Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable run at the start of the 2026 season by adding another trophy to his growing collection. The Dutchman clinched his fourth Players Championship title of the year – which also marks his fifth ranking victory overall – at the latest event held in Milton Keynes. This win not only reinforced his dominance on the PDC circuit but also propelled him into the world’s top‑16 for the first time, a milestone that underscores his rapid ascent in professional darts.
The Milton Keynes tournament, officially Players Championship 12, featured an all‑Dutch final that pitted Nijman against fellow countryman Jermaine Wattimena. After a hard‑fought battle, Nijman emerged victorious with an 8‑5 scoreline, securing the win by capitalising on a series of high‑pressure finishes in the latter stages of the match.
His triumph followed earlier successes at PC2, PC8 and PC10, as well as a win at the European Darts Trophy back in March, illustrating a consistency that few rivals have managed to match this season. While Nijman celebrated his achievement, the event also delivered a historic moment for women’s darts. Beau Greaves, who made headlines earlier in the week by becoming the first woman ever to claim a PDC ranking title when she won PC11, saw her campaign end in the last‑16 round.
Greaves was dispatched 6‑0 by Andy Bissell, who then proceeded to defeat Max Hopp 6‑3 in the quarter‑finals before meeting Nijman in the semi‑finals. In that semi‑final, Nijman proved too strong, edging Bissell 7‑4 to book his place in the final. The final itself unfolded as a clash of styles.
Wattimena started strongly, building an early 4‑2 lead through precise, clinical finishing. However, Nijman responded with a surge of confidence, taking six of the next seven legs to overturn the deficit and seal the match 8‑5. Reflecting on the contest, Nijman admitted the pressure was palpable: "It was a kind of nervy final.
I went behind after missing some doubles," he said, acknowledging the mental resilience required to stay composed under such circumstances. Nijman's composure paid off at a crucial juncture when he hit a 57‑checkout to go 6‑5 ahead, a moment he described as vital: "I'm so happy I kept it together. There were some finishes I hit with the last dart, the 57 to go 6‑5 up was important." He added that the experience of playing multiple high‑stakes games in a single day helped him maintain focus: "When it clicks together and you play those finals, and you've been playing those games all day long, the next time you come, you remember that." Beyond the headline matches, the tournament featured a full slate of results that highlighted the depth of talent on the tour.
In the last‑16 stage, Nijman dispatched Ryan Searle 6‑3, while other notable outcomes included Nathan Potter’s 6‑2 win over James Wade and Tom Bissell’s 6‑0 whitewash of Beau Greaves. Max Hopp edged past Darryl Pilgrim 6‑5, and Chris Dobey comfortably beat Chris Landman 6‑1. The quarter‑finals saw Nijman dominate Nathan Potter 6‑2, Bissell overcome Max Hopp 6‑3, and Wattimena defeat Chris Dobey 6‑3.
Kevin Doets, after a strong showing, fell 6‑1 to Gary Anderson, who himself advanced to the semi‑finals. In the semi‑finals, Nijman’s 7‑4 victory over Tom Bissell set up the all‑Dutch final against Wattimena, who had previously bested Kevin Doets 7‑3. The final’s 8‑5 result not only added another ranking title to Nijman’s résumé but also cemented his place among the sport’s elite, breaking into the top‑16 for the first time in his career. Looking ahead, fans can anticipate more thrilling darts action as the Premier League Darts season unfolds.
Defending champion Luke Humphries will look to retain his crown, with matches scheduled every Thursday until May on Sky Sports. Viewers can stream the competition and other major darts events via NOW, ensuring that the excitement continues throughout the year. For those following the sport’s developments, Sky Sports offers a range of additional content, including highlights, podcasts such as "Love the Darts," and real‑time updates via WhatsApp. The platform also provides accessibility options, recommending the use of Chrome for an optimal video player experience.
As the 2026 darts calendar progresses, the performances of rising stars like Nijman and trailblazers like Greaves will undoubtedly shape the narrative of the sport for years to come.