James Wade, a notable figure in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), has expressed disappointment over not being selected for the upcoming Premier League Darts event. This 17-week invitational begins next Thursday in Newcastle.
Wade’s Career Highlights and Recent Performances
Wade, who is currently 42 years old, has been a prominent player on the darts circuit for many years. During the 2025 season, he had notable performances, including runner-up finishes at both the UK Open and the World Matchplay, where he faced Luke Littler.
- Last year’s campaign saw Wade eliminated in the second round of the World Championship, with a narrow 3-2 loss to Ricky Evans.
- He is currently ranked 11th overall in the PDC standings.
Reasons Behind the Snub
Despite his achievements, Wade was not included as one of the wildcards for the Premier League, a decision he attributes to being perceived as “awkward.” The four wildcards selected were Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock, Stephen Bunting, and Gerwyn Price. Automatic picks included Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen, based on their top-four rankings.
Wade noted that his personality traits might have affected his selection, mentioning his tendency to speak his mind and previous controversies, such as a notable handshake incident with Madars Razma.
Impact on Mental Health
The impact of his Premier League snub weighs heavily on Wade, especially given his struggles with bipolar disorder and ADHD. He recognized that such setbacks challenge his self-confidence, admitting the exclusion felt like “a complete kick in the privates.” Wade conveyed frustration about not understanding the reasons for his omission, asserting that statistically, he performed well over the last year.
Wade’s Reflections
Wade believes he deserves another chance, stating that only a few players performed better than him. He also expressed concerns for his son, who is facing similar mental health issues. Despite the difficulties, he remains committed to advocating for better understanding in mental health.
PDC’s Response
The PDC addressed Wade’s comments, acknowledging the selection process’s complexity. They emphasized that he has been chosen for various invitational events in the past and will remain eligible for future selections.
