Get ready for a shake-up in the world of professional darts! Gian van Veen, James Wade, and Jeffrey Nijman are uniquely positioned for a significant leap up the PDC Order of Merit in 2026. Thanks to the two-year rolling ranking system, these players have very few prize money points “to defend” from previous years. This means almost every pound they win in upcoming tournaments will directly contribute to a higher ranking, offering them a golden opportunity to climb substantially, secure better seeding, and access more prestigious events. For fans, it promises an exciting year watching these talents potentially redefine their careers.
Understanding the PDC Order of Merit
The PDC Order of Merit is the official ranking system for professional darts players, determining eligibility and seeding for major tournaments. It’s calculated based on the total prize money a player has won over a two-year rolling period. This means that as new prize money is added, prize money earned exactly two years prior is removed. For example, prize money won in January 2024 will drop off the ranking in January 2026.
This system creates a constant ebb and flow. Players with high earnings from two years ago must “defend” those points by performing well again to maintain their position. If they don’t, their ranking will drop even if they win some new prize money.
The Strategic Advantage: Nothing to Defend
For some players, however, the two-year cycle presents a massive opportunity. If a player has earned relatively little prize money during the earlier part of the two-year window (e.g., 2024 for the 2026 rankings), they have very few, if any, points to “defend”. This is precisely the advantageous position Gian van Veen, James Wade, and Jeffrey Nijman find themselves in for 2026.
What does this mean?
- Maximum Gain: Almost every pound of prize money they win in 2025 and 2026 will be added to their total, with minimal deductions from expiring older points.
- Faster Climb: They can ascend the rankings much quicker than players who are burdened with defending significant prize money from two years prior.
- Lower Pressure: While every match matters, the pressure of maintaining a ranking by defending large sums is significantly reduced.
Players to Watch in 2026
Gian van Veen: The Young Gun’s Ascent
Gian van Veen, the exciting Dutch talent, has rapidly risen through the ranks in recent years. As a relatively new professional competing at the highest level, his prize money from earlier in the two-year cycle is naturally lower. This means that as 2026 approaches, he will have minimal points dropping off his total. Any strong performances in 2025 and particularly 2026 will see his ranking skyrocket. He’s already shown his immense potential, and this strategic advantage could propel him into the elite faster than many expect.
James Wade: The Machine’s Resurgence?
James Wade, a multiple major winner and a long-standing fixture in the top echelons of darts, has experienced a quieter period by his own high standards. For a veteran like “The Machine,” having “nothing to defend” suggests that older, higher-value prize money has likely already cycled out of his ranking. This provides him with a fresh slate and a significant opportunity to rebuild his position. If Wade can rediscover his consistent form, the lack of expiring points means he can make a rapid return towards the top of the Order of Merit, securing better seeding for the biggest tournaments.
Jeffrey Nijman: A Dark Horse Emerges
Jeffrey Nijman is another Dutch player who, while perhaps less established than Van Veen or Wade on the main tour, is in a similar advantageous position. With fewer high-value earnings from two years ago, Nijman has an almost clean slate for 2026. This offers him a prime chance to consolidate his position on the professional tour and make a serious move up the rankings. Strong performances could see him qualify for events he might otherwise miss, establishing himself as a more prominent figure in professional darts.
What This Means for Their Careers
A significant climb on the PDC Order of Merit has profound implications for a player’s career:
- Tournament Access: Higher rankings guarantee entry into major televised events, which offer the largest prize funds and exposure.
- Improved Seeding: Better seeding means avoiding top players in early rounds, increasing chances of progressing deeper into tournaments.
- Financial Rewards: More prize money translates to greater financial stability, allowing players to focus more on their game.
- Increased Visibility: Higher rankings often lead to more media attention, sponsorship opportunities, and fan engagement.
For Van Veen, Wade, and Nijman, 2026 isn’t just another year; it’s a strategic window to make substantial career progress. Their unique position offers a clear path to significantly improve their standing in the darting world.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartsnieuws.com.
