Gemma Hayter's darts year is running at full throttle, with a busy schedule across the Women's Series, Challenge Tour, MODUS, and WDF calendar. "It's full-on at the minute," she says matter-of-factly, adding, "I'm at MODUS next week as well, so yeah—lots going on." Her plan for 2026 was clear from the start: play as many matches as possible across as many circuits as possible. "I think I just want to support different tours and play as much as I can," she explains. "Obviously, I'm doing a bit of WDF now and looking into the Challenge Tour—I'm going to give that a go. I just want to improve, and I think the more you play, the more that'll happen—hopefully."
Hayter credits the MODUS Super Series as key to her development, stating, "I think MODUS has been huge for me. Getting that experience—playing in front of a live crowd on a Saturday night and with TV cameras—that's been massive." She also highlights the rising standard on the PDC Women's Series, noting recent events feature quarterfinals and semifinals with averages above 90. "The numbers are going up, the entries are going up, and I do think the standard is improving," she says. Additionally, she points to a growing international spread in the women's field, mentioning players like Louise Patterson, Rachel Kingdon, and Leanne Topper alongside Rhiannon Sullivan and Lorraine Hyde.
In 2026, Hayter made major career steps with appearances at the Women's World Matchplay and her PDC World Darts Championship debut at Alexandra Palace. "It's something I didn't think I'd do," she admits. Reflecting on her Ally Pally outing, she says, "I was a bit disappointed after the first set. I only averaged about 67, and I knew that was poor." However, she gradually found her rhythm, adding, "I got a leg, which I was pleased with, and then I settled in more as the match went on, which helped." She notes she has only hit two 80-plus averages—one against Fallon Sherrock at the Matchplay and one against Josh—and aims to improve.
Alongside PDC activities, Hayter has played more WDF this year, which delivered immediate results: thanks to victory on the Isle of Man, she has already qualified for the WDF World Darts Championship at Lakeside. "I've already qualified for Lakeside," she says. "So that's secured." Participation in the World Masters in Las Vegas is also beckoning, which she calls "a big competition—probably the second biggest in the WDF." On Lakeside, she says, "It's so iconic. It's the only World Championship for women and girls, so that's a huge draw. Who doesn't want to be a world champion? I'd love to do it, so yeah—it still has that prestige." If faced with a choice between Lakeside or Alexandra Palace later in the year, she laughs, "I've got no idea, to be honest. At the minute, it's just Lakeside. If the choice comes, I'll make one—but right now, I've got no preference. I just wanted to make sure I was in one of them."
Hayter's focus is on the here and now, though physical issues may affect results: during the last Women's Series, her shoulder flared up again. "I felt a bit of a niggle in my shoulder come back," she says. "So it's about managing that and seeing how I throw." Her expectations for the Challenge Tour are modest: "Hopefully, I'll get a couple of wins—but if not, then it is what it is." In discussing women's darts, Hayter highlights Beau Greaves' dominance, stating, "I think she's more than capable [of winning a Players Championship]. She's so consistent and regularly hitting high averages." She notes Greaves is a bigger target, with everyone wanting to beat her, but senses a difference in how opponents approach her across circuits. "On the men's side, players will fancy their chances more," she explains. "I think most women realise they probably don't have much chance of beating her." According to Hayter, Greaves' impact on the Women's Series cuts both ways: "Some people say there's no point entering because Beau will win them all. And she often does. She also brings attention and new audiences to the women's game, which is really important."
