"Darts is not my priority, it's as simple as that": Nathan Aspinall unsure if he will play further ProTours amid family issues but makes vow to fans
PDCTuesday, 14 July 2026 at 14:08
Nathan Aspinall has admitted honestly that darts is not his priority right now and that he is unlikely to play any more ProTours so will miss Minehead again as he heads towards the World Matchplay.
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For the outsider looking in, he has had a stag do and is about to get married but while the social media lens sees one side, Aspinall said that his life is very much the opposite at the moment and that he has been struggling with family issues off the oche most of the year.
He spoke to Online Darts at the BST Hyde Park Championship and shared good memories of singing Angels with Olly Murs on stage last year. But that he is aiming for September to be back to his best.
"Truth be told, I've got a lot of stuff going on away from the oche, a lot of family issues I'm not going to go into because they're personal. There's a lot more stuff going on in my life than darts, and at the moment darts is not my priority. It's as simple as that.
"Yes, I've been away a bit with the stag do and I've had a holiday with the family, but since coming back there's been a few issues. Everyone knows my love for the ProTours. I made a decision at the start of the year to give them a go, but if it didn't go my way I'd probably not play them, and I'm still unsure whether I'm actually going to play any more ProTours, which obviously means I won't be in Minehead.
"There's been a lot going on this year for me. I've had a lot of setbacks - obviously the Premier League, the World Series and a lot of family issues. For me now it's about doing my best at the Matchplay, getting married, going on my honeymoon, and then I promise all my fans that as soon as the honeymoon's done, darts is my number one priority.
"It's been a bit of a rubbish six months for me. I haven't really been putting darts as a priority, but as soon as the wedding's done, I'll be back. This is my job, this is what I love, and I've got so many fans that are missing me. September, I'll be back, 100%.
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"Been to the final three out of the last four years so that hurt me" - Aspinall America snub
Aspinall opened up further that also not being invited to America hurt him and that in reality when he has so much going on at home, he doesn't particularly want to head to Hildesheim for a ProTour by his own admission and that he prefers to sort out the other issues he's got.
"I ain't going to lie. I've had a lot of knockbacks. I was gutted not to be in the Premier League and gutted not to get any shouts for the World Series. I think I've been to the final three out of the last four years in America, so that hurt me, especially after the Euro Tour just before the selections.
"When you keep going away, you're missing time at home and you're playing rubbish - which is what I was doing at the time - it is hard to keep going when you've got other stuff going on at home, health issues with family members. Do I want to spend that week away playing a ProTour in Hildesheim? Those are the decisions I've been making recently.
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"I've been putting myself and my family first for the first time instead of the darts. But at the end of the day, darts gives me this life. Darts gives me these opportunities to play these amazing venues like today. Once this wedding's done, once the honeymoon's done, I'll be 100% focused on the darts."
Ready for World Matchplay
But while the issues have been there, he is excited about the World Matchplay. He did play in Leverkusen the weekend after said exhibition reaching the latter stages in the heat so the game is there and while he said he isn't sure what Asp will turn up in Blackpool, he is ready for the battle.
"The excitement is there. I think it's going to give me that spark that I need. The draw's tomorrow, so I'm interested to see who I've got.
"I think I've literally played four matches in about seven or eight weeks. I played Kiel and Bratislava, and I think they're the only tournaments I've played. I've not thrown a dart before tonight, but I don't really think it matters with the wind.
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Nathan Aspinall looks to banish off the oche issues for Blackpool title tilt.
"I've had a chat with Humphries on the train coming down and next week me and him are going to have a good couple of days' practice. Sometimes when there's no pressure on you, when you're not expecting to go well because you're not playing well, I have no idea how I'm going to play.
"I have no idea what Nathan is going to turn up, so let's go and do our best. There's no reason why I can't have a decent run. If I don't, I've got another four weeks, then I get married, have my honeymoon, and then we get ready for the end of the year.
Becoming a fountain of knowledge for others
Aspinall has helped Scott Williams as of late amid dartitis problems and said that he has become a fountain of knowledge on the tour for players and that he is always there to help.
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"No, I appreciate that. I was actually sat with James Hurrell last night and his missus, and they were asking me a few questions. I have so many players who come to me on tour. Because I'm so open, people feel they can come up to me and ask me anything. I'm not going to go around telling people what someone's asked me. I help so many players out on tour, you wouldn't believe it.
"It's not because I'm helping my competitors, it's because people go through struggles in darts. I've been through more than most. I appreciate Scott saying that. It's nice to see him come out the other side.
"Unfortunately now I've gone back the other way, so if you've got any words of encouragement for me, Scott, I'll take them on!"
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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