"The media has said I'll never win another major but I believe it's only a matter of time" – James Wade looks to prove doubters wrong at Grand Slam of Darts 2025

James Wade has never been one for self-promotion, but when he speaks, it usually means something. And in his latest Daily Star column, the 42-year-old made it clear he’s not done chasing big titles yet.

“The media has said I would never win another major TV event,” Wade wrote. “But after reaching the finals of both the UK Open and the Betfred World Matchplay, I believe it’s only a matter of time before I win again.”

It’s the kind of quiet defiance that’s long defined The Machine. The left-hander has made a career out of proving people wrong, and as the Grand Slam of Darts looms, there’s a familiar sense that Wade’s stubborn belief might just turn into another deep run.

For all his longevity and silverware – including the World Matchplay, UK Open, Premier League and Masters among others – the Grand Slam remains one of the few televised titles to have eluded him. He’s reached the final three times: first in 2010, when he famously led Scott Waites 8–0 before losing 16–12; again in 2016 when Michael van Gerwen swept him aside 16–8; and most recently in 2020, when Jose de Sousa triumphed 16–12.

“I have a soft spot for the Grand Slam because, ironically, it's one of the few titles that has eluded me, alongside the World Championship of course,” Wade admitted. “That said, if I won the Worlds, all would be forgiven – especially since the first prize is £1 million. Maybe I'm just taking my time to ensure the winner’s cheque is substantial!”

That mix of humour and honesty is typical Wade. He’s been around long enough to know how brutal darts can be, yet his 2025 form has shown real signs of resurgence. Final appearances at two major TV events suggest that while the sport has evolved – with Luke Humphries and Luke Littler now dominating the headlines – Wade’s ability to grind through tournaments remains a serious weapon.

Two years ago, he was in danger of missing out on both the European Championship and the Grand Slam altogether. But a run to the European final and then the semi-finals in Wolverhampton reignited his confidence. “Suddenly my belief returned,” he explains. “From there, there’s no looking back.”

It’s a fitting message heading into this year’s event. The Grand Slam’s group-stage format has tripped up plenty of big names before, and Wade knows better than most how important a good start is.

“If you don't start well, you're in trouble,” he said. “I remember last year I lost my first game but eventually won my group. Two years ago, I also lost my first game but topped my group. Perhaps the trick is to lose again this year...! I'm joking, of course – because it requires a lot of luck after losing the first game, and there's a ton of pressure. Fortunately, I seem to perform best under pressure.”

He’ll need every ounce of that trademark composure in Wolverhampton. The field is loaded with champions and rising stars, but Wade’s record on TV remains as good as anyone’s when he finds his rhythm. Notably, in his group this time around, Wade finds Gerwyn Price, Ricky Evans and Stefan Bellmont.

“It feels like there’s a long wait between major tournaments and then suddenly there are three in just two months,” he wrote. “Players are starting to focus on the World Championships, but I’m just looking forward to the Grand Slam and not thinking beyond it – because I know I can win.”

That last line might sound like optimism, but it’s vintage James Wade: understated, calculated and absolutely convinced of his own ability. Fifteen years on from his first Grand Slam final, few would dare rule him out of another, especially given the resurgent form in 2025.