Nathan Aspinall showed his true mettle in the Steel City, the two-time PDC major winner produced a memorable performance to book his place in the 2025 BetMGM Premier League Play-offs.
The assignment was simple enough – on paper, at least: beat Michael van Gerwen in his quarter-final and you’re off to London’s O2 next Thursday. For the Dutchman, only a full nightly win would have been enough, and remarkably, he hadn’t managed one all campaign.
But by match two in Sheffield, the top four was locked in. Aspinall dispatched The Green Machine 6–2 with ruthless efficiency, sealing the deal and ending Van Gerwen’s play-off hopes.
The Asp has been in the final stages before he was a losing semi-finalist back in 2021 when he was beaten by Jose de Sousa in a deciding 19th leg.
With qualification secured, Nathan’s attention turned to the £10,000 nightly prize – but that dream was cut short in the semi-final, as stable-mate Luke Littler edged him out 6–4.
And speaking of Littler, the teenager once again lit up the arena. He stormed to his record-breaking sixth nightly win and topped the final league table with an astonishing 45 points – the highest ever tally. Not bad for someone who, just two years ago, was probably watching the tournament from his bedroom in Warrington inbetween playing FIFA.
After an enthralling night of tungsten action, South Yorkshire witnessed a final between the two Lukes – Littler and Humphries – a possible teaser for next Thursday’s showdown. Littler, in top gear, took the honours and even threw in a signature big fish checkout, moments after a classy 155 finish.
For some context: Littler spent 11 weeks at the top of the table this season. Add that to the six he held last year, and that’s 17 in total – one more than Bryan Adams’ legendary 16-week chart reign at number one with Everything I Do. And unlike the Canadian’s annoying anthem, Luke’s achievement doesn’t stick in your head when out shopping.
So with the play-off picture complete, Aspinall even leapfrogged Gerwyn Price to finish third, pushing the Welshman down a spot. The Iceman won’t mind though – he has enjoyed plenty of success over Littler lately – certainly more than most.
If The Nuke doesn’t retain his crown, we’re guaranteed a brand new Premier League champion. It’s wide open, impossible to call, and unmissable. Unless of course, you manage to miss it…
2025 BetMGM Premier League
Night 16 – Thursday May 22
Utilita Arena, Sheffield
Quarter-Finals
Luke Littler 6-1 Stephen Bunting
Nathan Aspinall 6-2 Michael van Gerwen
Luke Humphries 6-4 Rob Cross
Chris Dobey 6-5 Gerwyn Price
Semi-Finals
Luke Littler 6-4 Nathan Aspinall
Luke Humphries 6-2 Chris Dobey
Final
Luke Littler 6-3 Luke Humphries
Play-Offs – Thursday May 29
The O2, London
Semi-Finals
Luke Littler v Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries v Nathan Aspinall
Best of 19 legs
Final
Littler/Price v Humphries/Aspinall
Best of 21 legs
—–ENDS—–
Image:PDC
