The 2025 Betfred World Matchplay in Blackpool was expected to be a showcase of darts’ elite, but for one Premier League star, Nathan Aspinall, it turned into a nightmare that could jeopardize his coveted spot in the 2026 Premier League lineup. The world No. 7, known for his electrifying performances and 2023 World Matchplay title, suffered a shocking first-round exit at the hands of Dutch debutant Wessel Nijman, falling 10-6 in a match that exposed vulnerabilities in his game. This early defeat at the Winter Gardens, coupled with the loss of £200,000 in prize money from his 2023 triumph, has sent ripples through the darts world, raising questions about Aspinall’s future in the sport’s most prestigious events.
Aspinall entered the 2025 World Matchplay under immense pressure. His two-year prize money total of £523,250, a significant portion of which came from his 2023 Matchplay victory, was at stake, and the first-round loss to Nijman meant he could not defend that substantial sum. “I’m gutted, I’ve not got my scoring power,” Aspinall admitted post-match, reflecting on a performance where his average hovered below his usual 98-plus mark. “It’s been a good year, but I need to find my spark again.” The defeat saw him drop from world No. 7 to No. 9 in the PDC Order of Merit, with his rankings position now precarious as he faces the prospect of losing more points from his 2023 World Grand Prix semifinal run later this year.
The Blackpool tournament, held from July 19-27, 2025, at the iconic Winter Gardens, featured 32 players vying for the £200,000 top prize and the Phil Taylor Trophy. Aspinall, seeded eighth, was expected to leverage his experience as a former champion, but Nijman, a rising star from the ProTour rankings, outplayed him with a clinical 96.45 average and a 40% checkout rate. The loss was particularly stinging given Aspinall’s strong 2025 season, which included two European Tour titles and a solid Premier League campaign. However, his early exit has sparked concern among fans and analysts, with some speculating on social media platforms that his inconsistent major performances could cost him a spot in the 2026 Premier League, a 16-night roadshow featuring the sport’s top eight stars.
Aspinall’s journey in darts has been one of resilience and flair. His 2023 World Matchplay win, where he defeated Jonny Clayton in a thrilling final, cemented his status as a major contender. “I know I’m a much better player than what I showed out there,” he said after his loss to Nijman, hinting at his determination to bounce back. Yet, the pressure is mounting. With the PDC Order of Merit determining Premier League selections, Aspinall’s drop to No. 9 puts him at risk, especially as players like James Wade, who surged to No. 5 after reaching the 2025 Matchplay final, and Gerwyn Price, who climbed to No. 6 with a quarterfinal run, gain ground. The emergence of young talents like Josh Rock, who reached the semifinals in Blackpool, further intensifies the competition.
The World Matchplay itself was a spectacle, headlined by Luke Littler’s record-breaking performance. The 18-year-old phenom clinched the title with an 18-13 victory over Wade, averaging 107.24 and setting a new tournament record with 64 maximum 180s. Littler’s triumph, which included a nine-darter against Rock in the semifinals, has positioned him as the favorite to claim the world No. 1 spot from Luke Humphries, who also suffered a first-round exit to Gian van Veen. Humphries, the defending champion, saw his hopes of retaining the title dashed, but his £1,797,750 in Order of Merit earnings keep him atop the rankings—for now. Aspinall, with significantly less prize money to defend in the coming months, faces a critical juncture to regain his form.
Aspinall’s next opportunity to salvage his season comes at the World Grand Prix in October, where he must perform to secure his rankings position and bolster his case for a 2026 Premier League spot. His absence from the Players Championship events in Hildesheim on July 29-30, alongside other Premier League stars like Littler, Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen, suggests a strategic break to regroup. The darts community remains divided, with some fans rallying behind Aspinall’s proven ability to deliver under pressure, while others see his recent dip as a sign of deeper struggles. As the race for the 2026 Premier League heats up, Aspinall’s ability to rediscover his “scoring power” will determine whether he remains among darts’ elite or faces an uncertain future in the sport’s brightest spotlight.
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