"I'm running out of years left, I'm not going to play forever": Final chances for World Championship glory loom as James Wade moots retirement

James Wade has been among the absolute elite of international darts for years, but one title is still missing from his record: the World Championship at Alexandra Palace. The Englishman's career wins include the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, UK Open, European Championship, Premier League and the Masters, but he missed out in a World Championship final four times. With his good form in 2025 and a return to the top of the world rankings, Wade hopes his moment will finally come.

The now 41-year-old Wade is known as one of the most consistent players of his generation. Still, the World Championship remains an emotionally charged tournament for him. Four times he lost in the semifinals, in 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2022. The real breakthrough on the biggest stage of the season thus failed to materialize. The last three editions even ended in the second round each time, something that has extra stimulated Wade towards the coming year.

"I am nervous to be honest, I just want to have a good run and I haven't had for three years. I am looking forward to it though," Wade said to Sky Sports.

Although he has been active at the highest level for more than 20 years, Wade feels that time is running out. "Not quite [had it click on that stage], but hopefully I will get there to the final eventually. It is 22 years and counting. So surely I've got to have a chance sooner or later." The Englishman admits he has been actively working on the mental aspect surrounding the World Championship in recent years. ""I have been trying to get the motivation. I've been trying to see it to the final, but it hasn't worked so far."

Still, confidence is higher than in previous seasons. Wade played at a high level again in 2025 and climbed back to seventh in the world rankings. He himself realizes he is in the final phase of his career, which makes the stakes even higher. "I would love to get into the latter stages and hopefully this year will be the year. I'm running out of years left because obviously I'm not going to play forever. Retirement is not too far away."

For Wade, the hunt for that one missing world title is also inextricably linked to his future as a pro. "I have got probably limited numbers now, limited years to do something and actually win the one that's eluded me," he said.

Yet he immediately makes an important comment on that. Any departure from pro darts will not be motivated by sporting decline, but by his private life. "It is not that I won't be able to do the darts, but I think it gets to a point where you stop doing the travelling because you've got a young family, you know? And that's probably the most, well, that is the most important thing in my life, a young family," he said.

Wade emphasizes that he does not want to sacrifice his children to his sport. "So I have still got a good few years left, but I don't want to just spend their whole childhood or all the years before they're 16 away. I don't think that's fair on them."

This is precisely why the World Championship takes on an extra emotional charge for Wade. A world title would not only round out everything athletically, but also permanently establish his legacy in the sport. "I think it would just be the icing on the cake for me," Wade added.

According to Wade, his record is sometimes underestimated by the general public. "I think quite a few people don't actually realise how much I have won and the things I have done."

A world title would change that for good. "It would be nice to finish it off for myself and I think if I won the world title people might be more aware of what I have done in the past too.

"It might make me more highlighted. It would be quite sweet for me.

Still, Wade is trying to make outside judgment less and less important. "If I am completely honest, I have stopped worrying so much about pleasing so many people and doing more and more. Now, I am just doing my thing.

That attitude gives him peace of mind. "I have stopped caring so much that people don't know. I have realised it is not that important compared to what I am doing for myself and my family."