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Darts continues to evolve, and while established names dominate the headlines, the future thrives behind the scenes.
In 2025, keep your eyes on four darts players to watch who are shaking up the game, talent you may not know yet, but soon will.
Let’s meet the emerging stars poised to turn heads this year and compete against the top pro darts players on the circuit.
Wessel Nijman – The Breakout Performer
Once focused on the Development Tour, Wessel Nijman has transformed into a serious contender on the PDC Pro Tour. In 2024, he topped the Development Tour Order of Merit, racking up seven titles across 24 events.
His breakout moment came in October when he claimed his first senior PDC title at Players Championship 24, beating veteran Stephen Bunting 8–5 in the final.
Nijman also made waves with strong runs in European Tour events and at the Grand Slam. In 2025, he’s already seen deep finishes and held his own in televised matches, pulling off a sharp win over Luke Littler at the Baltic Sea Open and claiming semi final spots in big-field events.
Why he’s one to watch: He’s got composure, recent wins, and the mix of youth and experience needed for a breakout year, making him the first of our darts players to watch.
Niko Springer – German Precision Rising
Germany’s Niko Springer has been building momentum steadily. After rising through the ranks, he secured his Pro Tour Card thanks to impressive results on the Development and Europe Next Gen Tours, even delivering a nine darter at one event.
In 2025, Springer recorded a TV average of 115.92 in a PDC UK Open match, one of the highest recorded on television. He also reached a European Tour final in his senior debut year, dispatching tough opponents along the way.
Why he’s one to watch: Consistency in scoring, a rapid rise, and immense scoring ability make Springer one of the darts players to watch this year.
Owen Bates – England’s Steady Climber
At 22, Owen Bates is quietly building depth and experience. He’s secured two wins on the 2025 Development Tour and posted solid performances in major events.
Bates made his World Championship debut and followed that by competing in the UK Open and various Players Championship events. His averages are creeping up, and he’s demonstrating serious resilience on the oche.
Why he’s one to watch: Bates’s trajectory speaks to his consistency and growing maturity, this could well be the year he breaks through.
Mitchell Lawrie – Scotland’s Whiz Kid
At only 14, Mitchell Lawrie has already captured the 2025 WDF Welsh Open Boys title, including dominant wins and averages around 97. He’s even claimed a senior title at the same tournament, replicating Luke Littler’s achievement at the same age.
Lawrie’s training began in lockdown on his home darts setup, and now he practices daily, holding a European Youth Cup singles title, once won by legends like Michael van Gerwen.
Why he’s one to watch: Few will reach his level of early success. Lawrie embodies the raw potential and dedication that define a true prodigy. He’ll be one of the most popular darts players to watch due to the media coverage he’s getting already, and comparisons that are being drawn.
Final Thoughts: Darts Players to Watch
These four players, Nijman, Springer, Bates, and Lawrie, represent what could potentially be darts’ next frontier, and are darts players to watch for those who want to stay ahead of the game.
- Wessel Nijman brings experience and recent Tour level victories.
- Niko Springer offers blistering scoring and an ever-tightening game.
- Owen Bates is steadily climbing through discipline and Development Tour success.
- Mitchell Lawrie, the youngest among them, is reaching milestones only a prodigy can.
Expect to see them shine on big stages throughout the rest of 2025, as they grow, so does the sport.
If you want early alerts when they hit TV matches or pick up titles then bookmark Throw For 180 to see our follow up articles, because spotting a star early is one of darts’ true joys, our darts players to watch may just give you the opportunity to do that.
Of course, we’re not just about the pros here, if you’re looking for darts tips to improve your own game then be sure to check out what we have on site, something we’re always adding to as we learn more!