Dutch darts sensation Wessel Nijman, just 25 years old, has once again proven his dominance on the professional circuit, clinching his fifth Players Championship title of 2026. In a thrilling all-Dutch final, Nijman defeated compatriot Jermaine Wattimena, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s most formidable talents this year. This victory at Players Championship 12 highlights his consistent excellence and an incredible run of form that shows no signs of slowing down.
A Day of High Drama and Dutch Dominance
Following the historic win by Beau Greaves just a day prior, where she became the first woman to win a Players Championship event, the darts action returned to Milton Keynes for Players Championship 12. Players Championships are prestigious ‘floor’ tournaments on the PDC Pro Tour, crucial for ranking points and qualification for major televised events. While some top players like Michael Smith opted out after their previous final appearances, 127 competitors were still vying for the coveted title.
Beau Greaves continued to impress, showing her Monday form wasn’t a fluke. She secured notable victories against Tommy Morris (6-2) and Damon Heta (6-5), followed by a solid 6-3 win over Stefan Bellmont. However, her impressive run concluded in the Last 16, where she fell 6-0 to a strong Tom Bissell. Meanwhile, other major contenders faced early exits: Luke Humphries was knocked out in his opening match by Keane Barry (6-5), and Gian van Veen suffered a painful 6-2 defeat against Dimitri van den Bergh.
Rising Stars and Seasoned Veterans Shine
As the tournament progressed, with players like Josh Rock, Ross Smith, Stephen Bunting, and Danny Noppert also exiting, the field opened up for others to make their mark. Gary Anderson showcased flashes of brilliance, posting averages over 105 en route to the Last 16, reminding everyone of his class.
A true standout was Nathan Potter, the 22-year-old Englishman, who was only making his Pro Tour debut on Monday. Potter defied expectations, making it all the way to the quarter-finals. His journey included impressive wins over experienced pros like Daryl Gurney (6-5) and James Wade (6-2), where he averaged a remarkable 102.25, proving he belongs among the elite.
Tom Bissell, known as ‘The Bizzness,’ also underlined his excellent 2026 season by reaching the semi-finals. He consistently performed at a high level, hitting averages over 100 in four of his six matches played, solidifying his reputation as a player in superb form.
Nijman’s Path to Glory
Bissell’s strong run was ultimately halted by the eventual champion, Wessel Nijman. The 25-year-old from Uitgeest has been in a league of his own on the Pro Tour this year. His path to the final included convincing victories against Sebastian Bialecki (6-3) and Ryan Searle (6-3), before overcoming the in-form Tom Bissell in the semi-final with a 7-4 scoreline. This marked Nijman’s sixth final appearance of the year, a testament to his incredible consistency.
In the final, Nijman faced off against fellow Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena, making it an all-Dutch celebration a day after King’s Day in the Netherlands. Wattimena, nicknamed ‘The Machine Gun,’ had secured his place in the final by defeating Kevin Doets in the semi-finals, who had reached the Last 4 for the second consecutive day. The Dutch contingent performed exceptionally well overall on Tuesday, with Chris Landman and Alexander Merkx both reaching the Last 16 before falling to Chris Dobey (6-1) and Gary Anderson (6-3) respectively.
The All-Dutch Final: Nijman vs. Wattimena
For Wessel Nijman, finals are becoming familiar territory. The question was whether he could secure his fifth title in his fifteenth Pro Tour event of 2026. Jermaine Wattimena, however, was determined not to make it easy for him, starting the final match strongly. After sharing the first two legs, Wattimena capitalized on a mistake from Nijman to take a 3-1 lead. He then held his own throw with a quick 13-dart leg, extending his advantage.
However, Nijman mounted a relentless comeback. He reeled off three consecutive legs in 15, 11, and 16 darts to turn the tide and take a 5-4 lead. Wattimena responded bravely, hitting an 80-finish to level the score at 5-5, setting up a tense finish. The decisive moment came two legs later: in his own leg, Wattimena agonizingly missed six darts at the crucial ‘doubles’ needed to win the leg. In darts, finishing on a double is mandatory, and these misses proved costly. Nijman, ever the opportunist, punished these misses severely. He then stepped up in his own deciding leg, coolly checking out 67 with a 14-dart leg to clinch his fifth title of the year. This victory further solidifies the world number 16’s outstanding season.
Tournament Highlights: Key Results
Here’s a quick look at the decisive stages of Players Championship 12:
Quarter-Finals:
- Wessel Nijman 6-2 Nathan Potter
- Tom Bissell 6-3 Max Hopp
- Jermaine Wattimena 6-3 Chris Dobey
- Kevin Doets 6-1 Gary Anderson
Semi-Finals:
- Wessel Nijman 7-4 Tom Bissell
- Jermaine Wattimena 7-3 Kevin Doets
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
