Darts is a sport with mostly men playing at the highest level, but several women have started to reach their skill level, which is evident through the PDC giving women more qualifying spots recently at the PDC WC.
It's an exciting time for the sport, as there are some very entertaining players on the women's side, including those playing their first game at Ally Pally or making a return this year.
Which women are playing at the 2026 PDC WC?
Here are the five women playing in the first round of action.
MORE: Every darts player who's qualified for the 2026 PDC World Championship
Beau Greaves
Greaves has quickly become one of the most recognizable names in darts after having a historic end to 2025.
She'll play Daryl Gurney in the first round, in a game many believe she is capable of winning.
She's just 21 years old and could really be a special story if she goes on to win a couple of games at the event this year.
She will be playing in her second career PDC WC, after playing in 2023.
MORE: Beau Greaves' odds of making the 2026 Premier League of Darts lineup
Fallon Sherrock
Sherrock is a veteran at Ally Pally, playing in her sixth WC this year.
She won two games the year that debuted (2022), but hasn't won a game since, in her last four appearances.
She'll face a struggling Dave Chisnall in the first round this year.
Lisa Ashton
Ashton will be playing in her fifth career PDC WC.
She's never won a game on the WC stage, though she's lost a couple of last-set deciders.
Ashton most recently played at the Grand Slam of Darts, almost beating 2025 European Champion Gian van Veen in the group stage.
She'll face former world champion Michael Smith in the first round on Day 1 this year.
MORE: 2026 PDC Darts World Championship: Draw, schedule, format and prize money
Noa-Lynn van Leuven
Van Leuven made her PDC WC debut last year, losing to Kevin Doets in the first round.
She had a steady average of around 87.02 in that game, which would likely keep her in a match with Peter Wright this year if he isn't in top form.
She became the first transgender player to play at the PDC WC last year and will look to make more history this year by taking down Peter Wright, a multi-time champion.
Gemma Hayter
Hayter will be playing at her first PDC WC this year.
She has a tough first-round opponent, as she'll face Josh Rock.
She qualified through the Women's Series route.
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