While the sport continues to rise, its female competitors are rewriting the narrative, one perfectly placed dart at a time. Among them stands Silvia Lindner, a 43-year-old force in German darts whose story started unexpectedly fifteen years ago in a Munich pub. What began as a casual pastime soon ignited an unshakable passion, one that would propel her further than she ever dreamed possible.

What was the exact moment you looked at a dartboard and thought ‘Yes, this is how I want to spend my life missing the treble 20’?

I’ve been playing darts for about 15 years. I started in Munich, where I’m still active in various teams today. Back then, I got into darts almost by accident, very typically, while celebrating in a Munich pub. At the time, I never would have thought it would become my favorite hobby and take me to so many places.

Okay, be honest, what’s your favorite part of darts? The thrill of hitting that perfect 180? The sound of the crowd?

Darts was always a side activity for me, I played in lower-tier leagues for various teams. But when a good friend hung a dartboard in my basement during COVID and we played daily online tournaments during lockdown, I improved. I decided to cut back on league play and focus more on local tournaments, as well as some farther away. Since then, I’ve achieved many podium finishes in various disciplines, both in e-darts and steel darts.

Alright, time to brag, what’s your ‘I’ll be boring my grandkids with this story’ darts moment so far?

I’ve also had great success with my women’s team, “die Ladies”, for example, winning the German Championship, which qualified us for the World Championship in Las Vegas, as well as the European Championship in Benidorm. At both tournaments, I achieved very good results, including the European Women’s Doubles title. I’m proud of many successes, but it’s not always the biggest tournaments that matter the most… Winning a men’s doubles event with my former partner at a tournament where we even defeated some PDC stars or finishing 4th in a high-stakes open singles event with over 100 top-tier players, makes me just as proud, if not prouder.

At what point did your casual dart-throwing habit become a full-blown addiction?

I played my first PDC tournament in August 2024. Unfortunately, the Women’s Series isn’t very attractive for me as a German player. None of the tournaments are held in Germany anymore, so flying is always necessary. On top of that, you have to block off a lot of time, Friday to Monday is standard. Flights, hotels, entry fees and food come with enormous costs. Women’s darts isn’t very popular and though I’m lucky to have a few sponsors, these expenses are still unsustainable for me. So this time, I’m only playing the Women’s Series in Holland and since a single entry won’t make much of an impact, the focus is on fun, the unique experience and gaining exposure.

What’s the real hardest part of going pro as a woman? Is it the pressure, the doubters or just constantly being asked ‘So do you, like, actually compete against men?’ like it’s some shocking plot twist?

The question of whether darts is a men’s sport? I’d clearly say YES. Outsiders rarely associate darts with women and in everyday tournaments and leagues, about 90% of players are men. At bigger tournaments and internationally, it’s a bit different now, more women are playing, and they’re getting better. Still, I don’t think we women will ever truly compete with the biggest names.

What’s been the toughest boss battle as a woman in darts?

Why female pros can’t keep up with the men, why there won’t be a female Luke Littler, I can’t explain. Personally, I feel very comfortable in the darts scene. I’ve never faced sexist or condescending comments, even though I’ve competed in many male-dominated events. Being underestimated isn’t always a disadvantage.

Let’s talk about the hilarious myth that darts is a ‘men’s game’, Have you faced any comments or attitudes suggesting darts is a “men’s game”? How do you respond?

The question of whether darts is a men’s sport? I’d clearly say YES. Outsiders rarely associate darts with women, and in everyday tournaments and leagues, about 90% of players are men. At bigger tournaments and internationally, it’s a bit different now—more women are playing, and they’re getting better. Still, I don’t think we women will ever truly compete with the biggest names. Why female pros can’t keep up with the men, why there won’t be a female Luke Littler, I can’t explain.

Let’s play darts or discrimination, do you feel women get equal opportunities in darts… or are we still stuck in the ‘participation trophy’ phase of equality?

Personally, I feel very comfortable in the darts scene. I’ve never faced sexist or condescending comments, even though I’ve competed in many male-dominated events. Being underestimated isn’t always a disadvantage.

Let’s be real, if women’s darts got the media coverage it deserved, would we be trending… or would the internet break from men realizing we don’t actually throw with glittery darts? Do you think women’s darts gets enough media coverage?

To advance women in darts, we need sponsors and for that, much more media attention.

Do women in darts need to hit two 180s back-to-back just to get the same respect as a dude who accidentally checked out on a bounce-out? So do you think women are held to higher standards to prove themselves in darts?

Some men are real crowd-pleasers; the female pros could learn a thing or two from them about entertainment.

What’s at the top of your equality wishlist, bigger prizes, fewer ‘cute effort’ comments or just a lifetime supply of eye rolls for every ‘women can’t handle pressure’ take?

Women’s play needs to become more entertaining for viewers. Sometimes, we lack that bite and showmanship.

Future dart queens, listen up! What advice would you give to young girls wanting to play darts?

What would I advise young girls who want to play darts? Good question… Just go for it! Be brave, play lots of tournaments, don’t be intimidated by the men, and have fun!

Need your fix of Silvia’s cold checkouts and hot takes? Follow along, where darts pierce, jokes land and haters exit quicker than a failed double-in!

Facebook: facebook.com/die.silvi – Darts decoded, dominance displayed
Instagram: instagram.com/*Die Silvi* – Steel focus, sharp personality

Silvia, gratitude for your wisdom, your will and your winning ways. Your example teaches more than technique, it transforms. Every throw demonstrates that boards don't see gender, only greatness. You're not just throwing, you're lighting the way.