"As much as I want to go to Australia, I'm going to Disneyland": James Wade rejected World Series of Darts return for family holiday

James Wade marked a remarkable milestone this week: his 20th consecutive appearance at the World Matchplay in a 10-3 win over Joe Cullen. He averaged 104.44 demolishing 'The Rockstar' with his highest ever average on the World Matchplay stage and was open and vulnerable in the press room afterwards.

Wade believes the PDC would change the qualification criteria if he got in the Premier League. He also said he rejected World Series advances and doesn't see himself getting the credit he deserves.

“I was excited, nervous… and just happy, really,” he said. “I did alright – hit the right scores and the right doubles. If I’d scored a little better, it might’ve been magical. But I’m really happy to beat someone like Joe.”

While Cullen may not be at his best right now, 'The Machine' has nothing but respect surrounding his game. “He’s probably not the very best darts player in the world, but nothing affects him. He’s unbelievably confident. I’m the polar opposite – I’ve never been confident – so it’s tough playing someone like that.”

Wade’s two-decade presence in Blackpool places him among darts royalty — but it’s a status he often feels isn’t recognised.

“I don’t think many darts players have achieved what I have,” he said. “I’m proud of myself – even if you lot aren’t.”

Wade has long felt like an outsider in how the media and fans perceive him. Others, he believes, are given more credit even when they aren’t on the stage anymore while he still remains at the top.

“I’ve done bloody well, and maybe that doesn’t get celebrated enough,” he said. “Not that I’m after a barbecue or anything, but there are players not here this year who get talked about more than I do – and I’m still here.”

Wade’s performances have stood the test of time, and he still believes he can compete with the best. “100% I can win this tournament. If anyone thinks different, they’re a little bit Wayne Mardle’d! No offence – Wayne’s brilliant – but he does write people off too easily.”

As the discussion turned toward selection politics — namely Premier League and World Series picks — Wade was as candid as ever.

“I think I’ve paid enough dues, and I think I’ve done enough things. I’ve given enough of my life to the PDC,” he said.

“I’d love to get those rewards – but I don’t think that would ever happen to me.”

He made no secret of his suspicion that the rules might shift if he got back into the top four. “If I was to get back into the top four, I think the qualification rules would change. I just think it would change.

"I’m not what they need – and I’m probably not what they want.”

Asked whether being overlooked for major events fuels his motivation, Wade admitted that it crushes him over motivates him.

“It doesn’t motivate me – it crushes me,” he admitted. “I’ve done this for 15 years. Maybe I haven’t got what I could’ve. It’s exhausting. I want to be in it all. Of course I do. Because when you’re not in it, you feel like a lemon.”

While Wade is seen as one of the modern day greats, there is that doubt that he is seen by others in the same light and is left frustrated by the manner in which he is overlooked

“I think I’ve done enough. I’ve beaten everyone there is to beat and won most things there are to win. Of course it’s frustrating not to be talked about more. Wouldn’t you be frustrated if you’d done what I’ve done and still got overlooked?”

Wade has long been open about his mental health, speaking regularly about his experiences with bipolar disorder and ADHD. That honesty remained as he talked about his pre-match rituals and the mental toll of the sport.

“Sitting here in front of you lot is my worst nightmare,” he said to the press room. “I usually say something awkward just to defend myself, but I’ve got older and more experienced. My place is with my wife and kids – that’s where I belong.”

He also admitted to being a creature of habit. “I use the same toilet, same spot, same time. I’m old-fashioned that way.”

And yet, despite not being the most obsessive practiser on tour, Wade has given up more than most.

“I don’t practise much – I’m probably the one who puts the least in, but I sacrifice a lot.

But he won't be heading Down Under despite revealing that he received an invite for the double header in Wollongong and New Zealand.

"The first time I’ve ever turned down an invitation from the PDC was just a couple of weeks ago, for the trip to Australia. I’d already booked a family holiday.

"As much as I want to go to Australia, I’m going to Disneyland Paris instead. I won’t put darts before my family.”

Then he paused. “But for the last 20 years, I have put the PDC before James, before my family, and before relatives. I’ve done enough for them, I think.”

Despite all the emotion, Wade made clear that his win over Joe Cullen was only scratching the surface as he moves on to face either Nathan Aspinall or Wessel Nijman.

“No – that’s not what I can do. I can do far better,” he said. “If people think that was my best, then they’re way behind.

I’m just happy to have gone up there, played great darts against Joe – who’s a great player – and come out on top.

He didn’t slow me down or say anything – he let me play my game. And I was just the better player on this occasion.”