English darts star Nathan Aspinall, ranked World No. 6, pulled off a jaw-dropping feat dubbed the “best dart ever” by fans, throwing a dart into an apple held in the mouth of terrified Wrexham-based influencer Dean Alex. The heart-stopping challenge, posted on TikTok and Instagram on June 24, 2025, went viral, earning praise like “Best video I’ll watch all year” from *The Irish Sun*. The stunt, reported by *Daily Star* and *Yardbarker*, showcased Aspinall’s precision under pressure as he prepares for the US Darts Masters on June 27, 2025, at Madison Square Garden.
Dean Alex, with over one million followers, accepted a fan’s bet to stand before a dartboard with a Granny Smith apple in his mouth while Aspinall, nicknamed “The Asp,” took aim. The video, shared by @SunSport and @DartsNews02 on X, captures Dean’s initial bravado crumbling as nerves set in. “I’m scared,” he muttered, pulling the apple out to protest when someone off-camera echoed his fear. Aspinall’s warm-up, flexing his arm and fingers, further rattled Dean, who shouted, “Stop doing that, you’re not throwing darts if you’re shaking like a s***ing dog!” prompting laughter from Aspinall and crew.
Dean’s panic peaked as he covered his eyes and stepped away, fuming, “F***ing hell, I’m gonna f***ing hit him,” after Aspinall hesitated. Despite apologizing in advance for any mishap, Aspinall faced Dean’s threats to back out. After multiple attempts to recompose himself, Dean returned to the board, and Aspinall finally let the dart fly, striking the apple perfectly. Relieved cheers erupted, with Dean hugging Aspinall, the dart still lodged in the apple, as captured in an Instagram post by @dean.dodd.
Aspinall, a 2023 World Matchplay and 2019 UK Open champion, is no stranger to high-stakes moments, having battled dartitis and reached two PDC World Championship semifinals. His precision in this challenge, despite Dean’s theatrics, underscores why he’s a top contender. Fans on X, like @SwearingSport, called Dean a “f***ing lunatic” for the stunt, while others lauded Aspinall’s nerve. The video’s comedic tension, fueled by Dean’s outbursts and Aspinall’s calm focus, has cemented its place as a viral sensation.
As Aspinall heads to New York, this daring display boosts his momentum, though he’ll need to navigate a tough field, including Luke Littler, after a 5-2 loss to him at the 2025 PDC World Championship. Off the oche, Aspinall’s battle with dartitis, revealed in a November 2024 *Daily Star* interview, adds depth to his resilience in pulling off such a high-risk throw.
