In a bombshell statement that has sent shockwaves through the darts world, Nathan Aspinall has openly questioned the authenticity of the crowds at the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. The world number eight, known for his outspoken nature, told BBC Sport Darts that he felt spectators at the Riyadh event "weren’t all there of their own accord," casting a shadow over the PDC's high-profile expansion into the Middle East. This remark, made after his participation in the tournament won by Michael Smith, has ignited a fierce debate about the intersection of sport, politics, and fan engagement in new markets.
Aspinall's comments come at a pivotal moment for the Professional Darts Corporation, which has aggressively pursued global growth with events in places like Bahrain, the Netherlands, and now Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Darts Masters, part of the World Series of Darts, represents a lucrative venture aimed at tapping into the region's burgeoning interest in the sport. However, it has also drawn scrutiny due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record and its use of sports events, like golf's LIV Golf and Formula 1, to bolster its international image—a practice critics label "sportswashing." Aspinall's words cut to the heart of this tension, suggesting that the enthusiastic crowds may not reflect genuine local passion but rather a curated spectacle.
For context, Aspinall is no stranger to speaking his mind, having previously voiced concerns about player welfare and tournament schedules. His career, which includes two major titles (the UK Open in 2019 and 2024) and a rise to the sport's elite, has been marked by resilience after overcoming a serious wrist injury. This latest outburst, however, ventures into more contentious territory, directly challenging the narrative of organic growth that the PDC has promoted. It raises questions about whether darts' expansion is driven by true fan demand or financial incentives, with the Saudi event reportedly offering substantial prize money and appearance fees to attract top players.
The implications of Aspinall's statement are far-reaching. On one hand, it risks alienating the PDC and its partners, potentially affecting his future invitations to World Series events, which are crucial for earning ranking points and global exposure. On the other, it resonates with critics who argue that darts, a sport built on raucous, beer-fueled crowds in the UK and Europe, may struggle to maintain its authentic atmosphere in more controlled environments. Statistics show that the PDC's international events have grown in popularity, with TV viewership up 15% in non-traditional markets last year, but Aspinall's remarks highlight a potential disconnect between attendance numbers and genuine engagement.
Looking ahead, this controversy could force the PDC to address broader ethical questions as it continues its global push. While players like Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries have embraced the expansion, others may now feel pressured to weigh in, potentially leading to a divide within the sport. For Aspinall, this moment could define his legacy beyond the oche, positioning him as a vocal advocate for integrity in darts. As the sport navigates its future, the balance between commercial success and cultural authenticity will remain a hot-button issue, with Aspinall's bold critique ensuring it stays in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
Source: BBC Sport Darts