“I’m Not Stupid” – Nathan Aspinall Lifts the Lid on the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters Crowd
Nathan Aspinall has never been one to sugar-coat his opinions, and the England star stayed true to that reputation following his appearance at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. As the Professional Darts Corporation continues its push into new territories, the World Series event in Riyadh marked a significant moment for the sport. However, it was Aspinall’s honest assessment of the crowd that quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the tournament.
Darts’ arrival in Saudi Arabia was always expected to feel different. From the venue setup to the atmosphere inside the arena, this was a far cry from the loud, beer-fuelled environments that players regularly encounter in places like Alexandra Palace or Premier League nights across Europe. Aspinall acknowledged that difference immediately, making it clear he noticed something unusual about the way the crowd reacted during matches.
“I’m not stupid,” Aspinall said, offering a blunt take on the situation. “I feel like they weren’t all there of their own accord, shall we say.”
The remark sparked plenty of debate among fans, but Aspinall later expanded on what he meant. Rather than launching a criticism, he was highlighting how unfamiliar the environment felt compared to traditional darts events. The crowd’s reactions often came at unexpected moments, with applause breaking out mid-visit or after missed darts — moments that would usually be met with groans or silence elsewhere on the circuit.
“You’d throw at treble 20 and they’d clap while you still had two darts in your hand,” he explained. “Or you’d miss a double and they’d clap anyway.”
For a seasoned professional, those reactions can be jarring. Timing and rhythm play a huge role in darts, and players are deeply accustomed to crowds responding in certain ways. In Riyadh, however, the applause was constant, polite, and often detached from the actual significance of the shots being thrown.
Despite that, Aspinall was keen to stress that the experience wasn’t a negative one. In fact, he admitted he enjoyed parts of it precisely because it was different.
“It was different, but I enjoyed it,” he said. “When I looked out at the crowd, you could actually tell they were watching it.”
That observation underlined a key point. While the atmosphere lacked the raw intensity of established darts venues, there was genuine interest inside the arena. Many spectators appeared focused on the action, watching closely rather than using the event purely as a social gathering.
The Saudi Arabia Darts Masters is the first event of its kind in the country, and darts remains a relatively new sport to local audiences. Without alcohol, fancy dress, or long-standing darts traditions, the crowd naturally behaved differently. Aspinall acknowledged that reality, admitting he was surprised by how many people turned up and how engaged they were throughout the matches.
The event also came with enormous incentives. A record bonus was on offer for any player who managed to hit a nine-dart finish, adding further intrigue to the tournament. With top names from across the PDC competing, the spotlight was firmly on how the sport would be received in a new market.
Aspinall’s comments prompted a wider conversation about darts’ global expansion. As the PDC explores new regions, players are increasingly being asked to adapt — not just to unfamiliar venues, but to unfamiliar audiences. What feels “normal” in the UK or Europe doesn’t automatically translate elsewhere, and Riyadh provided a clear example of that cultural shift.
Some fellow professionals echoed the idea that the quieter, more respectful crowd had its own positives. Instead of constant noise, players could sense concentration and curiosity from the stands. For others, the lack of traditional atmosphere made it harder to find adrenaline and momentum.
Ultimately, Aspinall’s remarks were less about criticism and more about honesty. His “I’m not stupid” comment reflected a seasoned professional recognising that this was a controlled, carefully organised event designed to introduce darts to a new audience. That reality doesn’t diminish the achievement — it simply highlights that growth takes time.
As the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters continues to evolve, so too will the crowd. Familiarity breeds understanding, and understanding breeds atmosphere. For now, Aspinall’s candid assessment has given fans an inside look at what it’s really like to play darts on a brand-new stage — where applause is guaranteed, expectations are different, and the sport is still finding its footing.
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