Darts is simple, hit the target, score the points. It doesn’t matter who you are, only how you play. Look at Ieva Tvaronavičiūtė. In 2022, she started in a small Lithuanian club. Now? She competes with the best. That could be you. Pick up the darts. Throw. Repeat. See where it takes you.

When did you first pick up darts and who’s your biggest inspiration?

I first picked up darts in October 2022 at my local club. My biggest inspiration? My man, he’s the one who pushed me to improve.

What makes darts special to you?

You know, I’ve always liked numbers, there’s something satisfying about hitting exact scores and calculating finishes. That’s part of what drew me to darts! I just love darts because it helps me discover myself. I truly understand my emotions when I feel that thrilling moment of important throws.

What was your breakthrough moment, that first throw or match where you knew you could compete at a higher level?

Winning the 2024 Baltic Cup in Estonia is still my proudest moment. Bigger goals are ahead, but right now, I’m focused on the Opens in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Can you tell us about your first darts competition experience?

My first competition was the Kaunas Open 2023. I was so excited to go there.

What would it take for more female players to break through at the highest competitive levels against men?

Right now many women still struggle, but there are plenty of strong female players with high averages competing against men.

With growing female participation, darts is clearly for everyone. But have you still encountered outdated attitudes about it being a men’s sport?

I know the world is changing. Maybe in 5-10 years, everything will be okay… But today, darts is still seen as a men’s sport. It’s painful to hear phrases like ‘You throw like a woman’ or ‘Playing like a woman’, as if that means a low average.

We often see female players needing near-perfect performances to get recognition, do you believe women are held to a different standard in darts?

I don’t think that we have higher standards in this sport, but there is no better feeling than winning against the men, who think this sport is just for their gender.

If you could challenge any player in history, past or present, male or female, who would make your ultimate dream match and why?

From the PDC stage, it would 100% be Nathan Aspinall, he’s an icon to me. We consider him the perfect player. In an ideal world, every darts player should model themselves after him.

What challenges did you face as a beginner and how has the sport improved since then?

My biggest struggle was writing on the board and being a judge. I started learning to count with Dartconnect, so when I had to do it on a whiteboard… Well, I got teased about it in front of everyone at the Kaunas Open. But the Lithuanian Darts Federation took action and now all competitions use Dartconnect. I think this attracts many new players. When you don’t have to worry about counting and can just focus on playing, it’s a huge step forward.

As a female darts player competing at high levels, what are your thoughts on the current state of gender equality in prize money and tournament support for women in the sport?

I dream that one day we’ll have equal prize money for all players. It’s disappointing when men’s and women’s first-place prizes are different, that’s not right. Do women get discounts on gear, travel, hotels or entry fees? No. We pay the same for everything, so the rewards should be equal too.

Do you think women’s darts gets enough media coverage?

Of course it’s not enough, women’s darts deserves far more media coverage. There are so many incredibly talented female players putting up impressive performances and the world needs to see their skill.

If a young girl wanted to get into darts, what would be your most important tip for her?

My advice for everyone, especially girls and women, is simple: practice, practice, practice. Be that person who plays 3 hours daily, and you’ll achieve everything you want!

For darting excellence and takes hotter than a tungsten storm? Follow Ieva, where checkouts dazzle, clapbacks slay and haters get muted mid-eyeroll!

Facebook: facebook.com/ieva.tvaronaviciute – The art of darts and living well
Instagram: instagram.com/i.tvaronaviciute – Bullseyes with attitude

Ieva, thank you for your passion and dedication. Every throw proves what’s possible. This isn’t just darts, it’s an inspiration in motion. You don’t just play the game, but you elevate it. Keep pushing forward, keep on throwing, keep inspiring.