Wessel Nijman has once again proven why he’s one of darts’ most exciting talents, securing his sixth career ranking title by winning Players Championship 8. In a dramatic final, Nijman overcame the challenge of Joe Cullen, further solidifying his lead atop the Players Championship rankings. This victory marks his second PC win of 2026 and fourth overall since late 2025, adding to an already remarkable year that includes his maiden European Tour title. For those who want to know more about this incredible winning streak, read on!
The Unstoppable Rise of Wessel Nijman
Dutch sensation Wessel Nijman is truly living a dream. His victory at Players Championship 8 in Leicester is the latest chapter in an incredible run of form that has seen him dominate the PDC Pro Tour. This year alone, Nijman has reached three finals in just six Players Championship appearances, converting two of them into titles. This builds on his two PC wins from late 2025, painting a picture of consistent excellence.
Beyond the floor events, Nijman also broke new ground by clinching his maiden European Tour title in Göttingen. This was a significant milestone, as it finally put an end to a streak of less convincing performances in front of live crowds, proving he can deliver under pressure on the big stage.
Reflecting on his recent success, Nijman shared his excitement: “I’m living the dream life… This week was the first time I was the number one seed, so that was pretty special for me to be honest.” He added, “With the way I’m playing, especially in the floor events, I’m feeling pretty confident and this helps a lot.” This confidence is clearly translating into results.
Nijman’s Thrilling Path to Victory
Nijman’s journey to the PC8 title was anything but straightforward, featuring commanding performances and nail-biting finishes. Here’s a look at his route:
- Opening Round Dominance: Nijman kicked off his campaign with a statement 6-1 win over Dominik Gruellich, boasting an impressive 103.57 average.
- Consistent Progress: He then defeated Thomas Lovely for the second consecutive day, followed by a whitewash victory against Poland’s Tytus Kanik.
- Battling Barry: A tough encounter saw Nijman edge past a resurgent Keane Barry 6-5, showcasing his ability to win close matches.
- The Chisnall Comeback: In a thrilling quarter-final, Dave Chisnall took a commanding 4-1 lead. However, Nijman demonstrated incredible resilience, reeling off five successive legs to win 6-4 with a 105.11 average and advance.
- All-Dutch Semi-Final: The semi-final pitted him against fellow Dutchman Kevin Doets. In a tense affair, Doets missed two crucial match darts, allowing Nijman to prevail 7-6 and secure his spot in the final.
The Final Showdown: Nijman vs. Cullen
The final against Joe Cullen was an electric affair, pitting two of the tour’s in-form players against each other. The opening stages were incredibly tight, featuring five successive holds of throw as neither player gave an inch.
Nijman then started to assert control, hitting crucial finishes of 96 and 121 to take a 5-3 lead. However, “The Rockstar” Joe Cullen, who produced his best showing of 2026 to reach this final, refused to yield. Cullen responded with eight 180s throughout the match, keeping his title hopes alive and piling on the pressure.
The turning point arrived in the eleventh leg when Cullen devastatingly missed nine darts at a double. Nijman, ever the opportunist, gratefully capitalised on this lapse. He then produced a final 14-dart break of throw to seal a memorable victory and claim his sixth career ranking title.
Cullen’s Impressive Campaign
Joe Cullen’s run to the final was a testament to his returning form. He delivered a strong performance throughout the day, aiming for his tenth career Players Championship title. His path included routine victories over Samuel Price and former World Champion Michael Smith, followed by clutch deciding-leg wins against Damon Heta and Tom Sykes. Cullen’s 103 average against Sykes was a clear indicator of his high-level play, and he later overcame impressive youngster Charlie Manby 6-4 in the quarter-finals.
Other Standout Performances
While Nijman ultimately lifted the trophy, several other players delivered memorable performances:
- Sebastian Bialecki: The Polish number two enjoyed an impressive run to the semi-finals, securing resounding 6-2 wins against Kim Huybrechts and Daryl Gurney. He then defeated Leon Weber in his first ranking quarter-final of 2026. Weber himself had an excellent day, eliminating both Peter Wright and Nathan Aspinall.
- Kevin Doets: Reached the Players Championship semi-finals for the fourth time in his career. His journey included battling through last-leg deciders against Jonny Clayton, Richard Veenstra, and Chris Dobey before his heartbreaking loss to Nijman.
- Dave Chisnall: Produced arguably the performance of the day in his Last 32 match, averaging a scintillating 111.72 during a dominant 6-1 win over Martin Schindler.
The tournament also saw some surprising early exits, with Premier League stars Michael van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton eliminated in the Last 32. Monday’s Players Championship 7 winner Ryan Searle, along with darts legends Gary Anderson and Rob Cross, all fell at the first hurdle, highlighting the competitive nature of the PDC Pro Tour.
What’s Next for the Darts Elite?
The 2026 PDC Pro Tour continues its relentless schedule. Darts fans can look forward to the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich from April 4-6, followed by the next Players Championship double-header in Wigan on April 13-14. With players like Wessel Nijman in such sensational form, the upcoming events promise even more thrilling darts action.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
