"I’ll win another major this year" - Resurgent Nathan Aspinall looks to kick off successful end to 2025 at US Darts Masters

Nathan Aspinall heads into the US Darts Masters brimming with confidence as the fourth event of the 2025 World Series of Darts gets underway. ‘The Asp’ will face Canadian Matt Campbell in the opening round at Madison Square Garden.

After a mixed start to 2024, the 33-year-old Englishman is back to his best. He has already picked up two European Tour titles this year and finished runner-up in two other ranking finals. Those performances have helped him climb to sixth place in the PDC Order of Merit.

Aspinall, who also reached the semi-finals of the Premier League Play-Offs last month, is relishing another opportunity to compete in the United States. “Yeah, I think so,” he said in conversation with Online Darts when asked if New York is the premier World Series event. “New York’s just such an iconic place, innit? A lot of players use it to bring their partners or family with them. It’s just an amazing city with loads to do.”

Seeing his face on billboards in Times Square is something that still hasn’t sunk in. “For me the maddest thing is obviously seeing yourself on a billboard in New York,” he admitted. “It’s crazy. But yeah, it’s just an amazing city, an amazing place. And yeah, an amazing venue yet again at Madison Square Garden.”

The PDC has been working for several years to grow darts in North America, and while the sport continues to gain fans, Aspinall believes a homegrown superstar could take things to the next level.

“It’s definitely growing – the fans are definitely getting bigger and bigger. But player-wise, I still think we’re waiting,” he said. “I think with the announcement that it’s on Peacock this year, which is a massive platform in America, hopefully there’ll be a lot of younger people watching it for the first time that might get the bug. Who knows – in another couple of years we might have that breakthrough. Like Cadby from Australia. We’ve been coming out here now for five or six years, and we’ve not had that one that’s actually done it yet, in my opinion.”

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, Aspinall says he feels better both on and off the oche – and that’s having a big impact on his form. “I’m enjoying my darts – something I’ve not said in a long time,” he said. “Now, everything’s just great. I can play pain-free. I’m loving touring at the moment. No expectations – just keep enjoying it. If I’m happy and in a good mood, my darts speak for themselves.”

His improved fitness, he believes, is also playing a key role. “It’s not about being able to run for half an hour – it’s about not getting tired,” Aspinall explained. “Eating the right food is key. I eat a lot of chicken and rice now. It’s important to get goodness into your body before playing instead of having a cheeseburger before you go on stage. If you want to have longevity and produce the numbers that are expected from you, yeah – I think you need to.”

With strong results behind him and a positive mindset in place, Aspinall is optimistic about the months ahead. “I’m not expecting anything, but I do think I’ll win another major this year,” he said. “That’s the main goal – and I truly believe I can do it.”