"He’s very, very overlooked, and myself as well": James Wade says spate of new casual darts fans don't give himself or Anderson credit

James Wade was typically blunt, reflective and unapologetically honest after battling past Gary Anderson at the 2026 Winmau World Masters, describing the contest as “just a scrap” and pushing back firmly against what he sees as growing “naivety” around darts and its history.

The match itself was hard-fought rather than pretty, with Wade admitting it was more about survival than style edging the battle at the Winmau World Masters. “It was just a scrap, wasn’t it?” he said post match. “Hard work, hard battle. Just fortunate enough to come out the other side and be the one that’s got the win.”

Despite Anderson no longer being at his peak, Wade was adamant that victories over the two-time world champion still carry weight. “When he’s at his absolute prime, he’s the second-best dart player on the planet,” Wade said. “So it’s always nice to win — but I couldn’t really care if it’s Gary or Tom, Dick or Harry. I just want to try and prevail to the next round.”

Wade found himself 2–0 down early on, despite feeling he hadn’t done much wrong. He rejected any suggestion of frustration creeping in, insisting that mindset separates professionals from spectators. “You don’t talk like that,” he said. “Professionals don’t speak like that and they don’t behave like that. It is what it is. I’m really, really happy.”

Doubling — normally one of Wade’s greatest strengths — deserted him early, something he openly acknowledged. “Not for the first half,” he said when praised for his finishing. Asked what went wrong, he joked: “I think Phill Barrs had thrown it. But no, I was just fortunate. I came back the other side and thankfully my doubles went in after that, so I’m happy.”

As the interview wore on, Wade’s focus drifted away from statistics and formats and towards something deeper — respect for longevity and the history of the game. He bristled at what he feels is an over-complication of narratives around darts. “I think people like yourself probably overlook things and over-complicate things,” he said. “If it wouldn’t have been Gian getting to the final of the World Championship, he wouldn’t probably comment twice — but he did. I got to a few finals as well. I’ve been there and done it myself.”

Wade was unapologetic about his own career achievements, pointing out that consistency often goes unnoticed. “I’m doing all right,” he said. “I don’t believe I’ll get the backing of people like yourself, but I’m still doing all right. Imagine with the backing — I’d probably do a little bit better.”

The conversation repeatedly returned to Anderson’s legacy and how Wade believes it is undervalued by newer fans. “I still think some of the younger people around the game, press and players, forget what other players have done,” he said. “We’ve been doing it for 20 years. Naive comments and naive structure.”

Asked whether experience makes it easier facing familiar opponents, Wade was unequivocal. “No — I’d rather play one of the younger players,” he admitted. “We all know what Gary Anderson’s done. He’s done more than any of the younger players. When he’s on his game, he’s electrifying and pretty amazing.”

He believes modern darts fandom often overlooks that history. “We’ve got casual fans and new fans that aren’t quite aware of what people like Gary Anderson did — and he’s still doing it,” Wade said. “He’s very, very overlooked. And myself as well.”

Despite not producing his very best numbers statistically, Wade remained philosophical about the result and his place in the sport. “It’s just nice to be part of the game and fit in a little bit,” he said. “Some of the older players don’t get the rub of the green because they’re not as fashionable, but it is what it is.”

Looking ahead, Wade was relaxed about what comes next, joking that tomorrow could be “a long day” or “a short day.” Preparation, he said, would be simple. “I’m just going to go and speak to my kids — they’re the most important people in my life — and my wife. Then we’ll just see what happens.”

That sense of perspective extended to questions about fitness and longevity. While Wade admitted he is fitter now — “I’ve just stopped being so fat and lazy” — he dismissed the idea that it was about extending his career. “I’ve got two wonderful sons and a wonderful wife,” he said. “None of that stuff’s important. I just keep trying to provide for my family like most people do.”

Wade accepted that he may never be the sport’s most fashionable figure, but made it clear that doesn’t concern him. “I’m not going to be fashionable because I’m a little bit old,” he said. “But have I done enough? Yes. I’m not going to be fashionable.”

Still in the tournament, still competitive, and still defiant, Wade summed it up simply: “I’m really happy to be where I am and still being part of such a big journey.”