Wessel Nijman wishes to cap off a strong two years on the ProTour with a deep run at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship.
The 25-year-old finished second on the Players Championship rankings in 2025, picking up a brace of titles in the process.
After topping the Development Tour in 2024, Nijman has continued to make strides in the sport, reaching two European Tour semi-finals at the Dutch Darts Championship and European Darts Open this year.
“I think I’ve made even more impact year than last year, and hopefully I can do even more,” said Nijman.
“I’m really proud because I took the next step. My first year on tour was alright and this year was even better – I hope I can produce an even better year next year.
“It was the next step to win multiple titles, play more semi-finals and get to those Sundays on the Euro Tour events and I’m really happy I took that step.”
Although one of the most successful floor players in darts this year, Nijman has had a rocky experience in televised events, unable to reach beyond the third round of any ranked televised event in the last two years.
However, the Dutchman reached the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts in November and insists that success will soon come at the big events to match his performances.
“It’s just a matter of time and getting a bit of experience,” admitted Nijman.
“When I started playing Pro Tours it was the same, I played well but I didn’t win and now on TV it’s the same.
“I play well but I just need that 1% extra and a bit of luck to produce those kind of results on TV.
“It’s always good to play as many televised games as possible before the Worlds.”
Nijman has had success on the Alexandra Palace stage before, narrowly defeating Cameron Carolissen 3-2 in his opening match last year.
That match remains the only taste of victory the 25-year-old has had so far at the World Darts Championship, but he would love to break new ground on his third appearance this year.
“It’s the best thing in the world playing at Ally Pally,” confessed Nijman.
“If I can make more Ally Pally appearances as the winner, it would be even better.
“It would mean the world if I could have a good run. When you’re seeded where I am, it would be a tough draw, but we will just have to see what happens.”
Indeed, Nijman enters the tournament as the 31st seed, beginning the tournament in the world’s top 32 for the first time.
His ranking means that the Dutchman would face world number two Luke Humphries in round three if both seeds progress – a tantalising but challenging clash for Nijman, who has lost all three matches against the 2023/24 World Champion.
“The goal was to get in the top 32 after the first two years, so to get in there is a good feeling,” said Nijman.
“I know I can beat them, but obviously it is better to draw someone other than the world number one or two.”