James Wade has admitted that Luke Littler’s youth and relentless energy give the teenage sensation a clear edge ahead of the upcoming World Masters.
The veteran darts star, one of the most experienced players on the circuit, acknowledged that competing against the sport’s newest superstar presents a unique challenge — particularly given the physical and mental demands of modern tournaments.
Wade, a former world number one and multiple major winner, will head to Milton Keynes for the Winmau World Masters knowing he may cross paths with the reigning world champion, who arrives fresh from winning the inaugural Saudi Arabia Darts Masters.
Speaking candidly ahead of the event, Wade admitted that Littler’s age works firmly in his favour.
“Luke’s got the energy and the recovery on his side,” Wade explained. “That’s probably the biggest disadvantage for someone like me. He can play late, travel, sleep it off and come back firing the next day.”
At just 19, Littler has already rewritten record books, collecting major titles at a rate rarely seen in darts. His rapid rise has forced even the most seasoned professionals to reassess how they prepare for matches against him.
Wade, 41, has enjoyed a long and successful career built on consistency and mental strength, but conceded that the ever-growing calendar can take its toll.
“The schedule is tougher than it’s ever been,” he said. “When you’re younger, your body just copes better. Luke can go again and again, and that’s a huge asset.”
Despite acknowledging the disadvantage, Wade was quick to stress that experience still counts for plenty — particularly in a tournament as demanding as the World Masters.
“I’ve been around a long time and I know how to manage games,” he added. “That’s something you can’t buy. If I play my game and stay focused, I know I can still compete with anyone.”
Littler, meanwhile, will arrive in Milton Keynes in buoyant mood after claiming another World Series title and taking his career prize money beyond £3 million. The World Masters remains one of the few major honours missing from his collection — a fact that has only heightened expectations around his campaign.
With youth colliding with experience, a potential showdown between Wade and Littler would offer a fascinating contrast of styles — and another chapter in the teenager’s rapidly growing legend.
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