ANALYSIS | Record number of Dutch players at the World Matchplay 2026: what can Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman and co. deliver?
PDCThursday, 16 July 2026 at 06:00
The World Matchplay 2026 is around the corner, and it promises to be a special edition for the Netherlands. No fewer than eight Dutch players will take to the stage at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, a record number for the major tournament.
ADVERTISEMENT
Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman, Danny Noppert, Dirk van Duijvenbode, Kevin Doets, Jermaine Wattimena, and Niels Zonneveld are all in the World Matchplay field and will each fancy a tilt at the title. But how realistic are their chances of lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy?
Dutch participants at the World Matchplay since the first edition in 1994
| Year | Dutch participants |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 0 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 1 (Roland Scholten) |
| 2001 | 1 (Roland Scholten) |
| 2002 | 1 (Roland Scholten) |
| 2003 | 1 (Roland Scholten) |
| 2004 | 1 (Roland Scholten) |
| 2005 | 1 (Roland Scholten) |
| 2006 | 1 (Roland Scholten) |
| 2007 | 3 (Roland Scholten, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld) |
| 2008 | 4 (Roland Scholten, Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Vincent van der Voort) |
| 2009 | 5 (Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Vincent van der Voort, Jelle Klaasen, Co Stompé) |
| 2010 | 4 (Raymond van Barneveld, Vincent van der Voort, Jelle Klaasen, Co Stompé) |
| 2011 | 2 (Raymond van Barneveld, Vincent van der Voort) |
| 2012 | 3 (Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Vincent van der Voort) |
| 2013 | 3 (Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Jelle Klaasen) |
| 2014 | 3 (Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Vincent van der Voort) |
| 2015 | 5 (Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Vincent van der Voort, Jelle Klaasen, Benito van de Pas) |
| 2016 | 5 (Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Vincent van der Voort, Jelle Klaasen, Benito van de Pas) |
| 2017 | 5 (Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Jelle Klaasen, Benito van de Pas, Christian Kist) |
| 2018 | 5 (Michael van Gerwen, Raymond van Barneveld, Jelle Klaasen, Jermaine Wattimena, Jeffrey de Zwaan) |
| 2019 | 5 (Michael van Gerwen, Vincent van der Voort, Jermaine Wattimena, Jeffrey de Zwaan, Danny Noppert) |
| 2020 | 5 (Michael van Gerwen, Vincent van der Voort, Jermaine Wattimena, Jeffrey de Zwaan, Danny Noppert) |
| 2021 | 5 (Michael van Gerwen, Vincent van der Voort, Jermaine Wattimena, Danny Noppert, Dirk van Duijvenbode) |
| 2022 | 3 (Michael van Gerwen, Danny Noppert, Dirk van Duijvenbode) |
| 2023 | 4 (Michael van Gerwen, Danny Noppert, Dirk van Duijvenbode, Raymond van Barneveld) |
| 2024 | 4 (Michael van Gerwen, Danny Noppert, Raymond van Barneveld, Gian van Veen) |
| 2025 | 7 (Michael van Gerwen, Danny Noppert, Raymond van Barneveld, Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman, Dirk van Duijvenbode, Jermaine Wattimena) |
| 2026 | 8 (Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Danny Noppert, Wessel Nijman, Jermaine Wattimena, Kevin Doets, Niels Zonneveld, Dirk van Duijvenbode) |
Michael van Gerwen
With three titles, Michael van Gerwen is the second most successful player ever at the World Matchplay. Only Phil Taylor, who tops the list with 16 titles, has done better than “Mighty Mike” in Blackpool. Van Gerwen lifted the trophy in 2015, 2016, and 2022. He also reached the final in 2014 and 2024, but lost those to Phil Taylor and Luke Humphries. So while the Dutchman did win three titles, it still feels a touch underwhelming.
This year marks Van Gerwen’s 18th World Matchplay appearance. For someone who was world number one uninterrupted for seven years from 01/01/2014 through 01/02/2021, three titles at the “summer Worlds” is a little disappointing. Of course, the field at the Winter Gardens is brutal, but you would expect more from a player of Van Gerwen’s stature.
Whether “MVG” can add another Matchplay crown is an open question. His dominant years seem behind him, and his recent form has been far from sparkling. In fact, an early exit could even see him slip back to 10th on the PDC Order of Merit. That is because he must defend the prize money from his runner-up finish two years ago in Blackpool. Van Gerwen will need a strong result to avoid sliding down the world rankings.
ADVERTISEMENT
Van Gerwen has won the World Matchplay three times in his career.
So what is possible for Van Gerwen this tournament? “Mighty Mike” opens against Andrew Gilding. The Englishman is also short of his best form, so on paper Van Gerwen should get through this. If he does, the second round brings the winner of Dirk van Duijvenbode versus Chris Dobey, a far tougher assignment.
Should he clear that hurdle, a quarterfinal against Jonny Clayton or Gary Anderson looks likely, with Luke Littler the projected semifinal opponent based on the rankings. Not an easy route for a Dutchman who has struggled with his game for some time. Still, you can never write him off. If Van Gerwen rediscovers his top level, he is capable of beating anyone, including Luke Littler.
Michael van Gerwen’s results at the World Matchplay
| Year | Result |
| 2007 | Second round |
| 2008 | Second round |
| 2009 | First round |
| 2012 | Quarterfinals |
| 2013 | Semifinals |
| 2014 | Runner-up |
| 2015 | Winner |
| 2016 | Winner |
| 2017 | Quarterfinals |
| 2018 | First round |
| 2019 | Second round |
| 2020 | Second round |
| 2021 | Semifinals |
| 2022 | Winner |
| 2023 | First round |
| 2024 | Runner-up |
| 2025 | Second round |
ADVERTISEMENT
Gian van Veen
Gian van Veen rocketed up to third in the world rankings last year after reaching the World Darts Championship final. Even aside from the Worlds, the Dutchman enjoyed a strong season. At the 2025 World Matchplay he made the quarterfinals, beating Luke Humphries 10-8 in his opener among others.
Following the Worlds success, however, his momentum seemed to fade a little. His punishing Premier League debut coincided with kidney stones, which dented “The Giant’s” results in recent months. Lately, though, there are signs of an upturn in the Dutchman’s game, possibly at just the right time.
Van Veen has not been helped by the draw. He faces Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski in round one, who recently won the European Darts Open. If he gets past “The Polish Eagle,” a second-round clash with compatriot Wessel Nijman is very likely. And Nijman just happens to be the man in form over the past few months.
It will be no easy task for Van Veen to land his second major title. But with his game trending up, you can never rule out the current world number 3.
ADVERTISEMENT
Gian van Veen’s results at the World Matchplay
| Year | Result |
| 2024 | First round |
| 2025 | Quarterfinals |
Danny Noppert
Danny Noppert is set for his eighth appearance at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. In recent years, though, the World Matchplay has not been a happy hunting ground for “The Freeze.” Across his last seven editions, he only once went beyond the second round, the exception coming in 2022.
ADVERTISEMENT
That year Noppert reached the semifinals by defeating Brendan Dolan, Daryl Gurney, and Dirk van Duijvenbode in succession. He eventually bowed out to Gerwyn Price in the semis, losing 17-11.
Apart from that exception, Noppert has rarely made waves in Blackpool. Could that change this year? It is hard to gauge right now. The Frisian has been inconsistent of late. Strong results, such as a run to the German Darts Grand Prix final, have been mixed with early exits.
The draw has not been kind either. He opens against Rob Cross, who has found form again and recently won a Players Championship event. If he comes through that, a potential second-round showdown with Gerwyn Price looms. On paper, Luke Humphries would then be the quarterfinal opponent.
Danny Noppert’s results at the World Matchplay
| Year | Result |
| 2019 | First round |
| 2020 | Second round |
| 2021 | First round |
| 2022 | Semifinals |
| 2023 | Second round |
| 2024 | First round |
| 2025 | Second round |
ADVERTISEMENT
Wessel Nijman
Wessel Nijman may well be the standout dark horse for the 2026 World Matchplay. The Dutchman is in blistering form this year and is even rated by the bookmakers as third favorite behind Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.
Looking at his 2026 results, that is hardly a stretch. Nijman has dominated on the floor, winning six Players Championship events. With 24 floor tournaments played so far, he has claimed 25% of them. He has also added two European Tour titles this year.
As a result, the Dutchman tops the ProTour Order of Merit, holding a commanding lead of £120,500 over the chasers. Those titles have also lifted the Uitgeest thrower to 14th on the main world rankings, and with a deep run in Blackpool, the top 10 looks within reach.
Read also
ADVERTISEMENT
Nothing appears to block a strong run from Nijman. He opens against Dave Chisnall, who scraped in as the very last qualifier for the World Matchplay. On recent form, the Dutchman should win that, setting up a first real test in round two against the winner of Gian van Veen versus Krzysztof Ratajski. A potential quarterfinal would then bring someone from the bracket featuring James Wade, Jermaine Wattimena, Ryan Searle, and William O’Connor.
In his current form, a run to the semifinals is a realistic target. On paper, Luke Humphries would await there. While the longer format in the semis raises the bar, the Dutchman has shown he can beat the sport’s biggest names. So it is no surprise the bookies list Nijman as the third favorite.
Nijman is being touted by bookmakers, analysts, and former pros as a genuine title contender for the 2026 World Matchplay.
Jermaine Wattimena
Jermaine Wattimena will mainly hope to finally break his poor Blackpool streak this year. The Dutchman played four times at the Winter Gardens between 2018 and 2021 but failed to win an opening match. He returned last year after a three-year absence and did clear the first round, only to fall one match later.
ADVERTISEMENT
Judging by the current form of “The Machine Gun,” it is certainly possible for the Dutchman to push on at the World Matchplay. Wattimena recently reached the European Darts Open final, breaking another Euro Tour hoodoo. He had never previously made it past the Sunday afternoon session, but finally did so in Leverkusen after several attempts.
Doing that at the very last European Tour event before the World Matchplay shows Wattimena is in good nick. The draw also looks favorable. Although he faces world number 6 James Wade in round one, it is not an impossible task. That said, “The Machine” generally thrives at the Winter Gardens.
If he wins, he will meet the winner of Ryan Searle versus William O’Connor in round two. The path to a first quarterfinal seems to be there for the Dutchman.
Jermaine Wattimena’s results at the World Matchplay
| Year | Result |
| 2018 | First round |
| 2019 | First round |
| 2020 | First round |
| 2021 | First round |
| 2025 | Second round |
Dirk van Duijvenbode
While Wattimena has struggled at the World Matchplay in recent years, the same applies to Dirk van Duijvenbode. In four appearances, the Dutchman has only once reached the quarterfinals, in 2021.
2026 has been patchy so far for “Aubergenius.” Van Duijvenbode has made just three quarterfinals from 24 floor events. One of those runs did reach a final, which he lost 8-5 to Michael van Gerwen.
The European Tour has not been plain sailing either. Of the 10 tournaments played, he exited in his opener five times. In the five events where he did win his first match, he only reached two quarterfinals.
Van Duijvenbode is also in a tricky quarter of the draw. He opens against Chris Dobey, whom he did beat recently at the European Darts Open. If he repeats that, a second-round clash with Michael van Gerwen awaits, followed by a potential quarterfinal against Jonny Clayton or Gary Anderson. It will be a tall order for Van Duijvenbode to go deep at a major again.
Dirk van Duijvenbode’s results at the World Matchplay
| Year | Result |
| 2021 | First round |
| 2022 | Quarterfinals |
| 2023 | Second round |
| 2025 | Second round |
Kevin Doets
Kevin Doets is one of two Dutch debutants at this World Matchplay. Even so, he is often tipped as a potential surprise package. Judging by his results this year, that is no shock.
“Hawkeye” has been one of the stronger floor players this season and claimed his first ever floor title at Players Championship 13. He has also made four additional semifinals, putting him third on the Players Championship Order of Merit.
The form is not confined to the floor. He has impressed regularly on the European Tour. He reached the semifinals at the German Darts Grand Prix and went one better at the Austrian Darts Open, making the final. He lost 8-6 to Josh Rock despite averaging 101.20.
These results show Kevin Doets is one to watch at this World Matchplay. To engineer a shock, he will have to beat big names. If he gets past Ross Smith in round one, which is testing enough, Luke Humphries will almost certainly await in round two.
You can flip that around, too. In Doets’s current form, Humphries will not relish facing the Dutchman as early as the second round.
Doets currently sits third on the Players Championship Order of Merit.
Niels Zonneveld
The second Dutch debutant at this World Matchplay is Niels Zonneveld. “Triple Z” is enjoying an excellent year and qualified convincingly as number 9 on the ProTour Order of Merit for the Winter Gardens.
Looking at his recent results, it is no surprise Zonneveld is at the World Matchplay this year. While two quarterfinals on the floor are not standout, the Dutchman has really showcased his quality on the European Tour.
Earlier this season he reached the semifinals at both the European Darts Trophy and the Belgian Darts Open, and he also made the quarterfinals at the German Darts Grand Prix. Thanks to those performances, he now sits 10th on the European Tour Order of Merit, strengthening his European Championship prospects.
Lately, though, things have dipped slightly for Zonneveld, who recently explained that the recent birth of his daughter was the main reason. So what can we expect from “Triple Z” in Blackpool? Honestly, there are decent opportunities for the Dutchman to make his mark.
He opens against Stephen Bunting, who has not been in the best spell of his career lately. If he wins that match, he will meet the winner of Josh Rock versus Luke Woodhouse. That is not easy, but certainly not an impossible task.
Conclusion
All told, the World Matchplay promises to be a historic edition from a Dutch perspective. With eight entrants, there are plenty of chances for players to go deep. As world numbers three and four, Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen are automatic title contenders, while Wessel Nijman may be the key man to watch this tournament.
With Danny Noppert, Dirk van Duijvenbode, Jermaine Wattimena, Kevin Doets, and Niels Zonneveld, the Netherlands also has ample other irons in the fire to spring surprises along the way. For Dutch darts fans, the 2026 World Matchplay looks like an edition to savor!
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Don't worry Vinman, England will not be in the final.richieburnettrocks16-07-2026
- Ultimately, Vin man knew when to call it quits. Barney was excellent and one of the greatest darts player ever, but he just doesn't have that ability anymore. Vinman working in media is only saying what he thinks and I like how he doesn't sugar coat things and is completely honest and direct with his comments. Vinman will probably agree he wasn't really on the same level as Barney in their respective heydays.richieburnettrocks13-07-2026
- I agree that this season the format was a bit stale, it would be better to have some new faces rotated in through the season. I also think they should vary the format a bit as it doesn't count for rankings, they could have different varieties of 501 (e.g. double start) or just different challenges.mikedarts03-07-2026
- I don't really understand why its an issue that Littler doesn't play in the events, they are barely televised so there is no draw for marketing and it gives the other players a better chance to define their narratives. The events are more of a throw back to old events. I agree that the format should be looked at, I don't know why they don't do a more interesting format or vary it through the season to improve interestmikedarts03-07-2026
- This shows they have the prize money structure wrong then (and OoM as a result). Put more £ into the floor, less on the TV and you'll attract more players to attend more often.BandB03-07-2026
- He's admitted his mistakes. He won't be the first or last player to get sent down,or take drugs. I honestly didn't like the lad,but at least he's owning up to his issues. So,good luck. In whatever he decides to dorick6702-07-2026
- Not everyone wants to watch pub players throwing 70 averages for about £500. Premier League is indeed a cash cow, but it does its job of promoting the game. This new suggestion for changes is one of the better ones. Even better if everyone knew what they had to do to qualify and it isn't just a walk-on popularity contest.StraightArrowNoBull01-07-2026
- I have a suggestion,scrap the whole thing. It's a pointless cash cow for anyone in the top 10.rick6730-06-2026
- Well nobody made him bet!! It's his own fault,if wants to lose money,then he shouldn't call Gerwyn out! He averaged 103,I would think the losing betting idiot could average 40! If you don't want to risk losing,keep your money in your pocket!rick6728-06-2026
- A great female line up this year, it would be nice to see Gemma win, but Beau is too good. Although the most important lady is missing....Lorraine Winstanley! You can't have a major tournament with out Lorraine Winstanley!! My dream is to see Lorraine hit a nine darter, run off the stage and out of the building with Dean.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
Loading