Nathan Aspinall, known as ‘The Asp’, has carved out a remarkable career in darts, marked by two major televised ranking titles – the UK Open and the World Matchplay – and multiple World Championship semi-final appearances. His journey, however, has been far from straightforward. From losing his professional tour card to battling injuries and even ‘dartitis’, Aspinall has consistently demonstrated incredible resilience, proving himself a true comeback king who thrives under pressure and continues to collect titles against all odds.
From Football Dreams to Darts Destiny: The Early Struggle
Before becoming a darts sensation, Nathan Aspinall initially pursued a career in football as a goalkeeper and even trained in accountancy. His entry into the professional darts circuit, the PDC, came through youth and development events, leading to him earning a coveted Tour Card in 2015. This early promise saw him reach the World Youth Championship final, narrowly losing 6-5.
However, immediate success was not guaranteed. A significant setback saw Aspinall lose his professional Tour Card, forcing him back to the challenging Qualifying School. Displaying his early determination, he regained his card for 2018 by topping the UK Q School Order of Merit, earning a crucial second chance to establish himself in the sport.
The Rise of ‘The Asp’: From Floor to Alexandra Palace
Aspinall’s return to the circuit quickly bore fruit. His first ranking title arrived in September 2018, when he defeated Ryan Searle 6-4 in the Players Championship 18 final. This victory signaled his potential, and within months, he would be making waves on the biggest stage.
His unforgettable run at the 2019 World Championship introduced him to a global audience. Making his debut at the iconic Alexandra Palace, Aspinall surged to the semi-finals, captivating fans with his fighting spirit before ultimately falling to Michael Smith 6-3. This performance was a monumental step, proving he could compete at the highest level in the sport’s most demanding format.
A year later, Aspinall returned to the World Championship semi-finals, solidifying his status as a major threat, though the final itself remains a goal yet to be achieved.
UK Open Champion: The Unforgettable 170 Checkout
Between his two World Championship semi-final campaigns, Aspinall secured his first major televised title at the 2019 UK Open. Known as ‘the FA Cup of Darts’ due to its open draw format, this tournament saw him overcome formidable opponents including Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals. In the Minehead final, he faced world champion Rob Cross.
Aspinall delivered a stunning performance, winning 11-5 and sealing the victory with an iconic 170 checkout (treble 20, treble 20, bullseye). This spectacular finish not only secured him the title but also created an enduring image of his triumph, marking him as a major champion less than a year after his first Players Championship win.
His success continued that summer, as he added a World Series title by defeating Michael Smith in the US Darts Masters final in Las Vegas, further cementing his place among the sport’s elite.
Chasing the Second Crown: A Series of Close Calls
Aspinall consistently remained a contender in televised events. He reached the 2020 Premier League final, a testament to his rapid ascent, before losing to Glen Durrant. The following years saw him reach two more major finals in 2022:
- At the World Grand Prix, where players must start each leg on a double, he was beaten 5-3 in sets by Michael van Gerwen.
- At the Grand Slam of Darts, he again made the final, only to lose 16-5 to Michael Smith.
These runs showcased the versatility of Aspinall’s game across different formats, but also highlighted his persistent search for that elusive second major trophy.
World Matchplay Glory: A Dominant Performance
The wait for his second major title ended dramatically at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens in July 2023. At the prestigious World Matchplay, Aspinall powered through a tough field, defeating players like Danny Noppert and Joe Cullen on his way to the final against Jonny Clayton.
The match began as a tight affair, with the score tied at 5-5. However, Aspinall then unleashed an incredible display of dominance, winning 11 consecutive legs. This included another memorable 170 checkout, propelling him to a commanding 16-5 lead. He ultimately sealed the Phil Taylor Trophy with an emphatic 18-6 victory, a scoreline that underscored the sheer scale of his triumph and the clinical precision he found in crucial moments. This win ended a four-year wait and firmly established him as a multi-major champion.
Battling Adversity: Injuries, ‘Dartitis’ and Unwavering Spirit
Even after his World Matchplay win, Aspinall’s journey presented new challenges. An elbow injury affected his preparation for his 2024 title defense. More significantly, Aspinall has openly spoken about struggles with his dart release, often described as ‘dartitis’ – a condition that can severely impact a player’s ability to throw smoothly.
Despite these profound difficulties, Aspinall has shown remarkable courage and resilience, continuing to compete at the highest level and, astonishingly, still winning titles. His ability to perform and succeed while openly addressing these personal struggles highlights his extraordinary mental fortitude.
European Tour Maestro: A Flood of Titles
Aspinall’s fighting spirit has translated into a period of remarkable success, particularly on the European Tour circuit. In 2025, he had one of his strongest seasons:
- March 2025: Won his first European Tour title, beating Ryan Joyce 8-4 at the European Darts Trophy.
- Later 2025: Followed up with an 8-6 victory over Damon Heta at the European Darts Open.
- October 2025: Secured his third European Tour title of the year, defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-6 at the German Darts Championship.
After waiting a decade for his first European Tour win, he collected three in just seven months! His strong form continued into 2026, where he secured his fourth European Tour crown at the German Darts Grand Prix, coming from 5-4 down to beat Danny Noppert 8-5.
Beyond the European Tour, Aspinall also reached the 2025 Premier League play-offs and the Players Championship Finals final, demonstrating his continued presence at the business end of major tournaments. While the ultimate major title remains a future goal, Nathan Aspinall’s career is a powerful testament to perseverance, comeback, and the unyielding spirit of ‘The Asp’.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
