James Wade risks wrath of darts fans with controversial comment about Luke Littler and Luke Humphries era
James Wade, a four-time PDC World Darts Championship semi-finalist, has stirred debate with his comments on the current state of darts, despite his own recent struggles at Alexandra Palace, where he’s lost his opening match for the past three years.1
Wade’s downturn coincides with the meteoric rise of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, the world’s top two, who dominated major tournaments in 2024 and began 2025 with a thrilling Ally Pally final. Littler then made history by becoming the youngest world champion last month, contributing to a surge in darts’ popularity.2
However, Wade, speaking on Sky Sports’ “Love the Darts” podcast, claims the present standard is “not what it’s hyped up to be.” “I don’t think it’s what it’s hyped up to be,” he said. “What I feel is there’s more better players that can win tournaments, there’s more than a few of them now, but I don’t feel the big numbers are coming and I don’t feel that the magical games are that in-depth in tournaments now. I just don’t feel that the big numbers are there. I watch very, very little darts, so I’m probably the worst person to ask, but I don’t see that the standards are as mighty as what some people talk about. It’s magical, you know, and it’s amazing. But I just feel there have been other years and other times where it’s probably been a bit better. That’s my experience from what I see anyway.”
Wade’s remarks came ahead of the UK Open, an event he’s won three times, most recently in 2021.3 His illustrious career also includes World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and European Championship titles. A PDC competitor since 2004, Wade rose to prominence alongside legends like Phil Taylor and Kevin Painter.4 His trophy cabinet also features the 2009 Premier League title and four televised nine-dart finishes, including one at Ally Pally in 2020.
This year, Wade suffered a second-round exit at the World Masters to Littler and reached the quarter-finals of Players Championship 4. The world number 14 hopes to secure a fourth UK Open title, entering the fourth round on Friday as a top 32 player. His recent early exits, particularly at the World Championship, contrast sharply with his past achievements, and may be fueling his perception of the current standard of play.
