Gemma Hayter’s return to professional darts has quietly become one of the standout stories of the 2025 season — a comeback fuelled by belief, hard work, and a spark of inspiration from a familiar name at the top of the sport.
Once a promising youth talent, the Portsmouth thrower had competed at County level alongside current world number one Luke Humphries. But after stepping away from the sport due to a lack of opportunities in the women’s game, Hayter spent several years away from the oche — until a pivotal moment in early 2024 changed everything.
“I took time out as I didn’t feel there was a lot out there for the women,” she told Darts World, after confirming her PDC World Darts Championship debut.
“But seeing Luke Humphries win the World title in 2024 inspired me. Watching someone I know fulfil their dream — it really lit a fire in me.”
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Eighteen months on, Hayter has carved out a new path, qualifying for Alexandra Palace for the first time and becoming one of just five women to earn a place in the 2025 field.
A Comeback Earned, Not Given
Since returning to competition in January 2024, Hayter has made fast and impressive progress. Two PDC Women’s Series titles last season led to a debut at the Women’s World Matchplay, and this year she’s gone one step further — clinching her Ally Pally place by finishing fifth on the 2025 Women’s Series Order of Merit.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet,” she admitted. “I got home from Wigan at 11pm and was up for work at 5am, so I’ve not had time to process it. But it’s the biggest achievement I’ve had. It’s massive.”
The turning point came with a run to the Event 23 final, which secured her qualification. With Beau Greaves and Lisa Ashton already qualified through other routes, Hayter’s performance ensured she held off a late challenge from Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen.
“I was confident going into the weekend after winning in Selsey,” she said. “There was pressure — people expected me to do well — but I’d had a great run in the Women’s Series, and those wins gave me a big boost going into Wigan.”
Pressure, Pain — and Perseverance
Hayter’s place in the World Championship was far from guaranteed. Heading into the final weekend of Women’s Series action, Viinikainen sat just £500 behind her in the rankings — and Hayter was also battling a recurring shoulder injury.
“I knew what was at stake. Kirsii was right behind me, and I had to keep ahead. But by Saturday, I was only £300 behind Noa-Lynn [van Leuven] in third, so I relaxed a bit.”
“Getting to the final against Beau was huge for me. The shoulder flared up on Sunday — which made things tough — but we got through it.”
Her recent form reflects her growing confidence and adaptability. Alongside her PDC success, Hayter also claimed her first two WDF titles this season, winning the English Masters and English Classic — proof of her ability to compete across formats and organisations.
Lessons Learned on the Big Stage
While the 2025 World Championship will mark Hayter’s debut at Ally Pally, she’s no stranger to televised pressure. Her appearance at the Women’s World Matchplay in Blackpool offered a glimpse of her resilience, as she came from 3–0 down against Fallon Sherrock, narrowly missing a match dart before losing 4–3.
“The media day before the Matchplay left me a bit overwhelmed. Seeing the venue and the setup — it was a lot. But on the day, the nerves never came. I was proud of how I fought back.”
That experience, she believes, will serve her well on the sport’s biggest stage. “Playing under lights, in front of a crowd — it’s huge. But Blackpool gave me confidence. It showed I can handle it.”
A Dream Realised — and a Message Delivered
For all the preparation ahead, Hayter still can’t quite believe what lies ahead. “I’ve never even been to Ally Pally!” she laughed. “I’d love to soak it all in before I play. The idea of drawing one of the top players is exciting — or even my friend Adam Lipscombe, if he qualifies. That would be brilliant.”
But beyond the personal milestones, Hayter is conscious of the wider impact of her appearance — especially for women’s darts.
“I’ll be really proud to walk out there. I just want to play well. We’re not just there to make up the numbers — we can play. There’s a pathway now for women to reach the highest level.”
“The Littler effect has been huge for the boys — but for the girls, not as much. So it’s important that we show what we can do.”
From Inspiration to Inspiration
Backed by MODUS management and supported by sponsors, Hayter’s rise has been a testament to growing professionalism in the women’s game. She’s fast becoming a role model — not only for young players coming through, but for anyone who’s ever doubted whether it was worth giving it another shot.
From watching a friend lift the Sid Waddell Trophy to earning her own place on the most iconic stage in darts, Gemma Hayter’s journey is proof that belief, backed by hard work, can take you anywhere. “I’m just very proud to be one of the five women in the tournament.”
