Wessel Nijman is currently enjoying one of the most remarkable seasons in darts history, having already clinched eight ProTour titles – a feat achieved by only three other legends of the game: Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Peter Wright. Yet, despite this incredible dominance, the 26-year-old Dutchman has mysteriously struggled to replicate his form on major TV stages, never reaching a quarter-final in 16 attempts. While his averages prove his talent, it’s his inability to win crucial moments that has cost him. However, with a stunning rise in the world rankings and a strong showing at last year’s World Matchplay, Nijman returns as a serious contender, poised to finally translate his floor supremacy into major stage glory.
The Unstoppable Force on the ProTour
At just 26 years old, Wessel Nijman is writing his name into the darts history books with an unprecedented run on the ProTour. He has already secured an astonishing six Players Championships and two European Tour titles in a single season, bringing his total to eight ProTour wins. This incredible achievement places him in an exclusive club, alongside titans of the sport like Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Peter Wright, as one of only four players ever to achieve such a feat.
His overall PDC title count now stands at 11, making him the third most successful Dutch player in the PDC – a testament to his immense talent in a country renowned for its darting prowess.
The Baffling Major Stage Enigma
Despite his undeniable talent and relentless winning on the ProTour, Nijman’s performances on the sport’s biggest stages remain a puzzling contrast. Across 16 major televised appearances, he has never progressed beyond the Last 16, with three such runs being his best results.
What makes this even more perplexing is that his struggles aren’t due to a lack of skill or scoring power. Nijman has consistently posted elite averages on TV, including:
- Averages of 106.51, 105.39, and 111.1 in a single Grand Slam group stage – remarkably, without winning a single game.
- 100+ averages at last year’s Players Championship Finals.
- Another 100+ average at the UK Open in March.
This pattern highlights his core issue: it’s often his inability to clinch decisive moments and close out games, rather than his overall level of play, that costs him dearly. A prime example was his narrow 6-5 loss to Michael van Gerwen at last year’s European Championship, where he missed crucial match darts.
Signs of a Breakthrough: The World Matchplay Awaits
While the major TV stage has been a hurdle, Nijman’s recent success on the European Tour circuit demonstrates his growing ability to secure titles on larger platforms, which are broadcast to wider audiences. This experience is proving invaluable as he prepares for another shot at a major championship.
His progression over the past year has been nothing short of spectacular. Just twelve months ago, Nijman arrived at Blackpool for the World Matchplay ranked World No. 42. He returns this year as the World No. 14, marking an impressive leap up the rankings without a “major” deep run to bolster it.
His debut at the World Matchplay in 2025 offered a glimpse of his potential. He delivered a clinical performance to defeat former champion Nathan Aspinall 10-6, averaging 101.72. Though he eventually fell to eventual finalist James Wade in the second round (11-5, despite Wade’s 102+ average), his debut showcased his capability to compete with the best.
Nijman is set to open his campaign against Dave Chisnall, a player he has beaten in all three of their previous encounters. This presents a golden opportunity for him to advance, with a potential clash against third seed Gian van Veen looming for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals.
Can Darts’ Floor King Finally Conquer the Stage?
The question on every darts fan’s mind is whether Wessel Nijman, the undisputed most dominant ProTour player of the last decade, can finally translate his consistent brilliance into a major televised title. His talent is undeniable, his scoring power immense, and his recent trajectory points towards a breakthrough. The World Matchplay could well be the tournament where Nijman silences the doubters and proves he truly belongs among the sport’s elite on the biggest stages.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
