James Wade, the veteran darts maestro known as “The Machine,” has laid bare his raw emotions following yet another exclusion from the prestigious Premier League Darts lineup for 2026. The 42-year-old, a former champion of the competition back in 2009 and one of the most decorated players in PDC history with 11 major titles to his name, expressed profound disappointment and frustration after being overlooked once more. This snub marks the fourth consecutive year without an invitation, despite a string of impressive performances that many believed should have secured his spot.
The revelation came in a heartfelt post-match interview following his gritty first-round win at the 2026 Winmau World Masters, where he battled past Madars Razma in a tense 3-2 sets encounter. While the victory provided a positive start to his season, the shadow of the Premier League decision loomed large, dominating the conversation. Wade described the omission as devastating, particularly given his ongoing battle with a mental health condition that makes such setbacks even harder to process.
“It’s hard to chew when you have the condition I have,” Wade confessed. “It’s a complete kick in the privates. It really knocks your confidence, knocks you for six, because there’s no apparent reason why I shouldn’t have been in.”
He went further, questioning the selection criteria in a brutally honest manner. Wade pointed out that, based on statistics and results from the previous year, only a handful of players outperformed him. He highlighted reaching the finals of major events like the UK Open and World Matchplay in 2025, along with securing a Pro Tour title—achievements that underscored a “bloody good year” by his own assessment. Yet, despite these credentials and his world ranking around number 11, the PDC opted for a different eight-player field, one that prioritizes a mix of current form, marketability, and broader appeal.
In a moment of introspection, Wade shared a candid exchange with his wife as they grappled with the news. “I said to my wife: Is it my weight? No. Is it that I’m old? No. Is it that I’m not so good looking? No. So it’s the way I am as a character.” He suggested that his straightforward, sometimes outspoken personality—coupled with his honesty that can occasionally ruffle feathers—might not align with the PDC’s preferred “business model” for the Premier League, a high-profile, televised spectacle designed to maximize entertainment and commercial success.
“There’s no apparent reason why I shouldn’t have been in,” he added, “but as a business, I wasn’t in their business model, which is fair enough.” This acknowledgment carries a bittersweet tone: while he accepts the commercial realities of professional sports, the personal sting remains acute. Wade has long been vocal about believing the Premier League spots should be merit-based rather than invitational, arguing that consistent performers deserve automatic inclusion rather than relying on subjective decisions.
The 23-year professional’s journey has been one of resilience and excellence. From his breakthrough years to becoming a multiple major winner, including that triumphant 2009 Premier League campaign, Wade has earned respect for his tactical brilliance and unflinching competitiveness. However, recent years have seen him miss out on the roadshow despite strong showings elsewhere on the circuit. His early exit at the PDC World Championship earlier in the season may have played a role in the selectors’ eyes, but Wade insists the broader body of work paints a different picture.
This latest setback has fueled debates within the darts community about the Premier League’s format and selection process. Fans and analysts alike have weighed in, with some supporting Wade’s case for inclusion based on his experience and proven big-stage pedigree, while others point to the need for fresh faces and crowd-drawing personalities to keep the event dynamic. Wade, ever the fighter, channels this disappointment into motivation. He remains committed to grinding on the Pro Tour and other events, determined to prove his worth through results rather than complaints.
As the 2026 Premier League kicks off in Newcastle, Wade will watch from the sidelines—but don’t count him out. His fire still burns brightly, fueled by a career built on defying odds and overcoming personal challenges. In a sport where mental fortitude is as crucial as accuracy, Wade’s willingness to speak openly about his struggles serves as a reminder of the human side behind the arrows. For now, he focuses on the boards in front of him, turning what could be bitterness into renewed hunger. The Machine may be sidelined from the Premier League spotlight, but his legacy—and his drive to add to it—endures undiminished.
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