In the fiercely competitive realm of professional darts, where every dart thrown can redefine a career, Nathan Aspinall has long been a standout figure. Nicknamed “The Asp,” the 34-year-old Stockport star has captured hearts with his explosive performances, major titles—including the UK Open in 2019 and the World Matchplay in 2023—and his iconic walk-on to The Killers’ “Mr Brightside,” which turns arenas into sing-along spectacles. After reaching Finals Night in the 2025 Premier League Darts and finishing third overall, many expected him to secure a return spot for the 2026 edition. Yet, in a decision that has sparked heated debate, Aspinall found himself omitted from the lineup, prompting him to candidly call out three rivals he believes he outperformed in the previous season.
The 2026 Premier League Darts field was finalized earlier this month, with the top four in the PDC Order of Merit earning automatic qualification: world champion Luke Littler, world number one Luke Humphries, World Championship finalist Gian van Veen, and seven-time champion Michael van Gerwen. The remaining four wildcard spots went to Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, debutant Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price. This selection left several strong contenders on the sidelines, including James Wade, Danny Noppert, Ryan Searle, and notably Aspinall, who dropped to world number 14.
The snub hit Aspinall particularly hard, especially given the brutal circumstances surrounding the news. While traveling to an event, he sat next to Bunting on a flight. Bunting received a text at 3:15 pm confirming his inclusion, buzzing with excitement. Just six minutes later, at 3:21 pm, Aspinall got his own message from the PDC informing him he was out. “He’s buzzing, and I wanted to jump off the plane!” Aspinall recalled with a mix of humor and frustration. “So, it was a difficult travel home.”
Despite the disappointment, Aspinall has channeled it into motivation rather than bitterness. In a recent interview with Online Darts, he didn’t hold back, subtly but pointedly naming players he felt had lesser seasons while suggesting his own performances warranted inclusion. He namedropped a handful before stating he had a “better season” than “some of them lads.” Reflecting on his expectations, he admitted, “No, I still thought I had a chance, if I’m deadly honest with you.”
Aspinall emphasized his deep love for the tournament: “I absolutely love the Premier League.” He added with confidence, “I’m not going to smoke up my own backside, but I think the Premier League will miss me this season.” Acknowledging the reality of his ranking playing a role—”My ranking was too low”—he expressed acceptance of the PDC’s decision while vowing to bounce back stronger. “But I’ve got to concentrate on myself. Disappointed, of course I was, but I can concentrate on my ranking events, get back in that top eight, top four, and I’ll be back next year. I have no qualms, I know I’ll be back in it next year.”
He highlighted his trust in his big-stage abilities: “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.” Aspinall also noted the practical upside, pointing out that skipping the grueling 17-week Premier League schedule allows him to focus on lucrative ranking events like World Series tournaments, where he could earn significant prize money unavailable to those committed to the roadshow.
The omission has fueled discussions across the darts community, with fans and pundits debating the balance between current form, star power, and consistency. Aspinall’s 2025 included three European Tour wins, topping that order of merit, and a strong showing in various majors—achievements that many argue should have secured his spot over others with arguably less consistent results.
As the Premier League kicks off on February 5 at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, Aspinall turns his attention to climbing the rankings and proving his doubters wrong. His hunger is palpable, and in a sport where resilience often separates the great from the good, this setback could ignite one of his most explosive campaigns yet. With his trademark flair and determination, “The Asp” is far from finished—he’s just reloading for the next big shot.
Leave a Reply