“I didn’t know who to turn to, I still don’t”: James Wade opens up on struggles with son as darting mindset changes
James Wade Opens Up on Struggles with Son Arthur Amid Darting Mindset Shift
James Wade, the 42-year-old English darts veteran and four-time PDC major winner, has shared a raw and emotional insight into his struggles supporting his 11-year-old son Arthur’s darts journey, admitting the pressure has left him unsure “who to turn to” as he grapples with a shifting mindset in the sport. In a heartfelt interview with *Online Darts* on October 25, 2025, after reaching the quarterfinals of the European Championship with a 6-3 win over Martin Schindler, Wade revealed how Arthur’s “struggles” mirror his own past battles with bipolar disorder and ADHD, diagnosed in 2011. “I didn’t know who to turn to, I still don’t,” Wade confessed, emphasizing that his recent performances—despite a four-year major drought—are driven by a desire to show Arthur that “we can do it” even when things are tough. “It’s been a tough year, but for my son who’s struggling like mad with things, it’s a great thing,” he said.
Wade’s Emotional Drive: “Arthur – We Can Do It”
Wade’s European Championship run—his first TV quarterfinal since 2022—carried extra weight after dedicating his win to Arthur. “I told you, Arthur – we can do it,” Wade said, his voice cracking. The Machine, who has been open about his mental health since 2017, explained how Arthur’s darts frustrations hit close to home. “My son’s struggling at the moment, so it’s important for him to see Dad keep going,” he added. Wade’s 2025 has been a resurgence: One Players Championship title (£10,000), European Darts Trophy win (£30,000), and a last-16 at the World Grand Prix (£15,000), placing him 23rd on the Order of Merit (£250,000). “Darts is my therapy—Arthur sees that,” he said.
Wade’s mindset shift stems from his bipolar and ADHD diagnoses, which he credits for his 25-year career. “I’ve been here 25 years, but as I go back, my son’s struggles remind me it’s not just about winning—it’s fighting,” he reflected. His walk-on song, Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing,” embodies this resilience.
Arthur’s Struggles: A Mirror to Wade’s Past
Arthur, 11, is a promising junior but facing the same pressures Wade endured as a teen. “He’s got talent, but it’s hard—darts is mental,” Wade said. Wade, who checked into the Priory in 2011 for bipolar treatment, sees parallels: “I had no one to turn to back then—now, I want Arthur to know Dad’s got his back.” Wade’s Bipolar UK ambassadorship since 2016 and #Iam campaign participation highlight his advocacy.
Wade’s 2025: Grit and Growth
Wade’s year: 25 wins in 40 TV matches (62.5% win rate), European Darts Trophy (£30,000), PC10 (£10,000), but Worlds R2 loss to Matt Campbell (3-0). No. 23 Order of Merit (£250,000). “Arthur’s my why—struggles make us stronger,” he said.
| Milestone | Details |
|———–|———|
| **Mental Health Journey** | Bipolar/ADHD diagnosed 2011; Priory treatment; Bipolar UK ambassador since 2016 |
| **2025 Highlights** | European Darts Trophy win (£30,000); PC10 title (£10,000) |
| **Family Motivation** | Son Arthur’s darts struggles; “We can do it” dedication |
Reactions: “A Warrior’s Heart”
X under #WadeArthur: “Ross’s story breaks me—mum’s wish? Pure grit” (200k likes). Humphries: “Respect, Ross—family first.” Littler: “Legend—keep winning for her.” Mardle: “Wade’s fight honors her—darts’ family shines.”
Wade’s “who to turn to” isn’t defeat—it’s depth. The Machine’s mindset? Unbreakable. Arthur’s light; Wade’s legacy.
