In a storybook ending to the 2025 WDF World Darts Championship, veteran darts legend Deta Hedman, aged 66, has finally claimed the one title that had eluded her career.

On Sunday afternoon at the iconic Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, Surrey, Hedman defeated Lerena Rietbergen 4–1 in the final to become the new Women’s World Champion.

For decades, Hedman — often regarded among the greatest female darts players ever — had fallen just short in world finals. With this victory, she has secured her first world title under the World Darts Federation (WDF), capping a nearly 50-year career in the sport.

The Final

Hedman overcame a difficult opponent in Rietbergen, prevailing 4–1 in sets. According to match reports, Hedman’s combination of pressure-handling, clinical finishing and decades of tournament experience proved decisive.

Of note: after losing the first set of her semi-final, Hedman regrouped and delivered convincing wins, including a critical 3–1 semi-final victory over Priscilla Steenbergen to reach the final.

In her post-semi reflection, Hedman admitted how nervous she felt in the lead-up, even after decades playing at Lakeside.

“My heart was just pumping … the whole of me was just shaking,” she said.