“I’m getting married next year, the kids are behaving, everything is fantastic” – Nathan Aspinall at peace and producing best darts of his career
After a day filled with intensity, emotion and high-quality darts at the 2025 Players Championship Finals, Nathan Aspinall appeared visibly energised as he stepped in front of the cameras. A big win over Danny Noppert – a player who had repeatedly beaten him over the past eighteen months – gave him exactly the confirmation he’d been searching for.In an open and honest post-match press conference, ‘The Asp’ spoke about his focus, his growing confidence, and the calm mindset he now finds both on and off the oche.
Finally, revenge on Noppert
Aspinall, who had lost his previous six meetings with Noppert, knew the Dutchman posed a serious challenge. “It was a big win,” he began. “I’ve lost against Danny the last five or six times, and he beat me at the European Championship the other week. We always have absolute belting games and that was another good match.”
Still, he felt he could have put the match to bed earlier. “I think I should have been up at the second break. I think I probably could have been 7–3 up but missed a couple of doubles.”
After the interval, everything changed. “When I came out after that break I was so focused, so determined to win that match. I think it showed – I played fantastic to get 9–6 up.”
When a weaker leg followed, Aspinall chose composure over frustration. “I thought, you know what, I don’t even care about this next leg – just throw it away. Concentrate on winning your throw to go 9–8.” That reset proved vital, and a clinical final leg secured his victory.
Not thinking about others – only himself
While many players monitor the shape of the draw, Aspinall keeps his gaze strictly on his own path. Asked whether the early exits of big names created an opportunity to make a statement, he laughed: “I don’t even know who’s in, deadly honest with you. I don’t look at rankings, I don’t really care.”
It’s not false modesty but rather a reflection of his mindset. “I hate driving to Minehead. I’m here, I might as well keep playing darts.”
A special source of motivation this week is his close friend and manager, Martin. “This is probably his last time coming to Minehead. He said to me the other day that the Players Championship Finals are the only one he hasn’t won as a manager. It’d be nice if I can do it.”
A format that suits him
With four European Tour finals this year – three of them victories – the interviewer suggested Sunday’s long-format finals day should suit him perfectly. “I don’t know,” Aspinall shrugged. “I genuinely have no idea who’s left in. I didn’t even know who I face tomorrow.”
When told his next opponent is Josh Rock, he laughed. “Okay, there you go – I genuinely didn’t know.”
He kept things simple: “I’m going to go back now and get some sleep. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow. I know I can do it. I’ve done it three times this year – let’s make it a fourth.”
No statements – just confidence heading towards the Worlds
For Aspinall, everything now revolves around building momentum for Alexandra Palace. “If I was to win this tournament, the confidence it would give me going into the World Championships would be absolutely humongous. I’m not trying to send a statement to anyone – this is for myself.”
Already into the quarter-finals, he remains grounded. “I give it 110% every time. If it’s not good enough, it’s not good enough. But the way I feel and the way I’m playing, I think I can do damage to anyone.”
Reflecting on his decisive run after the break, he was clear about his motivation: “I just didn’t want to lose to him again, if I’m deadly honest with you. He’s beaten me in a lot of big games over the last 18 months. I just didn’t want to feel like that again – don’t want to drive six hours home tonight.” That determination powered his late surge. “I just kind of had a word with myself and I performed well at the end.”
Nathan Aspinall takes on Josh Rock in the quarterfinals
Why things stalled in recent months
Aspinall began 2025 in strong form – on TV, on the World Series and on the European Tour – but his season stuttered after the Premier League. He doesn’t overthink why. “Been beat by better players. Simple as that. Matchplay – averaged 100, got beat. European Championship – averaged 100, got beat. Humphries averaged about 104, beat me and knocked me out the Grand Slam.”
It no longer frustrates him. “Sometimes you just have to go: you were better than me. Not the better player overall, but the better performer on the day.”
Now, though, he senses he is peaking when it matters. “I feel like I’m growing into this tournament now, and hopefully I can produce some magical darts tomorrow.”
Is this the best Aspinall we’ve seen?
It’s a question he hears often: which version of Nathan Aspinall are we looking at? His answer is surprisingly candid. “Even though it’s not my best version, I feel like I’m better now than I was when I won the Matchplay.”
He believes his absolute peak came earlier this year, just after the Premier League when he picked up two Euro Tours and a World Series title. “That was probably the best I’ve ever played or felt in my life.”
Still, he reminds everyone that statistics aren’t everything. “Averages count for nothing. I’d rather average 72 and win than average 115 and lose.”
Perhaps the biggest change, though, is his personal equilibrium. “Everything at home is fantastic. Financially fantastic. I’m getting married to Kirsty next year – fantastic. The kids are behaving – fantastic. Pretty good at darts – fantastic. I’ve got nothing going on, basically.”
That peace brings performances. “I’m not the best version of myself, but I’m not far off.”
With a final smile and a nod, he signs off: “Happy days.”
