"I’m living the dream life I wanted like 10 years ago": Wessel Nijman continues impressive run with yet another ProTour title

Wessel Nijman is making serious waves in 2026 and underlined it again with yet another Players Championship title. It is already his third tournament win of the year, after earlier success on the Players Championship and the European Tour, where finals now seem more the rule than the exception.

Nijman beamed after sealing victory at the eighth Players Championship of the year. The 25-year-old Dutchman beat Joe Cullen 8-4 in the final. "Yeah, I hope it is. I hope we’re here so many times this year, yeah.”

Nijman is no longer just a prospect, but a player consistently in the mix for titles, as his recent results show. Alongside his three trophies, he has been in contention at other events time and again. It reflects the form the young Dutchman is in. While many players hope for a good day, Nijman now seems to enter every tournament believing the final is within reach. He does temper that notion slightly himself.

“Well, this week was the first time that I was seed number one, so that was a bit special for me, to be honest. But yeah, with the way I’m playing, especially on the floor events now, I’m pretty confident starting these kinds of events, and that’s helping a lot.”

That top seeding did not come out of nowhere. Over the past twelve months, Nijman has earned more prize money on the Pro Tour than anyone. Even established names like Gerwyn Price may outrank him for now on reputation, but not on recent numbers.

“Well, obviously that gives a lot of confidence, doesn’t it? Because if you would have told me that two years ago, I think you’re crazy, to be honest. But yeah, as I said, it’s more giving me a boost than it’s giving me pressure, to be honest, and I think that’s a good thing.”

His latest title was anything but straightforward. In several matches, Nijman had to scrap, claw back deficits, and capitalise on fine margins. His clash with compatriot Kevin Doets, in particular, was one where the margins were razor-thin.

“Yeah, especially in the game with Kevin, maybe I didn’t deserve to win that one, because obviously he missed two match darts, but I’m happy I got that one over the line.”

It is exactly those moments that separate champions from chasers: not always being the best, but still winning when it counts. He certainly wasn’t gifted anything in the final either. Opponent Joe Cullen scored heavily throughout.

“Chelsea pushed me to a good match as well. I felt like it was break after break after break. I’m not sure if it was, but it felt like that. I’m just so happy I played the way I did today.”

What stands out most in Nijman’s account is his mental development. Where he could be inconsistent in previous years, he now exudes calm and conviction. That translates directly onto the stage.

“Yeah, maybe it does get easier playing these events when you know you’ve got big events, but yeah, as I said, I’m just happy with the way I’m playing right now, with the confidence I’m having right now, and with the life I’m having right now.”

That last remark speaks volumes. Nijman is referring to his life away from the oche, which has changed drastically. Where he once had to juggle work and elite sport, he can now fully focus on his career as a professional darter.

“We talked about it last time, obviously it’s not working and all, and yeah, it’s more like I’m living the dream life I wanted like 10 years ago.”

Success on the Pro Tour brings not only trophies and prestige, but also financial security. And that influences how a player approaches the big tournaments. Nijman already knows he will appear on virtually all the big stages this year: the World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix, and the European Championship are within reach.

“Yeah, maybe it does get easier playing these events when you know you’ve got big events… But yeah, as I said, I’m just happy with the way I’m playing right now.”

That combination of financial calm and sporting form is dangerous for the competition. Nijman plays without fear, without pressure—and with growing belief in his own ability. With his third title of the year in the bag and an impressive run of finals behind him, this feels like only the start of a special season. Next up is the European Tour, where Nijman will be back in action. “Yeah, correct. We will see.”

The Netherlands has a rich darts history, but with Wessel Nijman a new name seems ready to firmly establish himself among the world’s elite. His blend of scoring power, mental resilience, and rising confidence makes him a threat at every tournament he enters.

What once began as a promising career is now rapidly turning into a success story. And if it’s up to Nijman, this is far from the endpoint. “Yeah, I hope it is. I hope we’re here so many times this year, yeah.”