In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where every tournament can shift a player’s trajectory, few moments sting quite like missing out on the Premier League Darts. For Nathan Aspinall, the 34-year-old Stockport star known as “The Asp,” the news of his omission from the 2026 lineup arrived in the most awkward and gut-wrenching way imaginable.
Aspinall had been a fixture in the Premier League in recent years, delivering standout performances that endeared him to fans worldwide. His electric stage presence, highlighted by crowds belting out his walk-on anthem “Mr. Brightside,” combined with consistent results—including reaching Finals Night in 2025—made him a strong contender for another season. Last year, he finished third in the league phase and showcased his big-stage mettle with major finals and quarter-finals appearances. Yet, when the PDC announced the 2026 field—featuring defending champion Luke Humphries, world champion Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price—Aspinall’s name was conspicuously absent.
The announcement came on January 5, 2026, with the tournament set to kick off in Newcastle on February 5. Aspinall, currently ranked world No. 14, attributed the decision straightforwardly: **”My ranking was too low.”** Despite his strong 2025 campaign, which included multiple deep runs in majors and European Tour successes, a dip following an early World Championship exit proved decisive in the selectors’ eyes.
What made the snub particularly brutal was the timing and circumstances of how Aspinall learned about it. He was traveling with fellow pro Stephen Bunting, seated right next to him on a flight, when the news broke. At around 3:15 p.m., Bunting received a text confirming his inclusion in the lineup. Aspinall, sitting mere inches away, had no such message. The contrast was immediate and stark—his friend and rival buzzing with excitement while Aspinall grappled with disappointment.
**”I was travelling with Stephen Bunting and we were sat next to each other on the plane and he got a text message at quarter past three saying that he was in,”** Aspinall later revealed. **”He’s buzzing, I want to jump off the plane.”** The flight home became an emotionally charged ordeal, with Aspinall describing it as **”a difficult travel home.”** He even spoke with PDC chief Matt Porter, who explained the reasoning behind the decision, but the personal sting remained.
Despite the raw emotion, Aspinall has channeled the setback into motivation rather than bitterness. **”Of course I’m gutted – I absolutely love the Premier League,”** he admitted. **”But I’m not going to smoke up my own backside. I think the Premier League will miss me this season.”** He views the absence as an opportunity to refocus on ranking events, where he can accumulate prize money without the grueling weekly schedule. **”At the same time, I can concentrate on my ranking events, get back into the top eight, top four, and I’ll be back next year. I’ve no qualms – I know I’ll be back.”**
Aspinall has already shown resilience on the oche. Competing in the 2026 Bahrain Darts Masters shortly after the snub, he ground out a hard-fought win over Lourence Ilagan, overcoming the Filipino player’s unpredictable pacing that had frustrated him at the World Championship. The experience reinforced his determination: **”I’ve accepted the decision. It gives me hunger and fight to make sure I don’t miss out again.”**
Fans and pundits alike have debated the selection, with many pointing to Aspinall’s crowd-drawing appeal and recent form as reasons he deserved another shot. His omission marks the first time since 2022 he’s missed the prestigious tour, and while it hurts, the Englishman remains optimistic. **”I trusted my performances in the big moments, two major finals and two major quarter-finals and I’ll keep backing that process. Back to work now. 2026, I’ll be ready.”**
For Aspinall, this chapter isn’t an ending—it’s fuel. The Premier League stage may be without him this year, but his drive to reclaim his spot promises an explosive return. In darts, as in life, sometimes the toughest setbacks create the strongest comebacks.
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