"I would love to lift this title again and I think I will in the next few years": 20 years of James Wade at World Matchplay as hunger still burns for Blackpool glory
PDCThursday, 16 July 2026 at 08:36
eTwenty years after making his World Matchplay debut, James Wade is back on the oche at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Having burst onto the scene as a talented youngster by reaching the final on his debut in 2006, the now 43-year-old left-hander remains firmly among the world's elite. With seven World Matchplay finals to his name and one title, Wade is one of the most successful players in the tournament's illustrious history.
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“I don’t think there are many dart players that have achieved something like that, so I’m proud of myself,” said Wade as per the PDC.
The current world number six has seen the sport evolve first-hand throughout his long career. He has shared the stage with legends such as John Lowe and Cliff Lazarenko, while now taking on the new generation led by world champion Luke Littler.
“Everyone forgets that I’ve played John Lowe, Cliff Lazarenko and all these names that have put this game where it is.
“I’m really thankful to have played a part and contributed to where the game is now, and I’m happy to still be here and be a part of it.
From pub qualifiers to packed arenas
The remarkable growth of darts over the past 20 years continues to amaze Wade. When he first broke onto the professional circuit, major arena events were the exception rather than the rule. Today, the PDC regularly stages sold-out events across the globe.
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“If you had told me 20 years ago the trajectory of darts would have been like this, I would have laughed at you, but it’s just gone crazy.
“You’ve gone from playing qualifiers in pubs to playing in arenas like The O2, Madison Square Garden. The list goes on. It’s surpassed what I thought darts would ever achieve.”
Wade heads in again as a favourite after reaching the final last year.
Wade begins his 21st World Matchplay campaign with a clash against Jermaine Wattimena as either Ryan Searle or William O'Connor await after that. He saw off Joe Cullen, Wessel Nijman, Gian van Veen and Jonny Clayton en route to the final last year where he lost out to Littler.
But despite that defeat, he is relishing his Blackpool return. This for many reasons as he said with Wade meeting his wife Sammi at this tournament and so it holds special resonance.
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“Twenty years…It’s still my favourite tournament and my favourite venue,” said Wade.
“I met my wife here. This place has given me my best experiences in darts, and I’m really grateful to be here.
“It’s a small intimate crowd in Blackpool, but they’re genuinely passionate darts fans and that’s a refreshing recipe for dart players.
“I think the first time I played here I was 23. I feel more relaxed nowadays, and I’m more confident than the young man who first started.”
Historic achievements
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James Wade's name is inseparable from the history of the World Matchplay. In 2007, he claimed his first televised major title with a dominant 18-7 victory over Terry Jenkins in the final.
He also produced one of the tournament's most memorable moments in 2015 by defeating Phil Taylor in the semi-finals. In doing so, Wade ended Taylor's remarkable run of 38 consecutive World Matchplay victories and prevented 'The Power' from claiming an eighth straight title.
Last year, Wade added another memorable chapter to his Blackpool story. In a thrilling semi-final against Jonny Clayton, he came through the longest match in World Matchplay history after 38 legs, helped by two stunning 161 finishes. His run ended only in the final, where Luke Littler proved too strong.
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But despite losing out, he still believes and sees major glory as inevitable in the coming months. “I’ve made three finals and a few semi-finals in major tournaments [in the last year], so I’m not doing a lot wrong,” declared Wade, who is eyeing a first TV ranking title since March 2021.
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“I think in the last couple of months I’ve been a little bit lazy, but apart from that I’ve been good."
As we head towards the World Darts Championship and a busy period post the Summer, Wade is now looking to catch light when it matters most.
“We’re coming into the business end of the year now, so I’ve got to try and rekindle that dedication again, because I’m not sure I’m in the best form at the minute.
“I would love to lift this title again and I think I will in the next few years.”
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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