WOLVERHAMPTON, England — Former world champion Michael “Bullyboy” Smith broke down in tears after defeating Nathan Aspinall 5–3 at the Grand Slam of Darts, marking a stirring return to televised competition following months of pain, setbacks, and self-doubt.

The 2023 World Darts Champion, who has battled arthritis in his throwing hand, persistent shoulder strain, and foot injuries, produced an emotional performance at the WV Active Aldersley Arena on Friday night. It wasn’t the flawless, high-scoring display fans have come to expect from the St Helens star, but it was a victory steeped in resilience and raw emotion.

“It’s been a long road, it’s been a battle,” Smith told Viaplay through tears after the match. “Just everything — injuries, life itself. To get up there, to win that match, it’s a bit emotional. I’m just glad to get over the line.”

Fighting Spirit on Full Display

Smith’s win was as much about perseverance as precision. Aspinall, a regular rival on the professional circuit, missed a host of doubles in crucial legs, allowing Smith to capitalize late in the contest.

“I can’t go worse than that,” Smith admitted candidly. “Nathan should have won that. I’ve seen his reaction walking off and then again in the practice room — he knows he should have had it 5–0 easy. I just hung in there and got the job done in the end. I’ll take the win.”

The victory, Smith’s first televised match win since March, symbolized a major step forward in his ongoing comeback journey. Having spent much of 2024 and early 2025 away from competition while managing chronic pain, Smith’s focus has shifted from dominance to endurance — and his emotions after the win told the full story.

The Toll of Injury and Absence

At just 34 years old, Smith has already experienced a career’s worth of highs and lows. The 2023 world title was meant to mark the beginning of a new era of dominance, but instead, his body began to betray him. Arthritis developed in his throwing hand, and ongoing joint and tendon issues forced him to withdraw from several key tournaments, leaving fans wondering if they had seen the best of “Bullyboy.”

“I’ve always been a fighter,” he said, his voice cracking. “To be back on stage and winning matches — that’s what means the most to me. I just want to be competing. I’m sick of sitting at home watching people win tournaments while I’m sat there on the couch. It p***** me off. But winning matches — that’s me. That’s Michael Smith.”

Smith’s sheer determination has never been in doubt. He reminded fans of his long history of resilience, recalling multiple instances where he fought through pain and injury.

“I made the semis of the UK Open with a hole in my leg,” he said with a defiant grin. “I broke both my hands when I was 19, had casts for five months, and two weeks after they came off, I won my first ProTour. I’m a fighter. That’s it. I’ll be back — don’t worry.”

Next Challenge: Humphries and Spellman Await

The win over Aspinall sets up a tough next test for Smith — a Sunday showdown with Luke Humphries, the reigning world number one, followed by a clash with American upstart Alex Spellman. For Smith, both matches represent more than just points or rankings; they’re another chance to prove that “Bullyboy” belongs among darts’ elite once more.

“This is the beginning of my comeback,” Smith said confidently. “If I can keep my body right, I know I can beat anyone on my day.”

Fans at Aldersley certainly seemed to agree. The arena erupted when Smith sealed the final leg, a reminder of the passion and connection he’s built with supporters over the years.

Elsewhere at the Grand Slam

In another marquee matchup, Michael van Gerwen edged Beau Greaves 5–4 in a tense thriller that had the English crowd firmly behind the 21-year-old sensation. The Dutchman, often unfazed by hostile atmospheres, faced boos throughout as Greaves pushed him to the brink.

“Some of the men don’t like playing the women,” Greaves said afterward. “But I don’t care. I know I can beat anybody — I’ve got the game for it. Who else would you rather play than Van Gerwen? It’s great for me.”

Her spirited showing drew admiration from fans and pundits alike, signaling another promising chapter in the evolution of women’s darts at the highest level.

A Night of Grit and Emotion

But the night belonged to Michael Smith — not for a record average or a dominant performance, but for sheer heart. After months of physical and emotional strain, his tears on stage symbolized a victory far greater than the scoreline.

As Smith left the stage to a standing ovation, one thing was clear: the former world champion’s fire still burns brightly.