Wessel Nijman, after years of promising starts that didn’t quite deliver on the biggest stages, is experiencing a truly remarkable 2024. With an incredible six Pro Tour titles and two European Tour victories already under his belt, the Dutch sensation arrives at the Betfred World Matchplay in Blackpool as a genuine contender. Currently ranked as the third favourite by bookmakers, Nijman’s exceptional form and confidence suggest that this could finally be the major tournament where he shines, leaving his past ‘false dawns’ behind.
The Meteoric Rise of Wessel Nijman: A Season of Unprecedented Success
For a long time, Wessel Nijman’s career in PDC TV ‘majors’ has been marked by moments of potential that ultimately didn’t translate into deep runs. We’ve seen him reach the second round of the World Championship in his three appearances, a ceiling he struggled to break through, including a notable whitewash loss in 2026. However, 2024 has witnessed a **seismic shift** in his performance, transforming him into one of the most feared players on the circuit.
This year, Nijman has not just been winning; he’s been dominating. His list of achievements is staggering:
- **Six Pro Tour titles** in the first half of the season alone.
- A maiden **European Tour victory** at the European Darts Trophy (ET2).
- A second European Tour triumph at the **Slovak Darts Open (ET9)**.
These accolades paint a clear picture: Nijman has found a new level of consistency and winning prowess, especially when it matters most. This remarkable run has naturally fueled expectations that he is now primed for a significant impact on the biggest televised stages.
Blackpool Beckons: The World Matchplay Challenge
All eyes are now on Blackpool, where Nijman, at just 26 years old, is set to make his second tilt at the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy. Following a second-round exit in 2025, his current form sees him installed as the **third favourite** with most bookmaking outlets – a testament to his incredible year.
His opening assignment is against veteran Dave Chisnall. Given Chisnall’s recent challenging period, Nijman starts as the **hot favourite** to advance to the last 16. However, the path ahead promises to be anything but easy. Should he overcome ‘Chizzy’, a potential second-round clash awaits against formidable opponents like Gian van Veen or Krzysztof Ratajski.
An interesting aspect of the draw is that Nijman finds himself on the **opposite side to defending champion Luke Littler**. This positioning could prove highly beneficial, allowing him to potentially navigate the early stages with slightly less pressure and attention, going ‘under the radar’ in his bid for glory.
Why This Time Is Different: A Serious Contender Emerges
It’s truly remarkable to consider that Nijman’s best previous run at a PDC TV tournament was a last-32 finish at this year’s UK Open. Yet, the way he is currently playing, combined with the phenomenal seasonal numbers he’s producing and the sheer volume of titles he has ‘hoovered up’, makes it impossible to ignore him as a **serious contender for the top prize**.
His newfound confidence, clinical finishing, and consistent scoring have transformed him from a promising talent into a genuine threat. This isn’t just another ‘false dawn’; this is a player who has consistently crossed the winning line throughout the year. For Wessel Nijman, the Betfred World Matchplay in Blackpool could finally be the moment he has been waiting for – the big-tournament breakthrough that solidifies his place among darts’ elite.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
