Nathan Aspinall, a top darts player, raised concerns about the authenticity of the crowd at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters. The event, held at a 1,000-capacity venue in Riyadh, is part of the World Series of Darts. Aspinall, speaking to Darts Now, suggested that not all attendees were there voluntarily, noting the strict no-alcohol regulations in Saudi Arabia. Despite his reservations, he acknowledged the event's potential, saying it could foster a long-term partnership if the experience is enjoyable and well-covered.

The Saudi Arabia Darts Masters marks a significant step for darts in the Middle East, following other major sports events like Formula 1 and golf. The tournament offers the biggest prize pot for a nine-darter in history, with players standing to win $200,000. Aspinall advanced to the quarter-finals after defeating Lourence Ilagan, while other top players like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Michael van Gerwen also progressed. The event's atmosphere, though different from traditional darts tournaments, was described as enjoyable by Aspinall.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in major sports events, this tournament serves as a test for future endeavors, including hosting the 2034 men's football World Cup. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) is under scrutiny as it navigates partnerships in a region known for its strict regulations. With ongoing criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights and environmental records, the success of this event could influence future sporting collaborations in the kingdom.