The Shocking Truth: Why Darts Star Nathan Aspinall ‘Hates’ the Pro Tour
Darts professional Nathan Aspinall, affectionately known as ‘The Asp’, has made a surprisingly candid confession: he genuinely dislikes playing on the Pro Tour and rarely watches darts when he’s not competing. While he adores the electric atmosphere of playing on a big stage in front of a live crowd, the grind and intensity of the Pro Tour prove to be a significant deterrent, leading him to frequently withdraw from events. Aspinall even admits that a career in darts wasn’t his childhood dream, highlighting the demanding reality of life as a professional player.
Nathan Aspinall’s Candid Confession: “I Hate It”
In a recent podcast appearance, Nathan Aspinall pulled no punches when discussing his feelings about certain aspects of professional darts. His most striking revelation was his profound dislike for the Pro Tour circuit. “Playing on the Pro Tour, I hate it. I don’t enjoy them, that’s why I’m pulling out,” Aspinall stated emphatically. This isn’t just a casual complaint; it’s a strong sentiment that drives his decisions regarding tournament participation. For a top-tier professional, such an admission offers a rare glimpse into the less glamorous side of the sport.
The Duality of a Darts Professional: Stage vs. Circuit
Aspinall’s feelings about darts are clearly split. While the Pro Tour draws his ire, his passion for playing in front of an audience remains undimmed. “When I’m playing on a stage, I love it, I love playing live,” he explained. This distinction is crucial: the energy of a live crowd, the spotlight, and the unique pressure of a major televised event are what truly ignite his competitive spirit. In contrast, the Pro Tour often involves playing in quieter, less atmospheric venues, sometimes without a crowd, which can feel like a relentless, solitary grind compared to the thrill of the big stage.
Beyond the Oche: A Reluctant Fan
Perhaps even more surprising than his Pro Tour sentiments is Aspinall’s admission that he isn’t a dedicated darts fan outside of his professional commitments. He revealed that he “cannot remember the last time he watched a game of darts” and doesn’t follow the sport when he’s not actively playing. This isn’t uncommon among professional athletes, who often need to switch off from their intense careers. For Aspinall, it seems his engagement with darts is almost purely performance-driven, rather than stemming from a deep, lifelong passion for the game itself.
The Demands of Professional Darts: A Constant Grind
Aspinall’s perspective sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by professional darts players. The life of a touring pro is far from easy, involving significant sacrifices and constant pressure. Key factors contributing to the intensity include:
- Relentless Travel: Players are constantly on the move, traveling to different venues across the country and sometimes internationally, leading to fatigue and time away from home.
- Grueling Schedules: The Pro Tour calendar is packed with events, demanding consistent performance over long days and consecutive tournaments.
- Mental Strain: Maintaining focus, dealing with pressure, and managing the emotional highs and lows of competition take a significant toll.
- Lack of Atmosphere: Many Pro Tour events lack the vibrant crowd interaction found on major stages, which can make the competition feel more like work than entertainment for some players.
When asked if playing darts professionally was always his dream, Aspinall’s response was playfully honest: “Absolutely not. I still don’t know if it’s my dream now, I cannot stand it, and I’m not even joking.” This humorous yet telling remark underscores the demanding reality of turning a talent into a career.
Fan Support and Future Aspirations
Despite his candid remarks, Nathan Aspinall enjoys immense support from his fanbase. Comments on the podcast quickly filled with messages of encouragement and love for the 34-year-old star. Many fans expressed their hope to see ‘The Asp’ return to the Premier League next year, a testament to his captivating stage presence and undeniable talent when he’s performing at his best. Even if he doesn’t watch the Premier League himself, Aspinall undoubtedly keeps up to date with the results, remaining a key figure in the darts world.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
