“If you beat them, then it means more” – Wessel Nijman makes honest Luke Littler and Luke Humphries admission after latest win

Wessel Nijman continues to impress on the darts stage. After a run of recent titles, including a European Tour win and two Players Championship victories this year, the Dutchman produced another strong display by dispatching Ian White in the opening round of the European Darts Grand Prix.

While the 6-2 scoreline suggested a comfortable outing, Nijman made it clear afterwards that it was anything but straightforward on stage.

“I said it on stage, it’s good to win the first match. It’s probably the most important match of the whole tournament,” he explained to DartsNews after progressing to the second round. “Ian White is always a tough throw because you don’t know what you’re going to get. As I said, I’m just happy with the win.”

Against White, Nijman knew he was unlikely to have an easy evening. The Englishman has long been known as a player capable of producing unpredictable spells, making him a dangerous opening-round opponent.

Nijman’s relief at getting through was understandable. After his recent successes, expectations have risen quickly, and following his latest title he had suffered two early exits. Getting back to winning ways with a solid performance was therefore an important step.

His development has been rapid. Once viewed primarily as a prospect, Nijman has quickly moved into the bracket of players regularly competing for and winning titles. Despite that rise, his own assessment remains measured.

“I do realise, but you also have to say that some of those titles came without players like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries being there,” he said. “That’s maybe something to note. I’m really happy that I’ve won those events, and there are still good players there. I’m just happy with the way I’m playing right now and that I’m still developing.”

Nijman also acknowledged that victories carry additional weight when the very top names are involved. “If you play them and you beat them, then yes,” he said. “I don’t think it’s a weird thing to say that if you win a tournament without them there, I wouldn’t say it’s easier, but it’s maybe less hard.”

It is a grounded view that reflects both awareness of context and confidence in his own level. What stands out most, however, is his appetite to keep winning. “Yeah, I think winning is never boring. Whether it’s tournament wins or match wins, it’s never boring.”

With success comes scrutiny, particularly for a young player making rapid progress. Nijman has already been the subject of discussion around his performances on bigger stages, but it is not something that appears to weigh heavily on him.

“No, not really,” he said. “It only bothers me when people talk about me who I really care about, not the people I don’t care about.”

That mentality has become an important part of his current form. While some players struggle under increased attention, Nijman appears comfortable focusing purely on his own performance and development.

His recent European Tour success in Göttingen marked a significant milestone. While not officially classified in the same category as major televised titles, it still represented a breakthrough moment. “There’s a boost from that, but it’s not like a real TV title, is it?” he said. “I’m really happy with it, but I want to show people I can play like that in the real TV events, and I think I can.”

With multiple titles already secured this season, attention now turns to what comes next. Nijman’s target for 2026 is clear and ambitious. “The goal was to get into the top 16.”

Given his current trajectory, that aim looks increasingly realistic. If his current level continues, a place among the sport’s elite may arrive sooner rather than later.

Nijman’s recent performances underline his status as one of the most promising Dutch players on the circuit. His combination of composure, self-awareness and consistency is quickly turning potential into results.