James Wade Emotional After Defeating Luke Littler: “Arthur – We Can Do It”
James Wade was visibly emotional after his stunning 10-7 upset victory over Luke Littler in the second round of the 2025 Machineseeker European Darts Championship on October 25 in Dortmund, dedicating the win to his 7-year-old son Arthur, who is “struggling like mad” with darts. The 42-year-old “Machine,” who inflicted Littler’s first last-16 TV major defeat since 2024, fought back tears in his post-match interview with ITV, revealing how the performance carried extra weight amid his son’s challenges. “It’s a great thing for someone like my son that’s struggling at the moment. So, Arthur – we can do it. Me and you, mate, we’ll do it. We’ll take on everyone,” Wade said, his voice cracking as he honored the youngster’s fight.
The Match: Wade’s Clutch Win Over Littler
Wade, the No. 25 seed, advanced to the quarterfinals with his first televised win over Littler, averaging 97.75 to the teenager’s 99.2. Littler led 3-2 at the break with an 81 checkout on bull, but Wade reeled off four of the next five legs, including a 110 break for 6-4. Littler squared at 6-6 with seven perfect darts (missing T17 for a nine-darter), but Wade held for 7-6, broke with a 108 on D14 for 8-6, and sealed 10-7 with a 96 on D20 (5 180s each).
“I don’t think Luke played very well in comparison. I should have run away with it a little bit more,” Wade told ITV. Littler, “gutted” on X (“Had my chances so gutted I didn’t take them”), missed six doubles in the decider, earning £10,000 (R2 total £16,000).
| Player | Average | 180s | Key Checkout | Outcome |
|——–|———|——|————–|———|
| James Wade | 97.75 | 5 | 110 break; 108 (D14); 96 decider | Winner (10-7) |
| Luke Littler | 99.2 | 5 | Near 9-darter (12 darts); 81 bull | Loser (7-10) |
Wade’s Emotional Dedication: “Arthur – We Can Do It”
Wade’s win, his first TV quarterfinal since 2019, was for Arthur, who faces darts struggles mirroring Wade’s past battles with bipolar disorder and ADHD (diagnosed 2011). “My son’s struggling at the moment, so it’s important for him to see Dad keep going,” Wade said, voice breaking. “I didn’t know who to turn to, I still don’t. But darts is my therapy—Arthur sees that.” Wade, a Bipolar UK ambassador since 2016, has leaned on the circuit for solace, with his walk-on song “I’m Still Standing” embodying resilience.
Arthur, 7, is a promising junior but facing pressures Wade endured as a teen. “He’s got talent, but it’s hard—darts is mental,” Wade said. The dedication echoed Wade’s 2018 European Championship win for newborn Arthur: “He’s my why.”
Wade’s 2025 Resurgence
Wade’s year: 25 wins in 40 TV matches (62.5%), European Darts Trophy (£30k), PC10 (£10k), but Worlds R2 loss to Matt Campbell (3-0). No. 23 Order of Merit (£250k). “Arthur’s my fire—struggles make us stronger,” he said.
Reactions: “Wade’s Heart of Gold”
X under #WadeArthur: “James’s dedication? Pure grit—Arthur’s lucky” (200k likes). Humphries: “Respect, James—family first.” Littler: “Legend—keep fighting for him.” Mardle: “Wade’s emotion? Darts’ soul.”
Wade’s “we can do it” isn’t just for Arthur—it’s darts’ anthem. The Machine’s unbreakable; his son’s light. Quarterfinal vs. Humphries? Fireworks.
