James Wade Faces Criticism Over Onstage and Backstage Conduct After World Masters Clash
James Wade’s opening match at the Winmau World Masters delivered drama well beyond the darts board, as the veteran found himself at the centre of controversy following accusations from his opponent regarding his behaviour both during and after their encounter.
Wade, widely known as “The Machine,” edged past Latvia’s Madars Razma in a tense first-round contest in Milton Keynes, grinding out a 3–2 victory in a match that swung back and forth until the final leg. The result itself underlined Wade’s trademark resilience and experience under pressure, but the immediate aftermath quickly became the dominant talking point.
Shortly after the match, Razma took to social media to air his frustration, expressing disappointment not only with the crowd’s reaction but also with what he described as Wade’s conduct on stage and backstage. The Latvian suggested he felt disrespected following the defeat, referencing what he perceived as an unsatisfactory handshake and a frosty interaction away from the spotlight.
“Yes, I come from a small country and I’m not a major champion in darts,” Razma wrote, “but I’m not sure if I deserved the booing from the crowd and the handshake like this on stage and backstage tonight.” While his comments stopped short of outright accusation, the tone was unmistakably emotional, revealing how deeply the experience had affected him.
Despite his disappointment, Razma attempted to draw a line under the incident, adding that he was already looking ahead to upcoming tournaments in Germany. His response struck a balance between frustration and professionalism, but it was enough to ignite widespread debate among fans about sportsmanship, crowd behaviour, and the pressures faced by players outside the sport’s elite tier.
Wade, meanwhile, remained focused on the competitive aspects of his campaign. Speaking after the match, he framed the World Masters as a crucial opportunity to rebuild momentum following a challenging end to the previous season. He acknowledged that while results late last year had not gone his way, his overall performance across the season was something he still took pride in.
“I had a disappointing back end to last year,” Wade admitted, reflecting on a run that included an early exit at the World Championship and the sting of being overlooked for the Premier League. “I didn’t get the pick for anything, had a disappointing Worlds, but I had a bloody good year.”
That omission from the Premier League has clearly lingered. Earlier this month, Wade openly shared his feelings online, describing a mix of frustration and pride in the work he put in throughout the season. His comments resonated with many fans who believe consistency and experience can sometimes be overshadowed by form players and rising stars.
The situation with Razma has reopened conversations around Wade’s reputation as one of darts’ most uncompromising competitors. Over a long and successful career, Wade has earned admiration for his mental toughness and refusal to be intimidated, but those same qualities have occasionally drawn criticism when matches become heated.
Supporters argue that intense competitiveness is part of what has kept Wade at the top level for so long, while others feel moments like this risk undermining the sport’s emphasis on mutual respect. With darts crowds growing louder and more partisan, particularly at major televised events, players are increasingly required to navigate a volatile atmosphere where emotions can quickly spill over.
For Razma, the incident has shone a light on the challenges faced by players from smaller darts nations, who often battle not only their opponents but also hostile environments and limited recognition. His comments struck a chord with fans who called for greater respect toward all competitors, regardless of ranking or profile.
As the World Masters continues, attention will remain firmly on Wade — both for his performances on the oche and his interactions off it. Whether this episode fades into the background or lingers as a defining subplot of his 2026 season may depend on how events unfold in the coming rounds.
One thing is certain: the match has reignited debate about where the line lies between competitive edge and sportsmanship in modern darts, ensuring James Wade’s World Masters journey will be followed with even greater scrutiny.
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