The 2026 WADC Winmau Championship season may still be in its relative infancy, but the early battle for Grand Finals qualification is already beginning to produce a fascinating blend of legendary names, emerging darts talent and rapidly tightening leaderboards.
As with the ADC, the women’s circuit is also split across two separate divisions and identical venues. The North, staged in Middlesbrough, has already hosted the opening quartet of WADC events, while the South recently got underway at Bradmoor Farm with the campaign’s inaugural gathering.
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Although the southern section has only just commenced, the northern standings have already begun establishing a recognisable hierarchy. Leading the way is Kim Holden, who currently sits atop the northern rankings following an impressive opening weekend in Middlesbrough.
A regular presence on the PDC Women’s Series this season, Holden claimed victory in both tournaments staged on the final day in the north-east, immediately creating daylight between herself and the chasing pack.
Behind her sits Natalie Gilbert, while super Swede Vicky Pruim occupies third position and boasts a particularly unique distinction. Pruim is currently the only player across both the ADC and WADC structures occupying top-eight qualification positions in both the northern and southern standings simultaneously.
2026 WADC WINMAU CHAMPIONSHIP DARTS– NORTH
- Kim Holden – 136 pts
- Natalie Gilbert – 112 pts
- Vicky Pruim – 80 pts
- Angela Kirkwood – 66 pts
- Eleanor Cairns – 56 pts
- Lauryn Salter – 50 pts
- Sara Walton – 37 pts
- Jody Hancock – 22 pts
Attention then turns south where the opening WADC weekend produced four different tournament winners and immediately injected intrigue into the rankings.
At present, it is Gemma Hayter who leads in the South the standings courtesy of stronger cumulative performances across the opening quartet of events. Directly behind her sits Louise Pearson, who closed the weekend by capturing the final tournament title and immediately establishing herself as one of the early pace-setters.
Then come two names requiring absolutely no introduction whatsoever. Ten-time BDO Women’s World Champion Trina Gulliver currently occupies third, while reigning Lakeside Women’s Champion Deta Hedman sits directly behind her in fourth.
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Between them, the pair possess enough darting pedigree to fill several trophy cabinets and their continued competitiveness offers a reminder that experience remains an enormously valuable commodity within the women’s game.
2026 WADC WINMAU CHAMPIONSHIP DARTS – SOUTH
- Gemma Hayter – 105 pts
- Louise Pearson – 86 pts
- Trina Gulliver – 82 pts
- Deta Hedman – 81 pts
- Jo Locke – 60 pts
- Eve Watson – 58 pts
- Vicky Pruim – 40 pts
- Steph Clarke – 39 pts
There remains a substantial amount of darting still to be played across both divisions and, as the campaign deepens, it would hardly be surprising to see more competitors doubling up with expeditions both north and south in pursuit of qualification.
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For now though, the early landscape is beginning to emerge – and the blend of legendary champions, established operators and ambitious newcomers is already giving the 2026 WADC season considerable intrigue.
For Players intrigued, a visit to www.dartscircuit.com offers the gateway. Register attend one of the hundreds of affiliated venues and immerse yourself. The trajectory from local league hopeful to recognised contender often begins in these modest yet indispensable arenas.
So, if you operate a venue with a strong affinity for darts – or know someone who does – now is the time to act. Follow this link register your interest in becoming part of a progressive team and a truly outstanding initiative.
—–ENDS—–
Images: Chris Sargeant
