While darts celebrates pure skill above all else, women's competition remains one of sport's best-kept secrets. That changes today. Meet Robyn Byrne, Dublin's 27-year-old darting phenomenon who's been redefining the game since first picking up her arrows at age five. "I started because my dad played," she says modestly, understating a journey that embodies darts' ongoing evolution. Her story isn't about 'women in darts', it's about world-class athletes finally receiving their rightful recognition. The tungsten flies equally for all, it's time our attention did too.

Alright, Robyn, what first made you pick up those darts? Was it the thrill of nailing a bullseye or just really wanting an excuse to wear those fancy flights?

I first started playing because my dad played, and I enjoyed practicing with him.

What’s your favorite thing about darts, the rush of hitting that perfect 180, the thrill of competition or just the pure joy of throwing arrows like a boss?

I enjoy spending time with people to play darts and the feeling of winning.

What’s been your absolute ‘pinch me’ moment in darts so far? That one victory or checkout where you thought, ‘Hell yeah, I did that!

My proudest moment in darts so far has been winning the Europe Cup singles and the World Cup team events.

What’s the origin story? Did you just wake up one day throwing 180s, or was there a specific moment that hooked you into competitive darts?

I got into competitive darts as a youth and played county for Dublin and just went from there with competitive darts.

Aside from having to practice twice as hard for half the recognition (eye roll), what’s the real kicker in making that leap to pro as a woman?

I think the standard in the professional game is higher than in the women’s game at the moment, which makes it difficult, but it’s the same challenge any amateur faces when trying to turn professional. Juggling work and home life with professional darts isn’t easy.

You’ve risen to the top in a male-dominated sport. What barriers did you have to dismantle that nobody warns women about?

I don’t think I’ve faced many unique challenges as a woman in darts. I play in two men’s leagues throughout the week and always feel welcomed.

You’ve heard the nonsense, ‘Darts is a man’s sport.’ Do those comments still surface or do your 140 finishes shut them down before you even speak?

I may have heard these comments when I was younger, but I think once you reach a certain standard, the focus shifts more to your darts and your success, not whether you’re male or female.

Let’s be real: Is women’s darts still treated as a ‘side show’ to the men’s game, or are we finally seeing real investment in equality?

I believe there are more opportunities than ever in darts right now, but true equality won’t happen unless women are competing at the same standard as the men and with the same number of entries. That said, the opportunities we’re currently being given are fantastic.

Women’s darts is exploding right now, so why does it still feel like the media covers it like a niche hobby instead of elite sport? Do you think women’s darts gets enough media coverage?

I don’t think darts receives enough media coverage in general, but women’s darts gets particularly little attention. This is an area that could be improved significantly.

Fact: A 180 is 180 points, no matter who throws it. So why do women have to prove theirs count more?

I don’t believe women are held to a higher standard in darts. When the darts are good, people appreciate great play, no matter who’s throwing.

Beyond the obvious (yes, we see the prize money gap), what’s the underrated change that would actually help pros, travel support, youth pipelines or media training?

I’d love to see the PDC continue expanding opportunities in women’s darts. They’re clearly the future of our game, providing TV exposure and major prize funds that can really elevate women’s darts to new heights. This kind of support is exactly what we need to keep growing.

What’s your no-BS advice to girls picking up darts? ‘Ignore the doubters’ is nice, but what’s the real secret, outwork them? Outshine them? Or just hit so many 180s they shut up?

My advice? Enjoy every moment and keep practicing! The more you love the game, the better you’ll become.

More 140 finishes. Zero filter. All attitude. Follow Robyn where precision darts meet savage clapbacks, trolls don’t even get a chance at double top!

Instagram: instagram.com/robynbyrne – Deadly accuracy. killer charm

Gratitude isn’t enough for what you’ve done, Robyn, you’ve spun this sport 180 degrees, shattering the myth that darts belongs to any one gender and rewriting the rules so the only thing that matters is the courage to chase perfection, the hunger to rise above expectation and the relentless will to leave this game forever changed by the heat of your fire.