Does the dartboard see gender? No, it sees only triple 20s and clutch finishes, skills Nathalie Butsch delivers. As women redefine the game, this 29-year-old from Germany leads by example. Since discovering darts in 2023, she's risen to captain Frankenthal's team, proving excellence needs no labels.

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’?

My man inspired me to play darts. He’s a talented player, so I used to play with him. At first I couldn’t keep up, so I decided to train hard hoping to get as good as him. Now I can often keep up and sometimes even beat him. Who knows? Maybe someday I’ll be better.

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

What I love most about darts is that every leg, every set, can be different. Even if your first three darts don’t score well, the next throw can change everything. I also love how inclusive darts is, anyone can play. In front of the board, we’re all equal, just players chasing the same goal.

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

I’m most proud of winning several trophies and proving to the men in our league that women can top the rankings too.

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

I’ve decided to compete on the DSAB Tour (Germany’s E-Darts Tour), where you can qualify for the national ‘64er Feld’ championship, Germany’s top women’s e-darts event. Last year, I earned my spot and I’m incredibly proud of that achievement. This year, I’m aiming higher.

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?

It’s tough to find sponsors, most companies still invest more heavily in men’s sports, though I sense that’s slowly changing. The financial reality is harsh, amateur sports are expensive enough without sacrificing work. We play for passion, but support shouldn’t be this hard to find.

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

Not yet. But of course I want to develop further.

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?

Lately, you hear it more often, ‘men are better, more important in darts because they achieve more.’ But why? Women like Beau Greaves prove otherwise (just look at her incredible career!). Even nationally, I know female players who throw more consistently and with far more elegance than most men. The skill is there. The recognition? Still catching up.

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?

Unfortunately, no. Women in darts still get reduced to their looks, even when they earn sponsorships through skill. My friends constantly hear: ‘You only got that deal because you’re pretty.’ Can you imagine saying that to a male player? At least Germany’s making progress with dedicated women’s tournaments and rankings. Finally, we can measure ourselves against each other’s excellence, not just male standards.

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?

Women’s darts deserves more visibility, why not broadcast the Women’s Series on TV? But this isn’t just our sport’s problem. Across athletics, women’s competitions get sidelined, no matter how thrilling the play. The audience is there. The talent is there. When will the coverage catch up?

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?

It depends on mentality I guess, if you want to be in the top players then yes it will be way harder than just to go to events and having fun.

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?

I’d love to see more women take up darts, with greater numbers, we’d naturally see fairer prize money and better support. But I’ve noticed real progress these past few years. The tide is turning, just not fast enough!

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

My advice? Go for it! Try darts and don’t quit at the first setback. The earlier girls start, the brighter their future in the sport. Remember, every champion began with a single throw. And the best part? It’s unbelievably fun!

Want Nathalie’s sharp insights and bold leadership? Follow her online, where grit meets grace, wit strikes like lightning and critics vanish quicker than a missed shot.

Facebook: facebook.com/nathaliebutsch – For wisdom and winning moves
Instagram: instagram.com/nathalieb.171 – Style with substance

Thank you, Nathalie, for showing everyday players what's possible. Your story, from home games to team leadership in Frankenthal, reminds us all that darts begins with simple courage, the will to throw. You embody the truth that women belong wherever tungsten flies. The sport is better for your voice.