‘Very robotic’ – James Wade swipes at darts rivals and admits ‘the game is poorer’ because of them
Veteran PDC darts star James Wade has taken a swipe at emerging talents in the sport, labeling them “very robotic” and lacking the distinct personalities that defined previous eras, which he believes has made the game “poorer” overall. The world No. 5, a four-time World Championship semi-finalist and 11-time major winner, expressed his frustration in an interview with the Weekly Dartscast, reminiscing about the vibrant characters who shaped his mid-career rise, such as Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, and Wayne Mardle. Wade, known for his own stoic on-stage demeanor, argued that today’s players are “much of a muchness,” excelling in polished interviews but missing the individuality that added flair to the sport.
Wade’s Critique: A Lack of Characters
Wade highlighted the evolution of darts, noting that while the new generation is technically proficient, they play it “safer” to avoid negative publicity, resulting in a more homogenized field. “I don’t think there’s many characters in the game,” he said, contrasting it with his era’s “loads” of unique figures. “They’re very robotic and they’re very good with their interviews… I think the game is poorer in some ways because of that.” This comes amid darts’ booming popularity, driven by stars like Luke Littler, but Wade feels the sport has lost some of its colorful edge.
The comments, shared widely on social media by outlets like DartsNews, sparked debate among fans and peers, with some agreeing the influx of young pros has diluted personalities, while others defended the modern players’ professionalism.
Wade’s Career Context: Consistency Amid Change
At 42, Wade remains a top-16 mainstay since 2006, with his last major TV title at the 2021 UK Open. He’s voiced similar sentiments before, questioning the “hyped up” standards of current darts and calling rivals “lazy” in a February 2025 Sky Sports interview ahead of a loss to Littler. Wade estimates 5-10 years left in his career, focusing on reclaiming form in events like the upcoming World Grand Prix, where he faces Joe Cullen in the first round.
| Era Comparison (Per Wade) | Old Guard | New Generation |
|—————————|———–|—————-|
| Personalities | Phil Taylor, Adrian Lewis, Wayne Mardle—distinct characters | “Much of a muchness”; safer, robotic approach |
| Impact on Game | Added flair and rivalry | Poorer due to lack of individuality |
Wade’s swipe reflects a veteran’s nostalgia but also underscores darts’ growth challenges—balancing technical excellence with the personalities that draw crowds. As Littler and others dominate, Wade’s call for more “characters” might inspire the next wave.
