"Hard work pays off… really?": James Wade swipes at Premier League Darts snub, says 'missing out hurts' after setting main target

James Wade has spoke out amid a lack of Premier League Darts invitation as he was one of a few players who was left out of the line-up for the darting roadshow despite having a terrific season.

Wade reached the final of two televised ranking events last season in the UK Open and World Matchplay finishing as runner-up on both occasions to Luke Littler. He also picked up a Players Championship title and reached four European Tour semi-finals.

But perhaps the writing was on the wall for 'The Machine' after he was dumped out of the PDC World Darts Championship by Ricky Evans. A former champion, he last featured in the event in 2022 and he swiped at the PDC amid their decision to omit him from his one goal.

"Hard work pays off… really?" said Wade on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"Disappointed, but proud of the work I put in this year chasing one goal getting back to the Premier League. Missing out hurts, but that’s part of the journey. I trusted my performances in the big moments, two major finals and two major quarter-finals and I’ll keep backing that process. Back to work now. 2026, I’ll be ready."

Albeit Wade who now sits outside the top 10 did admit earlier in the year that he would perhaps need to force his way into the line-up over being given the chance.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Wade said: "Top four is a dream position to be in, but it is achievable. Staying in the top 10 is a hard job. I'd love the opportunity to be back in the Premier League but we'll see what happens - I think I need to be in the top four to be in there.

"It's amazing how far the game has come, going from little pubs to darts around the world," he said. "I remember first time playing at the O2 in front of 12,500 people - that was a magical moment in darts."

Adrian Lewis was one of those to talk up Wade earlier in the year and fans have flocked to berate the decision to not only snub Wade but also Danny Noppert given their runs in majors this year. Asked whether Wade deserves a Premier League return in 2026 earlier in the year, Lewis didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, definitely. I think reaching the final might put him in the Premier League next year, which he probably deserves. I think he’s just going to go from strength to strength now. More and more confidence.”