The release of the full entry lists for the first major darts tournaments of the new season has triggered widespread discussion, after it was confirmed that two familiar Premier League stars will not be taking part. With anticipation already high for the early World Series of Darts events, the confirmed fields have delivered both excitement and surprise, as several big names are set to miss out on valuable competitive action at the start of the year.
The Bahrain Darts Masters and the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters will officially open the World Series calendar, bringing top-level darts back to the global stage only weeks after the World Championship concluded. These tournaments traditionally feature a blend of elite PDC representatives and leading regional players, offering fans high-quality matchups and an early glimpse of form heading into the Premier League season. However, this year’s announcement has drawn attention not only to who is playing, but also to who is absent.
While world champion Luke Littler and world number one Luke Humphries headline the line-ups, the absence of two Premier League regulars has been impossible to ignore. Nathan Aspinall, a fan favourite known for his fighting spirit and big-stage performances, will not feature in either tournament. Despite enjoying periods of strong form over the past year and remaining a consistent presence at the top level, Aspinall’s name was missing from the confirmed lists, leaving supporters puzzled and disappointed.
Joining him on the sidelines is Danny Noppert, another established Premier League figure who has built a reputation for consistency and calm under pressure. Noppert’s omission has sparked debate, particularly among fans who felt his steady performances across the tour warranted inclusion. For many, seeing both players absent from such high-profile events raises questions about how selections are made and what criteria are prioritised when spots are limited.
In contrast, the tournaments will still boast an impressive array of star power. Alongside Littler and Humphries, the fields include multiple major champions and rising contenders eager to make an early statement in 2026. Michael van Gerwen is once again set to be a central attraction, while younger talents looking to cement their status among the elite will see these events as a major opportunity. The combination of established champions and ambitious challengers ensures the quality on stage remains extremely high, even with notable absentees.
Another key feature of the entry lists is the strong international representation. Both tournaments will pair the selected PDC players with top performers from the Asian circuit, reflecting the sport’s ongoing push to grow globally. Players from across the region will have the chance to test themselves against the very best, adding an unpredictable edge and fresh narratives to the competitions. For many fans, this global mix is one of the most appealing aspects of the World Series format.
Still, the reaction to Aspinall and Noppert missing out has been vocal. Supporters have taken to social media to express confusion, with some arguing that consistent tour form should be rewarded more heavily, especially in events designed to showcase the game’s elite. Others have suggested that scheduling, player workload, or strategic decisions may have influenced the final selections, even if no official explanations have been offered.
These early-season tournaments also carry added significance given their timing. With the Premier League Darts campaign set to begin shortly after, players competing in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will have a chance to build momentum, sharpen match fitness and send an early warning to their rivals. For those not involved, including Aspinall and Noppert, the focus will shift to regrouping and ensuring they peak when the Premier League spotlight arrives.
As the darts world turns its attention to the Middle East, the confirmed entry lists have already succeeded in one respect: they have given fans plenty to talk about. The action on stage promises drama, quality and global flair, while the absence of two Premier League stars adds an extra layer of intrigue to the opening weeks of the season. Whether their omissions prove insignificant or become a talking point as the year unfolds remains to be seen, but for now, all eyes will be on who takes advantage of the opportunities on offer.
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