James Wade, the world No. 14 darts player, kicked off his 2025 campaign with a 3-2 victory over Mike De Decker in the first round of the Winmau World Darts Masters. This win sets up a highly anticipated clash with reigning world champion Luke Littler in the next round. Wade’s performance showcased his trademark skill in hitting crucial combinations in the 80s and 90s, which ultimately proved too much for De Decker to handle, despite the Belgian’s vocal disappointment about his exclusion from the Premier League. Wade’s win allowed him to put the frustration of his early exit at the World Championship behind him and look forward to the rest of the season.
Adding a touch of levity to the proceedings, Wade entertained the crowd with an impromptu dance during his walk-on, set to Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.” His humorous dad-like moves, followed by a sharp turn and wave to the audience, drew laughs and applause. When questioned about his dance moves, Wade jokingly compared them to “a little bit of spaghetti bolognese,” dismissing any comparisons to a potential appearance on the popular television show “Strictly Come Dancing.” This lighthearted moment underscored Wade’s relaxed and confident approach to the tournament.
Reflecting on his failure to achieve a top-10 ranking in the previous year, a goal he had set for himself, Wade candidly admitted his disappointment. He attributed his shortcomings to his performance at the World Championships, where he suffered an unexpected early exit. While acknowledging the frustration of falling short of his target, Wade maintained a pragmatic perspective, recognizing that many other players likely shared similar sentiments. He expressed hope that with a change in fortune, he would be able to improve his ranking in the current year.
Wade, a four-time World Darts Championship semi-finalist and winner of prestigious tournaments such as the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, and UK Open, is determined to regain his place among the top 10 players. His early exit in the second round of the World Championship against Jermaine Wattimena served as a motivator, fueling his desire to climb back up the rankings. Ahead of his challenging match against world champion Littler, Wade exuded confidence and determination, dismissing any doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level.
Despite his current ranking, Wade firmly believes in his capacity to win major televised tournaments. He expressed a sense of amusement at those who doubt his capabilities, reiterating his confidence in securing future titles. While acknowledging the exceptional talent of players like Littler, Wade pointed out that the current generation of top players, while phenomenal, are not quite at the level of legends like Phil Taylor or Michael van Gerwen in their prime. He sees this as an opportunity and believes there are gaps in the market for him to exploit.
Wade’s disappointment with his current ranking stems from his conviction that he is superior to several players ranked above him. He recognizes, however, that words are not enough and that he must demonstrate his prowess through consistent performance. Looking forward, Wade is focused on improving his ranking and proving his worth on the darts circuit. He remains resolute in his belief that he can compete with the best and achieve further success in his career. His combination of experience, skill, and unwavering self-belief makes him a formidable competitor, and his journey back towards the top of the rankings will undoubtedly be one to watch.
