James Wade has shared his thoughts on being excluded from the Premier League Darts lineup, revealing how it has impacted his confidence. Currently ranked No. 11 in the world, Wade’s drop in ranking followed his early exit at the World Darts Championship after a second-round loss to Ricky Evans. Despite this setback, he had a strong overall performance in 2025, reaching the finals of both the UK Open and the World Matchplay, where he lost to Luke Littler.
Performance and Selection Controversy
Wade’s achievements in major tournaments, along with his ProTour title, led him to believe he warranted a place in the Premier League. Notably, he was among the top players in terms of prize money, with only Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gian van Veen performing better than him. However, the wildcard spots were awarded to other players, including Josh Rock, Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting, and Gerwyn Price.
Reactions to Exclusion
When the Premier League lineup was announced, Wade expressed his dissatisfaction and turned to his wife for support. He mentioned that reconciling this decision was challenging, particularly after his successful performances in 2025. In his words, Wade said, “I had a bloody good year,” but felt that the rejection was difficult to process.
- Current world ranking: No. 11
- Performance in 2025:
- Finalist at the UK Open
- Finalist at the World Matchplay
- ProTour title winner
- Top players in prize money: Littler, Humphries, van Veen
- Wildcard recipients: Rock, Clayton, Bunting, Price
Impact on Mental Health
Wade, who deals with bipolar disorder, acknowledged that the exclusion was particularly difficult due to his mental health challenges. He remarked, “It’s a complete kick in the privates,” emphasizing the impact on his self-esteem. He expressed bewilderment at not being selected, emphasizing the need for merit-based decisions instead of invitational picks.
“It shouldn’t have to be where someone has to pick you,” he stated. Wade felt he achieved more than many other competitors, apart from a select few at the top.
In response to Wade’s comments, the PDC has been contacted for clarification. As the Premier League continues to be a key event in professional darts, Wade’s reflections on merit and selection could influence future discussions about the tournament’s criteria.
