Darts analyst Matt Edgar has declared that Wessel Nijman "has all the tools to become the next new major champion" following the Dutchman's breakthrough victory at the European Darts Trophy last weekend. Nijman claimed his first European Tour title in an impressive performance that insiders see as confirmation of his rapid rise from promising talent to established contender at the top level of world darts.
Edgar pointed to the gap between Nijman's performance level and his results on the biggest stages, noting: "Statistically, Nijman absolutely belongs where he is — and arguably higher. The level is already there. The next step is turning that level into results on the biggest stages." The analyst highlighted Nijman's steady progression from Development Tour dominance to increasing presence on the Pro Tour over the past three seasons, with Players Championship victories and strong European Tour performances signaling his readiness for the next step.
Nijman's development has been marked by stability, with Edgar explaining: "One of the key things with Nijman is that he hasn't had much prize money to defend. That's meant he's been able to climb steadily, and although he's now starting to defend some earnings, it's still not at a level that should cause concern." The Dutchman's decision to commit fully to darts as a full-time professional has shown clear benefits in his consistency, with high averages week after week indicating he's physically and technically ready for the top level.
Despite his television stage results lagging behind — with best performances limited to last-16 finishes at the World Series Finals and Grand Slam of Darts, and deep runs yet to materialize at the World Championship and UK Open — the statistics reveal a player already among the world's elite. Edgar noted: "Looking at 12-month averages across the top 32, he sits comfortably inside that bracket. In fact, based purely on averages, he would rank around world number 13." Currently ranked around world number 20 with more than £400,000 in prize money, Nijman sits approximately £65,000 outside the top 16, a gap that can be closed relatively quickly in the modern game.
Context works in Nijman's favor as he defends around £95,000 this year while players above him like Danny Noppert, Ross Smith, and Stephen Bunting face significantly greater pressure with larger sums to defend. Edgar observed: "At the same time, several players above him are defending significant sums... That creates vulnerability in the rankings — and opportunity for Nijman." Bookmakers already consider him one of the leading outsiders for the upcoming World Championship, ranked alongside established names like Gary Anderson and ahead of players such as Jonny Clayton and Rob Cross. Edgar concluded that the European Tour title could prove to be the turning point, asking: "Now that he has a European Tour title, the big question is whether this becomes the turning point."
