James Wade gives bizarre explanation about why 42-year-old ‘irritated’ Luke Littler at European Championship darts

James Wade’s Bizarre Explanation for ‘Irritating’ Luke Littler at European Championship

James Wade has offered a quirky and unexpected explanation for why he “irritated” Luke Littler during their tense second-round clash at the 2025 Machineseeker European Darts Championship on October 25 in Dortmund, attributing the 18-year-old’s frustration to a simple case of “bad luck with the darts” rather than any mind games. The 42-year-old “Machine,” who stunned Littler 10-7 to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2019, revealed in a post-match interview with ITV that Littler’s “irritated” demeanor stemmed from the teenager’s darts “not behaving” on the night, leading to missed doubles and a near nine-darter that fizzled out. “He was irritated because his darts weren’t going in like they usually do—bad luck, mate,” Wade said with a chuckle. “I just kept throwing mine straight, and he got a bit frustrated. That’s darts—sometimes they don’t listen.” The win, Wade’s first televised victory over Littler, keeps Humphries as world No. 1 and sets up a quarterfinal against the top-ranked Englishman.

The Match: Wade’s Clutch Finish Over Littler’s Fire
Wade, seeded No. 25, faced Littler (No. 2) after both advanced: Wade with a 6-3 win over Martin Schindler, Littler with a 6-1 demolition of Raymond van Barneveld. Littler led 3-2 at the first break with an 81 checkout on bull, but Wade responded, reeling 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, then broke with a 108 on D14 for 8-6. Littler clawed to 8-7, but Wade sealed 10-7 with a 96 on D20, averaging 97.75 to Littler’s 99.2 (5 180s each).

Littler, “gutted” post-match on X (“Had my chances so gutted I didn’t take them”), missed six doubles in the decider. Wade: “Luke’s irritated because his darts weren’t behaving—missed ’em, and I capitalized.” The £10,000 R2 payday totals £16,000 for Littler from Dortmund, widening the Order of Merit gap to £827,500 behind Humphries (£1,907,000 to £1,197,500).

| 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 Bizarre Take: “Bad Luck with the Darts”
Wade’s explanation was light-hearted yet pointed, dismissing any psychological edge. “He was irritated because his darts weren’t going in like they usually do—bad luck, mate,” Wade told ITV. “I just kept throwing mine straight, and he got a bit frustrated. That’s darts—sometimes they don’t listen.” Wade, a 2014 Masters champ with 25 years on tour, contrasted Littler’s “fire” with his own “calm.” “Luke’s the future, but tonight his darts betrayed him—irritated him, yeah, but that’s the game.”

The loss dashes Littler’s weekend No. 1 shot; he needs a Grand Slam title (£100k, October 6-12) to overtake. Humphries, now in QF vs. Wade, defends £120k from 2023.

Reactions: “Wade’s ‘Bad Luck’ Jab? Classic Machine”
X under #WadeLittler: “James’s ‘darts not listening’? Bizarre shade—Nuke’s irritated, alright” (150k likes). Littler: “Fair play James—Grand Slam’s next.” Mardle: “Wade’s explanation? Gold—darts’ mind games.”

Wade’s “bizarre” take isn’t shade—it’s darts. Littler’s irritated? Reloaded. Grand Slam calls.