"I probably robbed myself of what could have been better times away": James Wade looks back on a 'lonesome' career after shunning darting friendships
PDCTuesday, 04 August 2026 at 08:51
James Wade has offered a remarkably honest insight into his life as a professional darts player. The 43-year-old has been among the sport's elite for more than two decades, but admits his highly solitary approach may have cost him some memorable moments along the way. Wade, currently the world No. 6, revealed that he has deliberately kept himself apart from his fellow players throughout much of his career.
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While many players enjoy spending time together before and after matches, Wade has always preferred his own company. He likes to prepare for matches alone and has never felt much need for the social side of the professional circuit.
"I do things the most lonesome way in darts. Everyone feels they need to sit next to each other and do their own things. I have always felt the need to sit on my own and do my own thing," he said to the PDC.
That mindset helped him focus entirely on his performances for many years. At the same time, Wade now wonders whether it meant he missed out on some of the better experiences away from the oche. As he has grown older, he says he has become increasingly aware of that.
Wade has also previously spoken about feeling underestimated despite spending more than 20 years at the top of the sport and still competing for the biggest titles.
“As I got a little bit older, I think I probably robbed myself of what could have been better times away because I do spend a lot of time on my own.
One of the few occasions when Wade breaks his habit of keeping to himself is when his family travels with him to tournaments. Having them around makes professional life feel much less like work. Albeit of course with having young children that can't be 100% of the time.
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“It is nice when I have the family away with me because it doesn’t feel like I am at work.”
Wade has remained at the top of the game for more than two decades, but the constant travel, packed tournament schedule and long periods away from home have also taken their toll.
Even so, Wade insists he has no reason to regret the choices he has made. His career is undoubtedly one of the most impressive in PDC history.
Eleven major titles
Wade has won an incredible 11 major PDC titles during his career, placing him behind only Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler on the all-time list. Those achievements have secured his place among the greatest players the sport has ever produced.
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There is, however, one notable omission from his résumé: the World Championship. Wade is widely regarded as the greatest player never to win the PDC World Championship. He reached the semi-finals on four occasions but never managed to progress to the final.
Despite never lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy, Wade would not trade his career for anything. The motivation to keep competing remains as strong as ever. “There must still be something there because I am still doing it. Why would I put myself through it because it is hell sometimes?"
James Wade admits to depriving himself of friendships for darts.
"Darts is quite an easy job"
Wade is also able to keep the demands of professional darts in perspective. Although the travel and time away from home can be difficult, he recognises the positives of his profession.
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Wade is perhaps even more heroic too given that he has spent his career battling bipolar and mental health issues that could perhaps derail him. But The Machine has been long built of sterner armour and continues to defy his own thoughts and feelings about his own career to remain as part of the darting elite.
“But there are also worse jobs out there. That is the way it is. What else do I do? I could go and work on cars for a living.
“To have to do that full time would not be appealing. Darts is quite an easy job, really, when you take away all the travelling and being away from your family.”
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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