Rademacher	£100
108	Sonja Mueller	£100
108	Qingxin Zhao	£100
108	Miyu Ichihara	£100
108	Emma Winkelmann	£100
108	Silvia Lindner	£100
108	Bianca Michalczyk	£100
108	Tanja Klueners	£100
108	Tori Kewish	£100
108	Linda Porter	£100
108	Karen Webber	£100
108	Donna Pinch	£100
108	Silke Lowe	£100

Moreover, organisations like the WDF (World Darts Federation) have increased their focus on promoting women’s competitions globally, creating opportunities for players from diverse backgrounds.

Current Top 3 Female WDF Rankings At The Start Of 2025:

1. Beau Greaves (England)

2. Lerena Rietbergen (Netherlands)

3. Nicole Regnaud (New Zealand)

Attracting New Audiences:

Diversity in darts has drawn wider audiences. Female players’ achievements resonate with fans who value gender equality and inclusivity, broadening the sport’s appeal and helping it grow globally.

From my own experience attending darts events over the years, I’ve noticed a significant shift in the crowd demographics. There are now noticeably more women and families enjoying the live atmosphere, which creates a more inclusive and vibrant environment.

This change reflects the growing appeal of darts as a sport that welcomes everyone, breaking away from its historically beer-centric reputation. However, that is still one of the key attributes of the darts experience for some.

The Role of Grassroots Initiatives

Grassroots programs have played a pivotal role in nurturing female talent. Initiatives such as coaching clinics, local tournaments, and school outreach programs are encouraging women and girls to take up darts.

Organisations like the JDC (Junior Darts Corporation), ADC (Amayuers Darts Circuit), and WDF are working to make darts accessible to all, fostering a supportive environment where female players can thrive. This emphasis on grassroots development ensures a steady pipeline of talent, fuelling the sport’s future growth.

Some names to keep an eye out for in the upcoming years include:

• Paige Pauling (England)

• Sophie Mckinlay (Scotland)

• Krisztina Turai (Hungary)

Looking Forward: The Future of Women in Darts

The rise of women in darts is more than just a trend—it’s a movement that continues to gain momentum. With increasing investment, improved visibility, and a focus on inclusivity, the future of women in darts looks brighter than ever.

Key Areas of Growth:

• Prize Money: Continued efforts to close the prize money gap between men’s and women’s tournaments will incentivise more women to pursue professional darts.

  
  

• Media Coverage: Greater media attention will inspire future generations and showcase the skill of female players to global audiences.

  
  

• Global Reach: Expanding tournaments to new regions will uncover talent in untapped markets, further diversifying the sport.

The Journey Ahead

The rise of women in darts is a remarkable story of progress and empowerment. With each milestone, women are not only earning their place in the sport’s history but also transforming its future.

The future of darts is bright, and women are at the heart of this transformation.