“Wessel Nijman has all the tools to become the next new major champion” - Matt Edgar raves about new Dutch darting superstar

After an impressive weekend in which Wessel Nijman claimed his first European Tour title, the Dutchman now appears to be on the verge of a definitive breakthrough at the top level of world darts. For insiders, his rise comes as no surprise, but this victory underlines that his development is no longer a promise; it is now a reality.

Darts analyst Matt Edgar summed it up following Nijman’s triumph at the European Darts Trophy, pointing to the gap between performance level and results: “Statistically, Nijman absolutely belongs where he is — and arguably higher. The level is already there. The next step is turning that level into results on the biggest stages.”

Nijman’s rise has been one of steady, consistent progression. On the Development Tour, he was dominant for years, collecting titles with remarkable regularity. He has since carried that form onto the Pro Tour, where over the past three seasons he has increasingly made his presence felt.

Players Championship victories and strong European Tour performances made it clear that he was ready for the next step.

What sets Nijman apart from many other emerging players is the stability of his development. For a long time, he had very little prize money to defend, meaning every strong result translated directly into a rise in the rankings. That situation has now changed, but he remains in a relatively comfortable position.

As Edgar explains, context is crucial. “One of the key things with Nijman is that he hasn’t had much prize money to defend. That’s meant he’s been able to climb steadily, and although he’s now starting to defend some earnings, it’s still not at a level that should cause concern.”

A key turning point in his career has been the decision to commit fully to darts. Where he previously combined the sport with work, he is now operating as a full-time professional, and that shift is already showing clear benefits.

His level of consistency, in particular, reflects that change. Nijman is producing high averages week after week and looks physically and technically ready for the top level.

However, one area still lags behind: results on the big televised stages.

So far, his best performances have been limited to last-16 finishes, including at the World Series Finals and the Grand Slam of Darts. At other major events such as the World Championship and UK Open, deep runs have yet to materialise.

Edgar sees no reason for concern. “He’s performed well in matches, but hasn’t consistently converted that into wins. The next step is turning that level into results on the biggest stages.”

A closer look at the statistics reveals a player who already belongs among the world’s elite. Over the past twelve months, Nijman’s averages place him comfortably inside the top 32, and in fact, much higher.

“Looking at 12-month averages across the top 32, he sits comfortably inside that bracket. In fact, based purely on averages, he would rank around world number 13,” Edgar noted.

That underlines a key point: the level is already there. “The next step is turning that level into results on the biggest stages.”

Currently ranked around world number 20 with more than £400,000 in prize money, Nijman sits approximately £65,000 outside the top 16, a gap that can be closed relatively quickly in the modern game.

Context also works in his favour. While Nijman is defending around £95,000 this year, many players above him face significantly greater pressure. Names such as Danny Noppert, Ross Smith and Stephen Bunting all have much larger sums to defend, while even the very top players have substantial prize money at risk.

That creates opportunity. “At the same time, several players above him are defending significant sums… That creates vulnerability in the rankings — and opportunity for Nijman.”

The growing belief in Nijman’s potential is also reflected in the bookmakers’ expectations. For the upcoming World Championship, he is already considered one of the leading outsiders, ranked alongside established names such as Gary Anderson and ahead of players like Jonny Clayton and Rob Cross.

That confidence is built on consistency and sustained performance at a high level. Yet one question remains: when will the breakthrough on television fully arrive?

The European Tour title could prove to be that turning point. Often, a first major stage win provides the belief needed to push on at the very highest level.

Edgar highlights the significance of that moment: “Now that he has a European Tour title, the big question is whether this becomes the turning point.”

For Wessel Nijman, the path to the top now appears wide open. The top 16 is within reach, and based on his current level, even more is possible.

The sport has seen similar trajectories before, players who move from the chasing pack into the elite. Nijman looks increasingly likely to be the next.

If he can translate his form into consistent wins on the biggest stages, 2026 could be the year he not only breaks through, but also captures his first major title.

As Edgar ultimately concludes: “Everything points in one direction… Wessel Nijman has all the tools to become the next new major champion.”