‘Pro Tour heritage’ – Darts fans baffled as James Wade and rival bizarre begin match with an ARM WRESTLE

Bizarre pre-match ritual between Wade and Mensur Suljovic leaves viewers stunned in Hildesheim

James Wade and Mensur Suljovic left darts fans completely baffled after engaging in a bizarre pre-match arm wrestle before their last-16 clash at Players Championship 1 in Hildesheim, Germany.

What should have been a routine Pro Tour match instead began with one of the most peculiar moments ever witnessed on the circuit, as the two experienced professionals engaged in an impromptu test of strength that had viewers questioning what they had just witnessed.

The Bizarre Exchange

During the warm-up, James Wade stared intently at his opponent while Mensur Suljovic threw his final practice darts. Suljovic responded by extending his arm, seemingly to offer Wade a handshake.

But what followed was far from a traditional pre-match greeting.

What followed was a peculiar show of strength as both players grabbed each other’s hand and briefly pushed and pulled, as if improvising an airborne arm-wrestling contest.

The episode ended with Wade pushing Suljovic’s arm downward. Suljovic then started laughing, and Wade appeared to show a slight smile as well.

The moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, with Live Darts posting the footage on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “James Wade and Mensur Suljovic engage in a pre-match arm wrestle 💪🏻🤣”

Fans React

Darts fans on social media were left scratching their heads at the unusual display, with many joking about “Pro Tour heritage” and the informal atmosphere that sometimes prevails at Players Championship events.

The incident highlighted the unique character of Pro Tour darts, where the less formal setting of hotel venues compared to televised major tournaments can sometimes lead to lighter moments between players.

Whether it was a joke or a subtle bit of mind games remained unclear, but the scene clearly left viewers puzzled.

Wade Unfazed, Goes On to Win Title

Whatever the intention behind the arm wrestle, it certainly didn’t distract “The Machine” from the task at hand.

From a sporting standpoint, Wade was not distracted. The 42-year-old Englishman won the tie 6-3 and kept his strong tournament going.

Wade’s form only improved from there. He then took care of Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals, before beating Nathan Aspinall in the final. With an 8-6 victory, Wade crowned himself champion of Players Championship 1.

The title represented Wade’s first Pro Tour victory of 2026 and was a significant confidence boost for a player who has endured frustration at being overlooked for the Premier League Darts despite his incredible longevity and 11 major titles.

A Rivalry with History

Wade and Suljovic have faced each other numerous times over their lengthy careers, with both players known for their occasionally combustible relationships with opponents and crowds.

Suljovic, the 42-year-old Austrian known as “The Gentle,” has been a fixture on the PDC circuit since 2011 and won the 2017 World Grand Prix among other titles. Like Wade, he’s known for his meticulous preparation and intense focus.

The arm wrestle appeared to be a lighthearted moment between two veterans of the circuit who have shared many battles over the years, though the exact context and meaning remain ambiguous.

Pro Tour Atmosphere

The Players Championship events, which take place in venues like the Hilton Hotel in Hildesheim, have a distinctly different atmosphere compared to the televised majors at venues like Alexandra Palace or the Winter Gardens.

With multiple boards running simultaneously and a more relaxed setting, these tournaments can sometimes produce unexpected moments of levity—though an arm wrestle before a last-16 match certainly ranks among the more unusual.

Wade’s Continued Excellence

At 42 years old, Wade continues to defy Father Time and prove he remains one of the sport’s elite competitors. His victory at Players Championship 1 served as a reminder of his enduring class, even as younger stars like Luke Littler dominate the headlines.

The 11-time major winner has been vocal about feeling “sad, despondent, a little bit rejected” after being snubbed for the 2026 Premier League, despite consistently proving he can still compete with—and defeat—the world’s best players.

His semi-final victory over Michael van Gerwen and final triumph over Nathan Aspinall in Hildesheim demonstrated exactly why many believe he deserves a spot among the Premier League’s elite eight.

The Verdict

While the exact meaning of the pre-match arm wrestle between Wade and Suljovic may never be fully understood—whether it was genuine mind games, friendly banter, or simply two veterans sharing a joke—it provided one of the more memorable and bizarre moments of the 2026 Pro Tour season so far.

What is certain is that Wade had the last laugh, using whatever psychological edge the encounter may have provided to secure victory and ultimately claim the title.

As for “Pro Tour heritage,” perhaps these unexpected moments of humanity and humor between players are exactly what make these tournaments special—even if they do leave fans utterly baffled in the process.