James Wade Hits Back at Sky Sports Snub After Quarter-Final Win: “I’m one of the greatest players ever to walk the planet”
James Wade Hits Back at Sky Sports Snub After Quarter-Final Win: “I’m one of the greatest players ever to walk the planet”
James Wade is no stranger to being overlooked. But after his brilliant 16-13 victory over rising star Gian van Veen in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay, the 2007 champion had a few things to get off his chest — and he didn’t hold back.
Despite producing some of the most consistent darts of the tournament, Wade admitted he was left out of Sky Sports’ entire build-up to his match. The omission struck a nerve for the 42-year-old, who turned that slight into motivation on the oche.
“I probably played some of the better darts out of all dart players,” Wade said post-match. “And the whole Sky build-up for tonight didn’t show me once. That was quite a proud moment for me, going up there and following it through. I probably averaged better consistently than most players in here… but not one advertisement.”
For most players, such a snub might shake confidence. For Wade, it simply sharpened his focus.
“It made me a little bit more hungry,” he admitted. “It’s the kind of thing that makes me unhealthy… not weak, but it’s an unfair judgment.”
James Wade Hits Back at Sky Sports Snub After Quarter-Final Win
Wade’s frustration with being sidelined isn’t new. Known for his unfiltered honesty, he pointed to a recurring issue in the sport — the gap between performance and recognition.
“Darts isn’t about who’s playing great anymore,” he said bluntly. “It’s about who the press has got hold of and wants to publicise. That’s it. That’s all.”
Yet amid the criticism, Wade offered a rare glimpse into how he views his place in the game. Known for letting his darts do the talking, he made a striking statement on his own legacy.
“You’ll never hear me say this again, but I believe I’m one of the greatest dart players on the planet,” Wade declared. “Nobody else will do what I’m doing right now. If I win this now, no one will be sat here 20 years later doing the same.”
It’s hard to argue with the numbers. Ten semi-finals at the World Matchplay. Major titles across three decades. A consistent presence among the game’s elite since the early 2000s.
“For 20 years, nobody else has done what I’ve done,” he added. “And I’m really, really thankful and grateful.”
Wade’s self-assurance also extended to his standing with the bookmakers, who continue to undervalue him compared to newer, flashier names.
“It is what it is, isn’t it?” he said, shrugging. “Bookmakers are there to pay wages and contribute to the prize fund. Other than that, it doesn’t matter.”
Beyond his own journey, Wade also touched on the bigger picture — the sacrifices professional players make behind the scenes.
“I’ve got young children, and they’re the most important thing in the world,” he said. “We sacrifice everything. We pay the most ultimate price: time. As much as we earn bundles of cash — and Barry [Hearn], Eddie [Hearn], Matt Porter have helped us to do that — we’re only here for so long.”
When reflecting on his match with Van Veen, Wade wasn’t overly impressed by his own performance, calling it a “scrap” and “weak,” but insisted he still has more to give.
“100%, 100%,” he said with conviction. “I’ll do whatever I need to do. I’ve done it for over 20 years, and I just want five to ten more.”
As for Van Veen, Wade refused to buy into the hype surrounding the young Dutchman, instead praising others he believes are being overlooked.
“No,” he said when asked if Van Veen is among the top young players. “I think some of the best talents are being overlooked. Josh Rock is amazing. I still rate Gary Anderson too. And I’ll tell you who’s flying right now — Gezzy [Gerwyn Price]. I bloody hate him… but I get on really well with him!”
With a potential final showdown against Gerwyn Price still in play, Wade couldn’t hide his eagerness.
“Hopefully, on a weekend of prayer, I’ll get to him — because I want to play him here,” he grinned.
Despite often being left out of the headlines, Wade has never let it define him. And with the semi-finals looming, the veteran made it clear he’s not just here to make up the numbers.
“I’m still here because I can win,” he said defiantly.
And after two decades at the top, it’s clear that James Wade doesn’t need the spotlight — he just needs the stage.
