In a choice that highlights the growing strain of the professional darts circuit, a prominent player has opted out of a major tournament to prioritize family time. While his peers were competing in the Australian Darts Masters, James Wade, a veteran of the sport, was instead enjoying a family holiday at Disneyland Paris. The decision, a testament to the immense personal sacrifices professional athletes make, has sparked a conversation about balancing career demands with personal well-being.
Wade, known by the moniker ‘The Machine,’ made his plans clear ahead of the tournament. The 42-year-old, a finalist at the recent World Matchplay, stated that he had already booked the trip before the Australian Darts Masters was even on the calendar. “I’d already booked a family holiday. As much as I want to go to Australia, I’m going to Disneyland Paris instead. I won’t put darts before my family,” he explained. This firm stance reveals a shift in perspective for a player who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to the sport.
He went on to offer a candid reflection on his career, suggesting he has “done enough” for the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation). “For the last 20 years, I have put the PDC before James, before my family, and before relatives,” he admitted. “I’ve done enough for them, I think.” This sentiment is not just a personal one; it speaks to the relentless travel and competition schedule that top-tier darts players face. The World Series of Darts, which includes events in various countries, demands a lot of time away from home, and for a father of two young sons, the opportunity to create family memories outweighed the professional obligations.
Wade’s decision follows a string of comments where he has openly expressed frustration with the darting establishment. He recently criticized the Sky Sports’ coverage of a previous tournament and suggested that the PDC might “move the goalposts” for Premier League qualification to prevent him from breaking into the top four. “I just think it would change. I’m not what they need and I’m not probably what they want,” he said, revealing a feeling of being overlooked despite his impressive track record. His choice to step away and spend time with his family, therefore, can be seen not just as a holiday, but as a statement.
The Australian Darts Masters went on without him, with rising star Luke Littler capturing his third World Series title of the year. Littler’s victory in Wollongong, which he secured by defeating Mike De Decker, highlights the ever-present competition at the top of the sport. While Littler was celebrating a new trophy, Wade was sharing photos of his trip on social media, proudly sporting a Donald Duck bag. “Morning all, we have had the best family holiday away at Disneyland Paris,” he posted. “Thanks for such a great time!! We all loved it and it was very well needed to spend some quality time with the family.” The contrast between the two players’ weekends perfectly encapsulates the different priorities and stages of their careers.
The story is a powerful reminder that behind the intense competition and packed schedules, darts players are people with lives and families. For James Wade, a man who has given so much to the sport, the chance to be a present father and husband was a reward he felt was well-deserved and long overdue.
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