James Wade facts for kids

Quick facts for kids James Wade
Wade in 2022
Personal information
Full name	James Martin Wade
Nickname	"The Machine"
Born	(1983-04-06) 6 April 1983 (age 42) Ash, Surrey, England
Home town	Ash, Surrey, England
Darts information
Playing darts since	1997
Darts	20g Unicorn James Wade Maestro Premier Phase 2
Laterality	Left-handed
Walk-on music	"I'm Still Standing" by Elton John
Organisation (see split in darts)
BDO	2001–2004
PDC	2004– (Tour Card: 2011–)
Current world ranking	4 (8 July 2021)
BDO majors – best performances
World Ch'ship	Last 16: 2004
World Masters	Last 64: 2002, 2003
World Darts Trophy	Last 16: 2003
Int. Darts League	Quarter Final: 2004, 2007
Finder Masters	Last 16 Group: 2002
PDC premier events – best performances
World Ch'ship	Semi Final: 2009, 2012, 2013, 2022
World Matchplay	Winner (1): 2007
World Grand Prix	Winner (2): 2007, 2010
Grand Slam	Runner Up: 2010, 2016, 2020
Premier League	Winner (1): 2009
Ch'ship League	Winner (1): 2010
Desert Classic	Runner Up: 2008
European Ch'ship	Winner (1): 2018
UK Open	Winner (3): 2008, 2011, 2021
Players Ch'ship Finals	Semi Final: 2009
Masters	Winner (1): 2014
Champions League	Semi Final: 2016
World Series Finals	Winner (1): 2018
Other tournament wins
Jocky Wilson Cup – (Team event) 2009 Bournemouth Men's Singles 2010 Bournemouth Open 2010 Cosham Xmas Open 2003 Irish Masters 2005 Swiss Open 2002 Vauxhall Autumn Open 2006 European Tour Events Gibraltar Darts Trophy 2014 European Darts Matchplay 2016 Players Championships Players Championship (BAR) 2015, 2019 (x4), 2022 Players Championship (CRA) 2014 Players Championship (EMI) 2009 Players Championship (GER) 2011 Players Championship (GIB) 2008 Players Championship (NED) 2008, 2010 Players Championship (MK) 2020 Players Championship (NUL) 2009 Players Championship (SCO) 2008 Players Championship (SPA) 2011 Players Championship (WIG) 2015, 2019 UK Open Regionals/Qualifiers Regional Final (NWE) 2007, 2009 Regional Final (SCO) 2007 Regional Final (WAL) 2007 UK Open Qualifier 2010
Other achievements
2006 PDC Young Player of the Year 2006 Three Nine dart finishes during a calendar year (a record) 2007 PDC Player of the Year 2008 PDC Player of the Year and PDPA Players' Player of the Year 2008 First player to beat Phil Taylor in the Premier League 2008 First televised nine-dart finish 2014 Second player ever to hit a double-start nine-dart finish at the World Grand Prix 2014 Together with Robert Thornton the first players to both hit nine dart finishes in the same match

James Martin Wade, born on April 6, 1983, is a professional darts player from England. He plays in events organized by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). James was once ranked as high as world number two in 2010.

He made history by becoming the youngest player to win a major PDC title. This happened when he won the 2007 World Matchplay at just 24 years old. While this record has since been broken, James Wade has won eleven major PDC titles. This places him third on the all-time list, behind only Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.

James has won 38 senior PDC titles in total. These include the World Grand Prix in 2007 and 2010, and the UK Open three times (2008, 2011, and 2021). He also won the Premier League in 2009, the Championship League in 2010, and The Masters in 2014. In 2018, he won both the European Championship and the World Series of Darts Finals. James has also reached the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship four times.

He began his darts journey in 2001 with the British Darts Organisation (BDO). In 2004, he decided to join the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). His best results in BDO tournaments were reaching the quarter-finals of the International Darts League in 2004 and 2007.

Early Darts Career Highlights

James Wade started playing darts seriously when he was 14. He won his first competition, the Basingstoke Open. Soon after, he played for England at the youth level. In 2001, at 18, he reached the final of the British Classic. The next year, he won the Swiss Open.

His first TV appearance was at the 2003 BDO World Darts Championship. He lost in the first round. In 2003, he also reached the Norway Open final and other semi-finals. At the 2004 BDO World Darts Championship, he won his first-round match. Later in 2004, he reached several quarter-finals, including the International Darts League. This was his last event as a BDO player.

Joining the PDC and Big Wins

Switching to Professional Darts

In May 2004, James Wade decided to join the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). This meant he gave up his spot in some BDO tournaments. His first major PDC event was the 2004 UK Open. He had a close match, losing 8-7 in the fourth round.

He then qualified for his first 2005 PDC World Darts Championship. He lost in the first round. After this, he won the Irish Masters. He moved closer to being one of the top 32 players in the world. In his second 2006 PDC World Darts Championship appearance, he lost again in the first round.

Achieving Major Breakthroughs

Wade in 2007

James Wade hit two perfect nine-dart finishes early in 2006. After losing in a qualifier, he decided to become a full-time darts player. This decision quickly paid off. He had a big breakthrough at the 2006 World Matchplay in July.

He reached the final in his first time playing at the Winter Gardens. He beat many experienced players along the way. In the semi-finals, he came back from a big deficit to win. In the final, he played against Phil Taylor. Despite leading at one point, he lost the match.

Later in 2006, he reached three semi-finals and one final. He then won the Vauxhall Men's Singles. He hit his third nine-darter of the year in the semi-finals of that event.

In the 2007 PDC World Darts Championship, James won his first matches. He reached the last 16, where he lost. He was named the PDC's Young Player of the Year. His world ranking climbed to number 11.

He returned to Blackpool for the 2007 World Matchplay. He won the title, his first major TV tournament win. He became the youngest player to win a PDC televised event. His victory moved him up to world number three.

James also won the next major PDC tournament. This was the World Grand Prix in Dublin. He beat Raymond van Barneveld in the semi-finals. He then defeated Terry Jenkins in the final. Because of these successes, James was named the 2007 PDC Player of the Year.

At the 2008 PDC World Darts Championship, James reached the quarter-finals. He lost a close match to John Part. James then made his debut in the 2008 Premier League Darts. He became the first player to beat Phil Taylor in the tournament's history. However, Taylor won against him in the final.

James won his third major title at the 2008 UK Open. He beat Gary Mawson in the final. The next month, he reached the finals of the 2008 Las Vegas Desert Classic. He lost to Phil Taylor again. In July, he reached his third World Matchplay final in a row. He lost to Taylor for the third time that year in a major final. He also hit his first nine-darter shown on TV at the 2008 Grand Slam of Darts.

Later Career Highlights

In the 2009 PDC World Darts Championship, James reached the semi-finals. He lost to Raymond van Barneveld. James then won the 2009 Premier League Darts tournament. He defeated Mervyn King in the final.

James lost to Simon Whitlock in the quarter-finals of the 2010 PDC World Darts Championship. He reached the final of the 2010 Premier League Darts. He played against Phil Taylor, who won the match.

James won the 2010 World Grand Prix. He beat Adrian Lewis in the final. Four days later, he won his second major tournament. He defeated Phil Taylor in the 2010 Championship League Darts final. James reached another major final in 2010 at the 2010 Grand Slam of Darts. He lost to Scott Waites after having a big lead.

For the 2011 PDC World Darts Championship, James was the number two player. However, he lost in the second round. In June, he won his seventh major title, the 2011 UK Open. He beat Wes Newton in the final. At the 2011 World Matchplay, he reached his fourth final. He lost to Phil Taylor.

In the 2012 PDC World Darts Championship, James reached the semi-finals. He led Adrian Lewis 5-1 but lost the match in a big comeback. Despite the loss, James moved up to third in the world rankings. He qualified for the 2012 Premier League Darts play-offs. He lost to Phil Taylor in the semi-finals.

James reached his fifth World Matchplay final. He lost to Phil Taylor again. After a first-round loss at the World Grand Prix, James took a break. He returned for the 2012 Grand Slam of Darts.

At the 2013 PDC World Darts Championship, James reached the semi-finals. He lost to Michael van Gerwen. In the 2013 Premier League Darts, he finished fourth and reached the semi-finals. He lost to Michael van Gerwen. James was banned for four tournaments in 2013 due to his behavior. He returned and reached the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix. He lost to Phil Taylor.

In 2014, James reached the quarter-finals of the 2014 PDC World Darts Championship. He was not chosen for the 2014 Premier League Darts. This was the first time he missed it since 2007. At the 2014 UK Open, he lost in the fifth round.

James reached his first final in almost two years at a Players Championship event. He then won his first title since 2011. This was the 2014 Gibraltar Darts Trophy. He said this win meant a lot to him. At the World Matchplay, he lost in the quarter-finals.

His match against Robert Thornton at the World Grand Prix was amazing. James hit a rare double-start nine-dart finish. Later in the same match, Thornton also hit a nine-darter. This was the first time two players hit nine-darters in the same match. James reached the final but lost to Michael van Gerwen. The next week, he won another Players Championship.

James beat Phil Taylor for the second time in a month at the Masters semi-finals. In the final, he came back from a big deficit to beat Mervyn King. He won his first major title in three years. This comeback was named the best TV performance of the year.

Recent Seasons and Achievements

In the 2015 PDC World Darts Championship, James lost in the second round. He also lost in the fifth round of the 2015 UK Open. He reached the final of a Players Championship event, but lost. The next day, he won another Players Championship. He hit a nine-darter in another final but lost.

In the semi-finals of the World Matchplay, James ended Phil Taylor's long winning streak. He lost in the final to Michael van Gerwen. He also lost in the final of the 2015 Perth Darts Masters to Taylor.

In the 2016 PDC World Darts Championship, James reached the quarter-finals. He lost to Gary Anderson. He won the 2016 European Darts Matchplay title. He also reached the final of the 2016 Shanghai Darts Masters.

James lost in the first round of the World Matchplay. In the first Champions League of Darts, he lost in the semi-finals to Phil Taylor. At this event, James set a Guinness World Records title for hitting the most darts in the bullseye in one minute. He reached the final of the 2016 Grand Slam of Darts but lost to Michael van Gerwen.

In the 2017 PDC World Darts Championship, James came back from behind to reach the quarter-finals. He lost to Peter Wright. He had some early losses in other major events. He reached the quarter-finals of the Players Championship Finals.

James had a tough start to the 2018 PDC World Darts Championship, losing in the first round. He was not in the 2018 Premier League Darts for the first time since 2014. He hit his eighth career nine-darter in a Pro-tour match.

Late in 2018, James won his ninth major tournament. This was the 2018 European Championship (darts). He defeated Simon Whitlock in the final. This win moved him back into the world's top 6 players. James said this win was for his new-born son, Arthur.

At the World Series of Darts Finals, James continued his great form. He reached the semi-finals and beat Raymond van Barneveld. In the final, he played Michael Smith. James won the title in a very close match. This was his second major win in seven days and his tenth career major. He also won his first World Series Title.

In the 2019 PDC World Darts Championship, James won some close matches. He lost in the fourth round. He was chosen for the 2019 Premier League Darts again. He reached the final of the Masters but lost to Michael van Gerwen.

James started the 2019 Premier League Darts well. He even beat Michael van Gerwen. He hit a nine-darter in a German Darts Championship match. He won four Players Championship titles in 2019. This equaled his personal record from 2009. He reached the semi-finals of the Premier League but lost.

In the 2020 PDC World Darts Championship, James won his first match. He then lost in the third round. He won a Players Championship event in 2020. James reached the final of the European Championship. He lost to world champion Peter Wright. He also reached the final of the 2020 Grand Slam of Darts but lost.

James started his 2021 PDC World Darts Championship with a good win. In the third round, he hit his third televised nine-darter. This was the first at the World Championship in five years. However, he lost the match. James reached his first UK Open final since 2011. He won his third UK Open title. This was his eleventh major title. It also put him back in the top 4 world rankings.

James was a last-minute replacement for the 2021 Premier League Darts. He finished sixth in the league. He played for England in the World Cup of Darts for the first time since 2010. England reached the semi-finals.

Wade in 2022

James began his 2022 PDC World Darts Championship by reaching the semi-finals. This was his first semi-final since 2013. He lost to Michael Smith. He played in his twelfth Premier League Darts season in 2022. He hit his fourth televised nine-darter at the UK Open. He reached the quarter-finals there. James won Night 12 of the Premier League. He had to withdraw from the 2022 European Darts Open due to illness. He later won the final Players Championship event of the year.

In the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship, James lost in the second round. He also had early losses at the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix. He found his form again at the European Championship. He reached the final but lost to Peter Wright. This helped him get back into the world's top 16. James finished 2023 with a semi-final at the 2023 Grand Slam of Darts and a quarter-final at the 2023 Players Championship Finals.

In the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship, James lost in the second round again. At the 2024 UK Open, he lost to young star Luke Littler. James had a great run at the 2024 World Matchplay. He reached the semi-finals, where he lost to the eventual winner, Luke Humphries.

At the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, James lost in the second round.

James Wade's Darts Nicknames

Darts players often have special nicknames. James Wade has used a few throughout his career.

• The Gladiator: This was his first nickname in 2006.
• 009: After hitting many nine-dart finishes in 2006, he used this name, like James Bond's 007. He used it from late 2006 to late 2007.
• Spectacular: In late 2007, fans helped choose this name. It was a play on him wearing glasses while playing.
• The Wingman: He used this briefly but didn't like it.
• The Machine: For his Premier League debut in 2008, he started using "The Machine." He has used this nickname ever since.

Nine-Dart Finishes: A Perfect Game

A "nine-dart finish" is when a player completes a game of 501 points in the fewest possible throws: nine. It's very rare and difficult to do.

James Wade was the first player to hit three nine-dart finishes in one year (2006). These were not shown on TV.

In 2007, he almost hit a special "double-start" nine-darter. This is even harder because you have to start and end on a double. He missed the final bullseye.

On November 20, 2008, James hit his first nine-darter shown live on TV. This happened at the 2008 Grand Slam of Darts. He became the first left-handed player to hit a televised nine-darter. He also became the first player to hit a televised nine-darter in a major UK tournament and then lose the match.

In October 2014, at the World Grand Prix, James hit a double-start nine-darter. This made him only the second player ever to do so. Later in the same match, his opponent, Robert Thornton, also hit a nine-darter! This was the first time two players hit nine-darters in the same match. James is the only PDC player to have hit both a double-start and a regular nine-darter on TV.

In December 2020, James hit another nine-darter at the World Championships. This was the first one at the World Championship in five years. He lost that game too.

James Wade is also known for having many nine-darters thrown against him by other players on TV.

James Wade televised nine-dart finishes

Date	Opponent	Tournament	Method	Prize
20 November 2008	Anderson, GaryGary Anderson	Grand Slam of Darts	3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12
8 October 2014	Thornton, RobertRobert Thornton	World Grand Prix	D20, 2 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T17, bullseye	£2,500
29 December 2020	Bunting, StephenStephen Bunting	World Championship	3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12
5 March 2022	Krčmar, BorisBoris Krčmar	UK Open	3 x T20; 3 x T20; T20, T19, D12

Personal Life and Family

James Wade became a full-time professional darts player in 2006. Before that, he worked as a mechanic.

On August 8, 2015, James married Sammi Marsh. Sammi used to work for the PDC. She is now James's manager. On October 8, 2018, James and Sammi had a baby boy named Arthur. They live in Surrey, England.

In 2012, James and other darts players recorded a charity song. It was called 'Got My Tickets for the Darts'. The money from the song went to a children's hospice.

World Championship Results

BDO World Championship Appearances

• 2003: First round (lost 2–3)
• 2004: Second round (lost 1–3)

PDC World Championship Appearances

• 2005: First round (lost 0–3)
• 2006: First round (lost 2–3)
• 2007: Third round (lost 3–4)
• 2008: Quarter-finals (lost 4–5)
• 2009: Semi-finals (lost 4–6)
• 2010: Quarter-finals (lost 3–5)
• 2011: Second round (lost 2–4)
• 2012: Semi-finals (lost 5–6)
• 2013: Semi-finals (lost 4–6)
• 2014: Quarter-finals (lost 1–5)
• 2015: Second round (lost 1–4)
• 2016: Quarter-finals (lost 1–5)
• 2017: Quarter-finals (lost 3–5)
• 2018: First round (lost 2–3)
• 2019: Fourth round (lost 3–4)
• 2020: Third round (lost 2–4)
• 2021: Third round (lost 2–4)
• 2022: Semi-finals (lost 3–6)
• 2023: Second round (lost 2–3)
• 2024: Second round (lost 2–3)
• 2025: Second round (lost 0–3)

Career Finals: Major Tournaments

PDC Major Finals: 26 (11 Wins, 15 Runner-up)

Outcome	No.	Year	Championship	Opponent in the final	Score
Runner-up	1.	2006	World Matchplay	Taylor, PhilPhil Taylor	11–18 (l)
Winner	1.	2007	World Matchplay	Jenkins, TerryTerry Jenkins	18–7 (l)
Winner	2.	2007	World Grand Prix	Terry Jenkins	6–3 (s)
Runner-up	2.	2008	Premier League	Phil Taylor	8–16 (l)
Winner	3.	2008	UK Open	Mawson, GaryGary Mawson	11–7 (l)
Runner-up	3.	2008	Las Vegas Desert Classic	Phil Taylor	7–13 (l)
Runner-up	4.	2008	World Matchplay	Phil Taylor	9–18 (l)
Winner	4.	2009	Premier League	King, MervynMervyn King	13–8 (l)
Runner-up	5.	2010	Premier League	Phil Taylor	8–10 (l)
Winner	5.	2010	World Grand Prix (2)	Lewis, AdrianAdrian Lewis	6–3 (s)
Winner	6.	2010	Championship League	Phil Taylor	6–5 (l)
Runner-up	6.	2010	Grand Slam of Darts	Waites, ScottScott Waites	12–16 (l)
Winner	7.	2011	UK Open (2)	Newton, WesWes Newton	11–8 (l)
Runner-up	7.	2011	World Matchplay	Phil Taylor	8–18 (l)
Runner-up	8.	2012	World Matchplay	Phil Taylor	15–18 (l)
Runner-up	9.	2014	World Grand Prix	Michael van Gerwen	3–5 (s)
Winner	8.	2014	The Masters	Mervyn King	11–10 (l)
Runner-up	10.	2015	World Matchplay	Michael van Gerwen	12–18 (l)
Runner-up	11.	2016	Grand Slam of Darts	Michael van Gerwen	8–16 (l)
Winner	9.	2018	European Championship	Simon Whitlock	11–8 (l)
Winner	10.	2018	World Series of Darts Finals	Michael Smith	11–10 (l)
Runner-up	12.	2019	The Masters	Michael van Gerwen	5–11 (l)
Runner-up	13.	2020	European Championship	Peter Wright	4–11 (l)
Runner-up	14.	2020	Grand Slam of Darts	José de Sousa	12–16 (l)
Winner	11.	2021	UK Open (3)	Luke Humphries	11–5 (l)
Runner–up	15.	2023	European Championship	Peter Wright	6–11 (l)

PDC World Series Finals: 3 (3 Runner-up)

Outcome	No.	Year	Championship	Opponent in the final	Score
Runner-up	1.	2015	Perth Darts Masters	Phil Taylor	7–11 (l)
Runner-up	2.	2016	Shanghai Darts Masters	Michael van Gerwen	3–8 (l)
Runner-up	3.	2022	New South Wales Darts Masters	Jonny Clayton	1–8 (l)

Images for kids

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  Wade in 2022

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  Wade in 2007

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  Wade at the 2019 European Darts Matchplay

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  Wade in 2022