James Wade’s Ridiculous Explanation for ‘Irritating’ Luke Littler at European Championship
James Wade has left darts fans scratching their heads with a wildly eccentric explanation for why he “irritated” Luke Littler during their gripping second-round clash at the 2025 Machineseeker European Darts Championship in Dortmund on October 25, blaming the 18-year-old’s frustration on his darts having a mind of their own. The 42-year-old veteran, who pulled off a 10-7 upset to reach the quarterfinals, told ITV post-match that Littler’s “irritated” demeanor stemmed from his darts “not behaving” due to “bad luck,” rather than any strategic ploy. “He was irritated because his darts weren’t going in like they usually do—bad luck, mate,” Wade said with a grin. “I just kept throwing mine straight, and he got a bit frustrated. That’s darts—sometimes they don’t listen!” The bizarre take, delivered with Wade’s trademark dry humor, has been dubbed “ridiculous” by fans, especially as it came after Littler missed six doubles in the decider, including a near nine-darter that fizzled out.
The Match: Wade’s Grit Edges Littler’s Brilliance
Wade, the No. 25 seed, faced Littler, the No. 2 and world champion, after both advanced: Wade with a 6-3 win over Martin Schindler, Littler with a 6-1 thrashing of Raymond van Barneveld. Littler took a 3-2 lead at the first break with an 81 checkout on bull, but Wade seized control, winning four of the next five legs, including a 110 break for 6-4. Littler fought back to 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. Averages were tight—97.75 for Wade, 99.2 for Littler—each hitting five 180s.
Littler, “gutted” on X (“Had my chances so gutted I didn’t take them”), saw his £16,000 Dortmund haul (£6,000 R1 + £10,000 R2) lift him to £1,197,500, still £701,000 behind Humphries (£1,907,000). The loss ends his immediate No. 1 bid, shifting focus to the Grand Slam (October 6-12, £100k title).
| 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 ‘Ridiculous’ Spin: Darts with Attitude
Wade’s post-match quip was pure theater. “He was irritated because his darts weren’t going in like they usually do—bad luck, mate,” he told ITV. “I just kept throwing mine straight, and he got a bit frustrated. That’s darts—sometimes they don’t listen!” The suggestion that Littler’s darts were “misbehaving” like rebellious tools—rather than his own pressure or Wade’s tactics—drew laughs and eye-rolls. Wade, a 2014 Masters champ with 25 years’ experience, leaned into the absurdity: “Luke’s the future, but tonight his darts betrayed him—irritated him, yeah, but that’s the game.”
The explanation sidesteps Wade’s clutch 108 break and 96 finish, framing Littler’s struggle as a dart-board tantrum. Fans see it as a playful jab, though Littler’s six missed doubles (e.g., D10, D8) fueled the narrative.
Reactions: “Wade’s Darts Talk? Bonkers but Brilliant”
X under #WadeLittler: “James saying Littler’s darts didn’t listen? Ridiculous shade—Nuke’s fuming!” (180k likes). Littler: “Fair play James—Grand Slam’s next.” Mardle: “Wade’s ‘bad luck’ line? Pure darts gold—mental games at play.”
Wade’s “ridiculous” take isn’t strategy—it’s showmanship. Littler’s irritation? Motivation. The Grand Slam looms as his redemption stage.
