Did the Darts World Champion Really Blubber Like a Child After Her Win?

Deta Hedman has made history by winning the 2025 WDF Women's World Championship title, ending a long wait for the coveted prize. The 66-year-old darts player from Witham, Essex, triumphed over top seed Lerena Rietbergen with a decisive 4-1 victory, marking a significant milestone in her career that has spanned five decades.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Deta Hedman's victory at the 2025 WDF Women's World Championship has garnered widespread attention and celebration in the darts community and beyond. Not only does this win represent a personal triumph for Hedman, but it also highlights her resilience after having faced multiple near-misses in previous finals. This championship win is a testament to her skill and determination, especially as she approaches her 67th birthday.

Key takeaways

Deta Hedman won the 2025 WDF Women's World Championship, her first world title after 15 attempts.
She defeated top seed Lerena Rietbergen 4-1 in the final held at Lakeside.
Hedman expressed overwhelming emotions, describing herself as "blubbering like a child" after securing the victory.
This win capped off a remarkable year, as she was also appointed an OBE for her contributions to darts and charity.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to Deta Hedman’s championship title has been long and filled with challenges. Here’s a brief timeline of significant events:

November 2024: Hedman competes in her 15th WDF Women’s World Championship at Lakeside, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
June 2025: Hedman is appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to darts and charity.
October 2025: Hedman defeats Lerena Rietbergen 4-1 to win the championship, finally achieving the title she has long sought.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Deta Hedman's victory is the latest development in her illustrious career, capturing the championship title after years of hard work and dedication. This win is particularly significant given her previous losses in finals, highlighting her perseverance in the sport.

What was already established

Before this championship, Hedman had a storied career, including multiple attempts at winning the world title. Her appointment as an OBE earlier in 2025 also established her reputation as a significant figure in the sport, both for her competitive achievements and her charitable work.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Hedman's victory has the potential to inspire many in the UK, particularly among aspiring female athletes and darts enthusiasts. As a role model, her success may encourage greater participation in darts, especially among younger generations.

Businesses and jobs

Hedman's win could also positively impact local businesses. Increased interest in darts may lead to more events and tournaments, benefiting venues and suppliers in the sports industry. Furthermore, her success could enhance the profile of darts as a viable career option for young players.

Policy and regulation

As the sport continues to gain popularity, there may be a growing need for regulatory frameworks to support emerging talents and events. Hedman’s achievements could lead to further investments in women's sports, particularly in darts, promoting equality and opportunities within the sector.

Numbers that matter

66: Age of Deta Hedman, who continues to compete at the highest levels in darts.
4-1: The score by which Hedman defeated Lerena Rietbergen in the final.
5: The number of decades over which Hedman has had a professional darts career.
3: The number of previous finals Hedman lost before her championship win.
1: The number of times Hedman has now been crowned world champion.

Definitions and jargon buster

WDF: World Darts Federation, the governing body for darts competitions.
OBE: Officer of the Order of the British Empire, an honour awarded for significant contributions to the community.
Oche: The line behind which players must stand when throwing darts.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate aftermath of her victory, Hedman may receive invitations to participate in various promotional events and exhibitions, showcasing her talent and inspiring others.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As Hedman's profile rises, we may see increased media coverage and potential sponsorship opportunities. This could lead to greater visibility for women's darts and possibly more investment in the sport.

Signals to watch

Monitor upcoming darts tournaments and events where Hedman may participate.
Watch for announcements regarding sponsors or partnerships that may arise from her championship win.
Follow developments in women's darts and any initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in the sport.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local darts clubs and initiatives aimed at promoting the sport.
Encourage young players, especially girls, to participate in darts competitions.
Stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities to engage with the sport.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of role models like Hedman on aspiring athletes.
Ignore the importance of women's contributions to sports, including darts.
Miss opportunities to celebrate local sporting achievements.

Checklist

Check local listings for darts events or competitions to attend.
Follow Deta Hedman on social media for updates on her career.
Engage with local darts communities to support and promote the sport.
Explore opportunities to volunteer or contribute to youth darts programmes.
Consider purchasing tickets to upcoming darts events to support the sport financially.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Hedman's victory is a significant milestone, it's important to acknowledge that not every athlete may achieve similar success. The path to becoming a champion is often fraught with challenges, including competition, injury, and personal circumstances. Additionally, the landscape of darts may continue to evolve, impacting future opportunities for players.

Bottom line

Deta Hedman's victory at the 2025 WDF Women's World Championship is a landmark achievement that underscores her perseverance and talent. As she continues to inspire a new generation of players, the darts community in the UK stands poised for growth and recognition, particularly in promoting women's participation in the sport.

FAQs

How did Deta Hedman win the championship?

Deta Hedman won the championship by defeating Lerena Rietbergen 4-1 in the final, showcasing her skill and determination after years of striving for this title.

What does OBE stand for, and why was Hedman awarded it?

OBE stands for Officer of the Order of the British Empire, an honour awarded to Hedman for her contributions to darts and charity, recognising her impact both in and out of the sport.

What does this victory mean for women in darts?

This victory is significant for women in darts as it highlights the potential for female athletes to succeed at the highest levels, inspiring more participation and recognition in the sport.