The Evolution and Rise of Women’s Darts
Darts is a popular game that has migrated from pubs and bars to the world stage, attracting millions of passionate and loyal fans over the years. Stepping up to the oche used to be a very male-dominated pursuit, but in recent years, we’ve seen the evolution and rise of the women’s game, with strong players and personalities driving the sport for females all over the globe. There have been some classic match-ups, unexpected successes, and all the excitement and passion of the men's game, driven by some pioneering players and bona fide superstars.
A (Very) Brief History of Darts
Darts have a long and colorful history rooted in medieval England. The game is believed to have evolved from soldiers throwing short arrows or crossbow bolts at the bottoms of wine barrels during downtime. By the late 19th century, darts began to take on a more standardized form in English pubs, and in 1896, Brian Gamlin created the modern dartboard numbering system. The early 20th century saw darts gain legitimacy as a game of skill rather than chance, famously confirmed by a 1908 court case that ruled in its favor. Organized competitions grew after World War II, particularly in Britain, where the game remains a stalwart.
Since the 1970s, darts has grown from a pub game into a global sport attracting a passionate audience, with its own surreal flavor of glitz and glamour, with spectators turning up in everything from fright wigs to Star Wars costumes and everything in between!
Growth of the Women’s Game
For years, darts was seen as a male pursuit, and it was unusual to see women playing, even in casual pub games, and almost unheard of on the major tours. But behind the scenes, the women’s game has been quietly developing, and now, with some breakout stars we’ve seen not only the rise of individuals, but also a dedicated tournament sanctioned by the PDC, allowing women to show what they’re made of at the oche. Professional sports clothing for women can now be completely customized with 3D-aided design, bringing with it a whole new flavor and vibe to the already vibrant game. Prize money has also increased incrementally year by year, and reached great heights, with the winner's share increased by £50,000 each year, culminating in a 2018 prize fund of £1.8 million.
Outstanding Players
We’ve seen an influx of superb women darts players over the years, some of whom have gone on to unprecedented glory, and historically, in one case, defeated men in the main PDC championship.
Fallon Sherrock
Shocking the world of darts, Fallon Sherrock did just that back in 2020, beating Ted Evetts in the first round and subsequently making it through to the third round, a historic feat for a female darts player. Her distinctive pink outfit has become synonymous with her success on the circuit, highlighting how custom jersey designs can combine personal style with the professional comfort needed to perform at the oche.
Lisa Ashton
Ashton has twice topped the world rankings in women's darts, in 2020 and 2022, and is a three-time Masters Champion. One of the more senior players on the tour, she’s seen as something of a pioneer and is still a fierce competitor, inspiring further generations to pick up the arrows and step up to the oche.
Aileen De Graaf
Hailing from the Netherlands, De Graaf has notched up 75 professional titles to date and is one of the most formidable competitors on the women’s darts scene. She defeated Lisa Ashton to take home the World Masters title in 2015, and has won numerous titles on home turf, becoming one of the most respected players on the women's circuit.
Beau Greaves
Currently atop the world Women's rankings in the sport, and on an almost unbelievable winning streak (86 matches by the end of last season), Greaves is certainly a player to behold, winning multiple titles and taking home her fair share of earnings from the oche. Though not the flashiest player around, her attire shows off the importance of comfort during grueling matches, and how darts jerseys and other training wear can do the same for you.
Support for the Women's Game
Darts has always enjoyed consistent and extravagant support from the general public, with the often uncomfortable-looking costumes of the spectators in stark contrast to the breathable and functional attire of the players, however garish their designs may be. It’s a raucous atmosphere, especially inside the Alexandra Palace during major tournaments, and is fun for all the family. In recent years, inspired by some of the names mentioned above, women's darts have become all the more popular with spectators, many of whom are just as passionate as they are about the PDC main championship tournaments.
Darts may have once been dominated by men, but more and more we’ve seen women trailblazing through the glass ceiling. The oche is no longer an all-male arena, and support for the women's game continues to grow consistently.
Image credits Title image: IMAGO / Beautiful Sports; Image 2: IMAGO / Jan Huebner; Image 3: IMAGO / Beautiful Sports; Image 4: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images; Image 5: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images; Image 6: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images