In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision meets raw emotion under blinding lights, few players embody intensity quite like James Wade. Known as “The Machine” for his mechanical consistency and unflinching focus, the English left-hander has built a career on major titles, dramatic comebacks, and an unapologetic approach to competition. But during a gripping second-round clash at the International Darts Open in Riesa, Germany, Wade turned heads not just with his arrows, but with a moment of icy sportsmanship that left the arena buzzing and his opponent momentarily stunned.
The match pitted Wade against Scotland’s Cameron Menzies, a fiery competitor with a reputation for passion and power. What unfolded was a nail-biting contest that went all the way to a deciding 11th leg, tied at 5-5. As the tension peaked, Menzies extended his hand for the customary pre-decider gesture—a fist bump or handshake that’s become an unwritten tradition in modern darts, meant to acknowledge mutual respect before the final battle. Wade, however, kept his eyes locked forward and his hands firmly at his sides, bluntly ignoring the offer. The snub hung in the air like a missed double, leaving Menzies’ arm dangling awkwardly as the crowd murmured in surprise.
It was classic Wade: no pleasantries, no distractions. “I’m not there to be friendly. I’m there to win,” as one former pro insightfully put it when reflecting on similar moments. And for a player who’s battled mental health challenges publicly while amassing 11 PDC majors, that laser-focused mindset has often been his greatest weapon—and occasional controversy magnet.
Menzies, far from rattled, channeled the slight into instant revenge. Seizing the throw in that crucial leg, he held his nerve under pressure, pinning double eight to seal a hard-fought victory. Wade, who had chances of his own—including a heartbreaking miss on a 124 checkout for match dart at bullseye—saw his tournament run end abruptly. As the players met at the oche for the post-match formalities, the atmosphere remained charged. This time, Wade did extend his hand, but the exchange was brief and frosty, capped off with a pat on the back that felt more obligatory than warm. Menzies responded with a peculiar grimace toward the crowd, as if to say, “Did you see that?”
The awkwardness didn’t end on stage. In the immediate aftermath, during a post-match interview, the tension spilled over into uncomfortable territory. Menzies, still buzzing from the win, faced questions about the incident but kept his composure, focusing on his performance while subtly acknowledging the mind games that are part and parcel of elite darts. Wade, ever the enigma, offered little in the way of explanation, sticking to his no-nonsense ethos. “There’s no rule that says you have to shake hands before a deciding leg,” echoed sentiments from darts veterans defending the move. “You’ve already shaken hands before the match. At some point, this whole handshake-before-the-last-leg thing just crept in.”
This wasn’t the first time Wade’s on-stage demeanor has sparked debate. The 42-year-old has a history of polarizing moments— from bizarre pre-match antics that drew criticism to emotional outbursts rooted in his well-documented struggles with bipolar disorder and depression. Yet, it’s precisely this authenticity that endears him to many fans. In a sport increasingly polished by young superstars and massive TV deals, Wade represents the gritty, old-school edge: a multiple-time major winner who’s reached World Championship semi-finals four times but never quite claimed the ultimate crown.
For Menzies, the victory propelled him into a third-round showdown with Stephen Bunting, a confidence booster in a career that’s seen him climb the ranks with explosive scoring. The Scot’s ability to turn the snub into fuel highlighted why he’s become a formidable force on the European Tour.
Moments like these remind us why darts captivates millions: it’s not just about 180s and checkouts; it’s the psychological warfare, the human drama played out in real time. Wade’s refusal wasn’t malice—it was mentality. In a game where split-second focus can mean glory or defeat, distractions are the enemy. As the PDC circuit rolls on, with bigger events looming, one thing is certain: James Wade will keep marching to his own beat, handshake or no handshake. And in darts, that’s often what separates the good from the great.
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