Deta Hedman, affectionately known as the “Caribbean Queen,” made darts history in December 2025 by winning her first world championship at age 66. The Jamaican-born English player defeated top seed Lerena Rietbergen 4-1 to claim the 2025 WDF Women’s World Championship title at Lakeside, ending a 15-year wait after four previous final heartbreaks. Just months later, in January 2026, she received her OBE honour from Princess Anne at St James’s Palace for services to darts and charity.
Who Is Deta Hedman? Meet the Legendary Caribbean Queen of Darts
Deta Hedman is an English darts player born in Jamaica who has become the reigning WDF women’s world champion and one of the most decorated female players in the sport’s history. Affectionately dubbed the “Caribbean Queen“ by fans and the World Darts Federation, she has competed professionally for five decades across BDO, PDC, and WDF tournaments.
At 66 years old, Hedman holds the record as the oldest world champion in darts history, surpassing previous records when she lifted the 2025 WDF Women’s World Championship trophy. She has won over 100 tournaments throughout her career and is recognized as a two-time World Masters champion (1994, 2013).
Deta Hedman Age and Early Life: From Jamaica to Essex
Deta Hedman was born on November 14, 1959, in St Thomas, Jamaica. Her parents emigrated to the United Kingdom in the early 1960s, leaving Hedman and her siblings in the care of relatives in Jamaica.
She spent her childhood with her aunt in Castleton, living in a shack without running water or electricity. She attended school Monday through Thursday and worked on a farm on Fridays. Her parents eventually settled in Witham, Essex, and brought their children to the UK over time. Hedman joined them in January 1973 at age 13.
She started playing darts with her older brother after babysitting for him, then began competing at local pubs in Witham and throughout Essex. At age 25, she joined a super league, was selected for the county team, and in 1987 began playing in British Darts Organisation (BDO) events.
Deta Hedman Historic 2025 WDF World Championship Win at Age 66
The crowning moment of Hedman’s career came on Sunday, December 7, 2025, when she defeated top seed Lerena Rietbergen 4-1 in the WDF Women’s World Championship final at Lakeside Country Club.
This victory marked the first world title in Hedman’s five-decade career after enduring heartbreak in four previous world finals over 15 years. She described the moment as “crying like a child” and said, “I have been trying for 15 years and four finals and finally won the world championship”.
At 66, Hedman became the oldest world champion in darts history, a record recognized by darts media. During the tournament, she defeated Sophie McKinlay 3-0 in the quarter-finals, demonstrating “volcanic energy and the pure defiance of biology itself” according to darts coverage.
Deta Hedman Career Highlights: Multiple Majors and Trailblazing Records
Hedman’s impressive trophy cabinet includes numerous major titles and historic achievements:
Key career milestones:
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1989: Won her first WDF ranking title at the Finnish Open
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1994: Became Women’s World Number 1 after winning World Masters
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2005: First female player to beat a male player (Aaron Turner) in a televised major at UK Open
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2020: Qualified for 2021 PDC World Championship by tying with Fallon Sherrock on Order of Merit
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2020: Named to BBC’s 100 Women list
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34 PDC Women’s Series titles claimed throughout her career
She has competed in 8 World Championship semi-finals and reached 4 world finals before her 2025 triumph.
Deta Hedman 2026 Form: Current WDF Ranking and PDC Women’s Series Success
As of May 2026, Deta Hedman holds the Number 1 spot in WDF Women’s Rankings, seeded first for the 2026 WDF World Championship. Her world title victory solidified her position as the top-ranked female player globally.
In the 2026 PDC Women’s Series Order of Merit, Hedman continues to compete at the highest level:
Hedman won 2026 PDC Women’s Series Event 1, reaching the Last 32 and earning £200. She also won a 2026 PDC Women’s Series event alongside Vicky Pruim, demonstrating her continued competitiveness at age 66.
Her current statistics show:
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Career titles: 100+
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Major titles: 34
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Games won: 795 from 1,156 played (68.77% winning percentage)
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Current year average: 73.14
Deta Hedman Personal Life, Charity Work, and OBE Honour
Hedman was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 Birthday Honours for services to darts and charity. She collected her OBE medal from Princess Anne (The Princess Royal) at St James’s Palace on January 29, 2026.
Describing the moment as “mind-blowing” and “marvellous,” Hedman said, “I am still overwhelmed. After all this time since I knew about the honour, it still has not sunk in”. Princess Anne called the encounter “special,” noting her own lifelong involvement in sport.
Charity Work: “The Heart of Darts”
The World Darts Federation nicknamed Hedman “The Heart of Darts“ for her charity work supporting disabled children. She is a patron for Hearts of Darts charity, which has raised more than £200,000 over 20 years, primarily helping young children with cerebral palsy.
She has also served as a long-term ambassador for England’s youth teams.
Personal Background
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Brother Rudi: Professional footballer for Colchester United and Crystal Palace
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Brother Al: Professional darts player, 1995 BDO British Open Champion
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Nephew Graham: 400-metre runner
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Former occupation: Royal Mail employee (worked late shifts until early morning)
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Residence: Witham, Essex, UK (53 years in the UK as of 2026)
Hedman previously stepped away from darts due to work conflicts with her full-time Royal Mail position and disclosed facing racial abuse that influenced her decision.
Deta Hedman Net Worth and Impact on Women’s Darts
Deta Hedman’s estimated net worth is $5 million, primarily sourced from her darts career according to celebrity financial analysis. Her 2025 World Championship win came with £20,000 in prize money.
Impact on Women’s Darts
Hedman’s influence on women’s darts extends far beyond her trophy collection:
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Trailblazer for longevity: At 66, she proved female players can compete at the highest level well into their 60s
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First OBE in darts: She became the first person in darts sport to receive an OBE, breaking new ground for recognition of the sport
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Role model: Her five-decade career inspires generations of female darts players
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Gender equality advocate: Hedman has spoken publicly about disparities between men’s and women’s tournaments
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Charity ambassador: Her Hearts of Darts work has raised substantial funds for disabled children, enhancing darts’ community profile
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Media presence: Named to BBC’s 100 Women list in 2020, increasing visibility for women’s darts
Former world number 1 and Vice Magazine described her as “the world’s best female darts player” in a feature titled “At the Pub with ‘Dark Destroyer’ Deta Hedman”. Her nickname “Dark Destroyer” reflects her formidable competitive reputation.
FAQ: People Also Ask About Deta Hedman
What is Deta Hedman’s age in 2026?
Deta Hedman is 66 years old in 2026, born on November 14, 1959.
When did Deta Hedman win the world championship?
Deta Hedman won her first world championship on December 7, 2025, at the WDF Women’s World Championship at Lakeside, defeating Lerena Rietbergen 4-1.
Why is Deta Hedman called the Caribbean Queen?
Deta Hedman is nicknamed the “Caribbean Queen” because she was born in Jamaica (St Thomas) and represents Caribbean heritage in darts.
What is Deta Hedman’s highest ranking?
As of 2026, Deta Hedman is World Number 1 in WDF Women’s Rankings, seeded first for the 2026 WDF World Championship.
Did Deta Hedman receive an OBE?
Yes, Deta Hedman was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 Birthday Honours and received it from Princess Anne in January 2026.
How many world titles has Deta Hedman won?
Deta Hedman has won one world title (2025 WDF Women’s World Championship) after reaching four previous world finals.
Where was Deta Hedman born?
Deta Hedman was born in St Thomas, Jamaica, and moved to Witham, Essex, UK in January 1973 at age 13.
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