Darts Star James Wade Criticized for ‘Disrespectful’ Exit After World Matchplay Loss to Luke Littler
James Wade, a 42-year-old darts veteran, faced backlash for his abrupt departure from the stage following an 18-13 loss to Luke Littler in the World Matchplay final on July 27, 2025, in Blackpool. Labeled “disrespectful” by pundits and fans, Wade’s exit before Littler’s trophy presentation sparked debate, with the 18-year-old’s historic win as the youngest champion overshadowed by the controversy (*GBNews.com*, August 4, 2025).
The Incident and Criticism
Wade, who led 5-0 early in the match, was overtaken by Littler’s stunning comeback, with the teenager averaging 100.98 and hitting seven 180s to claim the Phil Taylor Trophy (*PDC Darts*, July 27, 2025). While not required to stay, tradition in darts encourages the losing finalist to remain for congratulations and a brief on-camera appearance. Wade’s immediate exit drew sharp criticism on the *Love the Darts* podcast, where Sky Sports pundit Michael Bridge clarified, “There was no issue with Luke or the crowd. He was just angry at himself, but we’d have liked to hear from him” (*GBNews.com*). Chris Murphy was more direct, stating, “It was disrespectful not to be there when Luke received the trophy. Just stand, applaud, and say, ‘I don’t want to talk’” (*Express.co.uk*, August 3, 2025).
Fan and Context Reactions
Fans on X echoed the sentiment, with one post stating, “Wade storming off after losing to Littler was classless. Show some respect!” (@DartsFanatic, July 28, 2025). Another defended Wade, noting, “He was gutted. Not everyone handles defeat like a robot” (@TungstenTales, July 28, 2025). The incident contrasts with Littler’s gracious post-match comments: “I’m just so happy… I’ve put my family through it this week, but I came through victorious” (*PDC Darts*). Wade’s history of sportsmanship, including past praise for younger players, suggests his exit stemmed from frustration rather than personal animosity (*DartsNews.com*). Littler’s win, part of a dominant 2025 with six PDC titles, further cements his status as a darts prodigy (*BBC Sport*).
Broader Implications
The controversy mirrors other sports’ debates over sportsmanship, like Ricardo Pietreczko’s 2024 outburst against Littler for a showboat finish (*Express.co.uk*, April 18, 2024). Wade’s actions stand out in a year where Littler faced varied responses, from Stephen Bunting’s “weird” fist-bumps to Gerwyn Price’s recent injury withdrawal (*GBNews.com*, January 12, 2025). As Littler prepares for upcoming events like the Flanders Darts Trophy, fans on X remain focused on his brilliance, with one post noting, “Wade’s exit doesn’t dim Littler’s shine. The kid’s a legend!” (@TheConnorCain, August 4, 2025). The incident underscores the emotional intensity of darts as Littler continues to redefine the sport.
