Wessel Nijman continued his remarkable surge through the 2026 darts circuit by capturing his fourth Players Championship title of the season – which also marks his fifth ranking triumph overall – at the most recent event held in Milton Keynes. The Dutchman, who already added the European Darts Trophy to his résumé back in March, delivered a confident 8‑5 win over fellow countryman Jermaine Wattimena in the all‑Dutch final of Players Championship 12.
This victory follows his earlier successes at PC2, PC8 and PC10, underscoring a consistency that few rivals have managed this year. While Nijman was celebrating his latest success, Beau Greaves made history earlier in the week by winning PC11, becoming the first woman ever to secure a PDC ranking title. However, her historic run was halted in the round of 16 when she met Andy Bissell on Tuesday. Bissell dominated the encounter, delivering a whitewash 6‑0, and then proceeded to defeat Max Hopp 6‑3 in the quarter‑finals.
His momentum was stopped in the semi‑finals by Nijman, who edged him out 7‑4 to book his place in the final. The championship match pitted Nijman against Wattimena, who had enjoyed a strong start to the game. Wattimena opened the scoring with a series of precise finishes, quickly establishing a 4‑2 lead and looking to claim his first ranking title since October.
Nijman, however, responded with a surge of form, taking six of the next seven legs and turning the tide decisively. He eventually sealed the contest 8‑5, a result that not only gave him the trophy but also propelled him into the world’s top‑16 for the first time in his career. "It was a pretty tense final," Nijman admitted after the match. "I fell behind after missing a few doubles, but I managed to stay composed.
The crucial 57 checkout that put me ahead 6‑5 was a real turning point. When you’re in a final and you’ve been playing all day, those moments stick with you and give you confidence for the next leg." His calm under pressure and ability to hit decisive checkouts highlighted why he has become one of the most exciting talents on the tour.
The tournament also featured a host of other notable performances. In the last‑16 stage, Nijman dispatched Ryan Searle 6‑3, while Nathan Potter beat James Wade 6‑2. Tom Bissell recorded a 6‑0 whitewash over Beau Greaves, and Max Hopp edged Darryl Pilgrim 6‑5.
Chris Dobey and Kevin Doets both posted comfortable wins, and Gary Anderson overcame Alexander Merkx 6‑3. Quarter‑final results saw Nijman continue his dominant run with a 6‑2 victory over Potter, Bissell overcoming Hopp 6‑3, Wattimena beating Dobey 6‑3, and Anderson dispatching Doets 6‑1. In the semi‑finals, Nijman out‑performed Bissell 7‑4, while Wattimena secured a 7‑3 win over Doets, setting up the final showdown. Beyond the immediate results, Nijman's ascent has broader implications for the sport.
Breaking into the top‑16 opens the door to more televised events, higher prize money, and a greater influence on the PDC rankings. His rapid improvement also adds depth to the Dutch contingent, which already boasts stars such as Michael van Gerwen and Dirk van Duijvenbode.
For fans, Nijman's rise provides another compelling storyline as the season progresses toward the Premier League and the World Championship. Looking ahead, the darts calendar remains packed. The Premier League Darts will see defending champion Luke Humphries aim to retain his title, with matches broadcast every Thursday until May on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, the NOW platform continues to stream live darts alongside other top‑level sports, offering fans multiple ways to follow the action. For those who missed the live coverage, highlights and full match replays are available on Sky Sports' website and the official PDC channel. Podcasts such as "Love the Darts" also provide in‑depth analysis and interviews with players, giving listeners insight into the strategies and mental approaches that drive success on the oche. In summary, Wessel Nijman's triumph at Players Championship 12 not only adds a fifth ranking title to his 2026 haul but also cements his status as a rising star in professional darts.
His ability to recover from early setbacks, execute high‑pressure checkouts, and maintain composure under the spotlight suggests that he will be a force to reckon with for years to come. As the season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling contests, historic moments, and the continued evolution of the sport’s competitive landscape.