In the electrifying world of professional darts, where precision meets passion, James Wade has once again found himself at the center of controversy. The 41-year-old Englishman, known as “The Machine” for his relentless style, faced a firestorm of criticism following his latest match at the International Darts Open in Riesa, Germany, on April 5, 2025. Playing against Scotland’s Cameron Menzies in a tense second-round clash, Wade’s actions—or lack thereof—ignited outrage among fans and players alike, adding fuel to an already simmering reputation for unsportsmanlike behavior. This incident comes hot on the heels of a widely condemned encounter with world No. 1 Luke Humphries, leaving the darts community questioning whether Wade’s antics are crossing a line.
The stage was set for an 11-leg showdown, with £175,000 in prize money up for grabs. Wade, a seeded player who entered in the second round, squared off against Menzies, a qualifier who had battled his way past Kevin Knopf in the opener. The match was a nail-biter, deadlocked at 5-5 as it barreled toward a decisive final leg. In a moment that could have been a display of mutual respect, Menzies extended his hand for a customary pre-leg handshake—a gesture as old as the sport itself. But Wade turned his back, leaving Menzies hanging in an awkward silence before refocusing on the oche. The snub was immediate fodder for fans, who took to social media to brand it “disrespectful” and “classless,” with some calling Wade out for what they see as a pattern of petulance.
This wasn’t Wade’s first brush with controversy in 2025. Just a month earlier, during the UK Open, he clashed with Humphries in a quarter-final that left a sour taste in the darts world. Before that match even began, Wade appeared to lick Humphries’ neck during a pre-game embrace—a bizarre move that former champion Paul Nicholson labeled “disgusting” and suggested might warrant investigation. Humphries, visibly rattled, later vented in a now-deleted post, saying, “I wasn’t going to give someone who didn’t deserve my respect after what he was doing through the game a hug and be all happy about it.” The tension boiled over into a frosty non-handshake and a shoulder barge as Humphries exited the stage, defeated 10-9. Wade went on to reach the final, only to be trounced 11-2 by teenage sensation Luke Littler, but it was the Humphries incident that stuck in everyone’s craw.
Against Menzies, Wade’s refusal to shake hands felt like déjà vu. “It does not work when you’re trying to wind people up like that,” one observer remarked, echoing a sentiment that’s gaining traction: Wade’s mind games might be wearing thin. The 2009 Premier League winner has long been a polarizing figure, unafraid to ruffle feathers. Earlier this year, he stirred the pot by dismissing the current crop of darts stars as “lazy” compared to legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, save for Humphries and Littler. “I don’t believe anyone’s amazing apart from probably Luke and Luke,” he’d said, a backhanded compliment that didn’t sit well with his peers. Yet, his latest act of defiance has some wondering if he’s leaning too hard into the villain role.
Wade’s defenders argue he’s a throwback—a competitor who thrives on edge and instinct. In Riesa, he clinched the match against Menzies with a cool-headed finish, proving his skill remains undeniable. “I’m really, really happy,” he said after a previous win, a rare glimpse of satisfaction from a man who often lets his darts do the talking. But critics see a different story: a player whose talent is overshadowed by a knack for provocation. The Menzies snub wasn’t just a one-off; it followed a pattern, like when Wade kissed Raymond van Barneveld’s cheek at the Belgian Open, prompting the Dutchman to protest to the referee.
As the darts season rolls on, Wade’s antics are a lightning rod. Some fans relish the drama he brings to a sport that thrives on personality; others yearn for the days when respect was non-negotiable. For now, “The Machine” keeps humming along, leaving a trail of raised eyebrows and riled opponents in his wake. Whether it’s gamesmanship or just bad manners, one thing’s clear: James Wade knows how to keep the spotlight firmly on him—whether he’s throwing darts or throwing shade.
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