High Five For Nijman: Dutch Darts Star’s Stunning Streak Continues

Dutch sensation Wessel Nijman produced yet another scintillating darting masterclass to claim Players Championship glory once again, this time at the expense of Max Hopp.On the fifth day of the fifth month, Nijman made it five titles for the season – a remarkable tally not seen since his illustrious compatriot Michael van Gerwen achieved the same feat a decade ago.

And it is worth remembering, we are only just into May.It is rapidly becoming a phenomenal campaign for the 25-year-old, who has now amassed just shy of £100,000 this year alone in floor events. That figure does not even include the £35,000 he secured by winning the European Darts Trophy a couple of months ago.

After brushing aside Daniel Klose, Jurjen van der Velde and Niall Culleton, Nijman moved into the last 16, where the relentless ton-plus displays began – then continued right through to the finish.

Former Masters champion Joe Cullen came closest to halting the Dutchman’s charge, taking four legs from him, but it ultimately proved insufficient.

From that point onward, it was plain sailing for the serial Pro Tour winner. Krzysztof Ratajski dropped far too many gears to mount a serious challenge, while fellow Netherlander Danny Noppert could only muster a brace of legs.

In the final match of the week at Halle 39, Nijman emphatically dispatched Hopp, leaving the German looking a mixture of bemused and impressed.

As for Hopp, in the cold light of day he will no doubt be pleased with his afternoon’s work. The Maximiser has previously lifted a Players Championship title, albeit eight years ago in Dublin – the same year he claimed the German Darts Open crown.

A couple of mentions for the semi-finalists, too. Noppert, for all his quality, reached that stage for the first time this season, while debutant Tom Bissell has adapted to life in the big league like a duck to water.

It marks the West Midlander’s third semi-final of 2026, and he has already accumulated just over £31,000 in prize money – an impressive return for his first few months into a new job.

For many of the competitors, the next stop is a short trip to Austria for European Tour duty. And the rest? Well, it’s back to Leicester in just over a week.