"Hear those stories about reaching semifinals and finals of major that's what gets you going": Wessel Nijman buoyed by older generation over Littler, Van Veen

Wessel Nijman capped off a stunning three days in Leicester by winning Players Championship 30, claiming his second PDC title and continuing his impressive run of form on the ProTour.

The Dutchman, who had won a maiden ProTour crown almost a year ago to the day, sealed victory in a high-quality final and admitted the focus was always on getting the job done rather than chasing the spectacular finish. He saw off Damon Heta in an 8-3 success in the final and now moves onto his World Grand Prix debut full of confidence.

Asked if he was tempted to end the match with a 170 checkout, Nijman was clear: “No, no, no. Not when he’s not on a finish. I always go for a single 18 then.”

There was also the chance of a nine-darter, but once again his mind was on the bigger picture. “I didn’t bother about hitting a nine-darter. I was more worried about winning this final, and yeah, I’m so happy I did.”

The final may have started evenly, but Nijman quickly found his rhythm. “I felt really nice, actually all day long. But one game, I played Mario Vandenbogaerde — I think it was the second or third game — that was not my best game of my life. But in the end, all the other games were all right. The day before and the first day I played pretty good as well. On the first day I ran into Johnny Clayton with a 110 average, and then yesterday I ran into Ross Smith, who obviously played really good. So maybe I felt like it was coming, because I know I played really good those three days.”

For much of 2025, Nijman has been one of the most consistent performers on the ProTour, but this was his first title of the year after numerous semifinal appearances. He admits frustration only sets in when his own level isn’t there.

“If I play a semifinal and I don’t play my own game, and I lose with like a 90 average or something, then I’m frustrated. But as I say, when I played Ross Smith like I did yesterday, I think it was a 103 average, then I maybe need five minutes, but after that I’m all right.”

The victory comes at a crucial time, with Nijman climbing quickly up the rankings and about to make his televised debut at the World Grand Prix. “Maybe I want to approach it like any other tournament, but it’s hard to approach a major like that. In the end, it’s a dream to play the major tournaments — the Matchplay, the Grand Prix, the European Championship. That’s why we play, right? To qualify for those events. We’ll have to see what it brings next week.”

The 24-year-old is part of a new generation of talent making waves in the sport, alongside names such as Luke Littler, Josh Rock, Gian van Veen and Nico Springer. However, Nijman says his motivation also comes from those who have been there and done it.

“Well, not only the youth players. I think the big men maybe encourage me even more to be there. We’re sitting at the table with Raymond [van Barneveld] and Kim [Huybrechts] as well. If you hear those stories about reaching semifinals and finals of major tournaments, that’s what gets you going, I think.”

With several major tournaments now on the horizon, Nijman’s form could hardly be better timed. But when pressed on what he expects in the coming months, he preferred to keep it simple. “I will tell you in two months, okay?”