Nathan Aspinall has etched his name into the history books, clinching his first-ever European Tour title with a commanding 8-4 victory over Ryan Joyce in the European Darts Trophy final. This long-awaited triumph could mark a turning point in ‘The Asp’s’ career, reigniting his momentum ahead of major tournaments like the World Grand Prix and the World Matchplay.
The Road to Glory
Aspinall’s journey to the title was nothing short of spectacular. He electrified the crowd throughout the weekend, with his iconic Mr Brightside walk-on song adding to the atmosphere. Earlier in the tournament, he dismantled world number one Luke Humphries with a stunning 6-1 win and delivered a tournament-defining 170 checkout against the legendary Gary Anderson.
This victory holds immense significance for Aspinall, who had not lifted a title since his World Matchplay triumph in 2023. Overcoming well-documented struggles with his throw, this win reaffirms his status as one of the sport’s elite. For Joyce, though he fell short, his impressive run puts him in a provisional World Matchplay spot, bolstering his chances for future success.
How the Final Unfolded
Aspinall set the tone early, opening with a 180 and breaking throw with a clinical 92 checkout for a 1-0 lead. Joyce immediately responded, breaking back after Aspinall narrowly missed a 138 finish. However, the momentum quickly swung back in Aspinall’s favor as he capitalized on Joyce’s missed opportunities, surging to a 4-1 lead.
Joyce showed resilience, breaking back to 4-2 and then holding a throw to close the gap to 4-3. But just when it seemed he was mounting a comeback, Aspinall regained control. He stretched his lead to 6-4, taking advantage of Joyce’s missed doubles. In the decisive moments, ‘The Asp’ kept his composure, nailing a 72 checkout to seal victory. Overwhelmed with emotion, he fell to the floor in sheer delight as he celebrated his milestone win.
Match Statistics
| Ryan Joyce | VS | Nathan Aspinall |
|---|---|---|
| 93.71 | Average (3 Darts) | 98.19 |
| 17 | 100+ Thrown | 11 |
| 8 | 140+ Thrown | 10 |
| 2 | 180s Thrown | 5 |
| 51 | Highest Checkout | 92 |
| 0 | Checkout 100+ | 0 |
| 28.6% | Checkout Percentage | 32% |
| 4/14 | Checkout Rate | 8/25 |
What This Win Means for Aspinall
This triumph could be a catalyst for greater success in 2025. Aspinall has long been a fan favorite in the Premier League Darts circuit, and this win signals a resurgence at a crucial point in his career. With the World Grand Prix and World Matchplay on the horizon, could this be the start of another title-winning run for ‘The Asp’?
One thing is certain—Nathan Aspinall is back, and he means business.
Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.