Ross Smith has tipped Wessel Nijman as the next player to break through and win a maiden PDC major title, with the Dutchman enjoying a stellar 2026 campaign. Speaking to talkSPORT, Smith was asked who might be an unexpected major winner, and he didn't hesitate: “Wessel Nijman. He's got to be one who's going to win a major.”
Nijman has been one of the standout performers this year, winning eight PDC ranking titles in 2026, six of which came on the Players Championship circuit. He has also silenced doubts about his big-stage form with title runs at the European Darts Trophy and the Slovak Darts Open, proving he can deliver under the spotlight.
Smith, a former European champion who has himself won two European Tour titles this year, was full of praise for the young Dutchman. “He's winning, well, he's won a European Tour, he's picking up Players Championship titles, and his attitude — he comes across really well. He's a hard-working young lad,” Smith said.
The Englishman believes Nijman's potential is limitless. “I'm sure, you know, the world's his oyster. He conducts himself well on stage. I like when it's a crucial point in a game, we'll see him walk back to the table, take a few deep breaths and get on with it. But yeah, he conducts himself well.”
Both players are set to compete at the Czech Darts Open in Prague, where they are the top two seeds in Europe by a considerable margin. With a busy schedule ahead — including the World Grand Prix, World Series of Darts Finals, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts, and Players Championship Finals — all leading up to the PDC World Darts Championship, Nijman will have ample opportunity to prove Smith right.
