"Not that Wade cares, what a character" - James Wade won't get away with another fartgate believes Van der Voort

PDC
Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 06:00
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James "The Machine" Wade may no longer be able to dodge official punishment, or even a fine, following his second flatulence-related controversy in quick succession. That’s the prediction of former professional darts player Vincent van der Voort, who believes the PDC will be forced to take action.
The latest incident occurred during Players Championship 17 in a match against Peter Wright. As Wade retrieved his darts from the board, he let out a particularly noxious emission, prompting a sharp rebuke from referee Owen Binks. Wright, visibly shocked, turned to his opponent in disbelief.
“He really goes for it, doesn’t he?” laughed podcast host Damian Vlottes on Darts Draait Door, where the clip quickly went viral.
Van der Voort suspects this time there’ll be consequences. “It would be right if he gets punished now,” said the Dutchman. “To do something like that twice? Then you’re just playing with it — you’re asking for trouble. It made me laugh, but it’s hardly a great advert for the sport. Not that Wade cares — what a character.”

Still a Force on the Oche

Despite the offbeat controversy, Wade’s form on the board remains as sharp as ever. The 42-year-old captured his first PDC title since 2022 with victory in Leicester.
“Impressive how long he’s been competing at the top,” noted Vlottes. “Has he ever dropped out of the top 32? I don’t think so.” Van der Voort agreed: “On the contrary. He dips now and then, gets mad at himself, and next thing you know he’s back in the top 16.”
Wade’s recent triumph has lifted him to No. 8 in the PDC Order of Merit so he is still very much at the top of his game.

A Complex Character

Wade’s polarising reputation is partly linked to his well-documented struggle with bipolar disorder. He manages the condition with medication, though it occasionally results in unpredictable on-camera moments.
“You never quite know which James Wade will show up,” Van der Voort said. “Sometimes I think: what on earth is he saying? Other times, he hits the nail on the head.”
Whether the PDC will formally sanction Wade remains to be seen. But one thing’s certain: as long as “The Machine” keeps winning, he’ll remain — fragrance or not — firmly in the spotlight.
Vincent van der Voort was with James Wade for many years on the Pro Tour
Vincent van der Voort was with James Wade for many years on the Pro Tour
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