Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable run at the start of the 2026 season by capturing his fourth Players Championship title of the year – which also marks his fifth ranking victory overall – at the latest event held in Milton Keynes. The Dutch prodigy, who earlier in the calendar year added the European Darts Trophy to his résumé in March, delivered a commanding 8‑5 win over fellow countryman Jermaine Wattimena in the all‑Dutch final of Players Championship 12. This triumph followed a series of impressive performances that saw him lift the trophy at PC2, PC8 and PC10, cementing his status as one of the sport’s fastest‑rising stars.
While Nijman was celebrating his latest success, another historic moment unfolded earlier in the week. Beau Greaves made headlines on Monday night when she captured PC11, becoming the first woman ever to claim a Professional Darts Corporation ranking title. However, her momentum was halted on Tuesday when she fell in the last‑16 round. After a swift 6‑0 whitewash at the hands of Andy Bissell, Greaves managed to recover with a 6‑3 victory over Max Hopp in the quarter‑finals, only to encounter a formidable opponent in Nijman during the semi‑finals.
The Dutchman proved too strong, edging past Greaves 7‑4 and booking his place in the final. The championship match pitted Nijman against Jermaine Wattimena, a seasoned Dutch competitor who had already secured a place in the final by stringing together a series of high‑quality legs.
The early exchanges favored Wattimena, who displayed crisp, clinical finishing to take a 4‑2 lead. At that point, it appeared he might be on the verge of his first ranking title since October of the previous year.
Yet Nijman’s resilience shone through; he rattled off six of the next seven legs, turning the tide and ultimately sealing an 8‑5 victory. Reflecting on the pressure of the final, Nijman admitted, "It was a kind of nervy final. I went behind after missing some doubles," before rallying to claim the win. The victory propelled him past Wattimena in the world rankings, landing him inside the top 16 for the first time in his career – a milestone that underscores his rapid ascent in the sport.
The tournament’s earlier rounds were packed with notable performances. In the last‑16 stage, Nijman dispatched Ryan Searle 6‑3, while Nathan Potter fell 6‑2 to James Wade. Tom Bissell dominated Beau Greaves with a 6‑0 shutout, and Max Hopp edged past Darryl Pilgrim 6‑5.
Chris Dobey and Gary Anderson also posted solid wins, with Anderson beating Alexander Merkx 6‑3. Quarter‑final action saw Nijman overcome Nathan Potter 6‑2, Tom Bissell defeat Max Hopp 6‑3, and Wattimena beat Chris Dobey 6‑3. Kevin Doets and Gary Anderson each recorded comfortable victories, setting up semi‑final match‑ups that featured the tournament’s biggest names.
In the semis, Nijman continued his dominant form, overcoming Tom Bissell 7‑4, while Wattimena dispatched Kevin Doets 7‑3 to earn his spot in the championship match. The final itself was a showcase of precision, composure, and strategic play, with Nijman’s decisive leg‑winning runs ultimately proving decisive. Beyond the immediate results, the tournament highlighted the growing depth of talent in professional darts. Players such as Nijman and Greaves are pushing the boundaries of the sport, delivering high‑caliber performances that attract new fans and broaden the game’s appeal.
Greaves’ historic PC11 win earlier in the week remains a landmark achievement for women’s darts, demonstrating that the sport is becoming increasingly inclusive and competitive across gender lines. Looking ahead, the darts calendar remains busy. Fans can tune in to Sky Sports for live coverage of upcoming events, including the Premier League Darts, where defending champion Luke Humphries will look to retain his title. The league runs every Thursday until May, offering a steady stream of top‑level competition.
For those who prefer streaming, the NOW platform provides live darts action along with a suite of other sports. In addition to live broadcasts, Sky Sports offers a range of supplementary content: highlights, podcasts such as "Love the Darts," and a dedicated WhatsApp channel delivering the latest news, video clips, analysis, and feature stories.
These resources ensure that enthusiasts stay informed about player developments, match statistics, and upcoming fixtures. Overall, Wessel Nijman’s fifth ranking title of 2026 not only adds another trophy to his growing collection but also cements his place among the elite of the sport. His breakthrough into the top 16 signals a new chapter in his career, one that promises further success and memorable moments on the oche.
As the season progresses, the darts world will be watching closely to see how Nijman and his contemporaries shape the narrative of this exciting year in professional darts.