In the electrifying world of professional darts, where every throw carries the weight of ambition and every moment pulses with tension, a gripping showdown unfolded at the International Darts Open in Riesa, Germany, in April 2025. The stage was set for a clash between two of the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) most compelling personalities: the stoic, seasoned James Wade, nicknamed “The Machine,” and the flamboyant Cameron Menzies, a Scottish star known for his theatrical flair. What began as a tightly contested match spiraled into a moment of high drama when Wade rebuffed Menzies’ gesture of sportsmanship, only for the Scotsman to deliver swift retribution on the oche, captivating fans and reigniting debates about darts’ unwritten codes of conduct.
The match, a second-round thriller on the European Tour, saw Wade and Menzies locked in a fierce battle, their scores deadlocked at 5-5 after ten legs of relentless precision. As the players approached the decisive 11th leg, Menzies, ever the showman, extended his hand in a gesture of good luck, a customary act in darts that reflects the sport’s blend of rivalry and respect. Wade, however, was having none of it. The 42-year-old Englishman, known for his intense focus and occasional frosty demeanor, turned his back on Menzies, leaving the Scotsman’s hand hanging in the air. The crowd in Riesa gasped, and the moment crackled with tension, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
Menzies, undeterred by the snub, channeled his energy into the final leg. Wade, a four-time PDC World Championship semi-finalist and one of the sport’s most decorated left-handers, had his chances to clinch the match. He missed a critical match dart at bullseye on a 124 checkout, followed by two errant throws at double-10 when attempting a 39 finish. Menzies, seizing the moment, held his nerve and nailed double-eight, securing a 6-5 victory that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The Scotsman’s triumph was not just a win on the scoreboard but a statement of resilience, as he exacted “instant revenge” by turning Wade’s cold shoulder into fuel for his focus.
The post-match exchange was equally charged. Menzies, ever gracious, offered another handshake, perhaps testing Wade’s resolve. This time, Wade accepted, albeit reluctantly, offering a curt pat on Menzies’ shoulder before striding off the stage. Menzies, turning to the crowd, pulled a wry face, a playful acknowledgment of the icy interaction that had fans buzzing on social media. “What a game to start the day! The Scotsman holds his nerve in the final leg of the contest to get over the line against James Wade!” exclaimed a post from the PDC’s official account, capturing the match’s intensity and the hint of frostiness that lingered in the air.
Wade’s refusal to shake hands before the final leg sparked a broader conversation within the darts community. Vincent van der Voort, a former UK Open finalist, weighed in on the incident, defending Wade’s actions. “There’s no rule that says you have to shake hands before a deciding leg,” van der Voort remarked on the *Darts Draait Door* podcast. He questioned the necessity of the tradition, suggesting it could add undue pressure or come across as awkward. “I’m not there to be friendly. I’m there to win,” he added, echoing Wade’s competitive mindset. While some fans criticized Wade for lacking sportsmanship, others saw his focus as a reflection of his relentless drive, a trait that has earned him 11 PDC major titles and a reputation as one of the greatest players never to win a world championship.
This wasn’t Wade’s first brush with controversy. Earlier in 2025, he drew scrutiny for an odd encounter with world number one Luke Humphries at the UK Open, where he appeared to lick Humphries’ neck before their match, another moment where no pre-decider handshake occurred. Humphries, after losing 10-9, vented his frustration in a since-deleted post, stating, “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.” Wade’s history of tense interactions, including a 2019 snub from Gerwyn Price after a Premier League defeat, has cemented his polarizing persona in darts—a player whose skill is undeniable but whose demeanor often divides opinion.
For Menzies, the victory was a career highlight, propelling him into a third-round matchup against Stephen Bunting. Known for his theatrical antics, like collapsing dramatically after a miscalculation at the European Darts Trophy, Menzies thrives on the sport’s emotional highs. His ability to shrug off Wade’s rebuff and deliver under pressure showcased his mental toughness, earning him plaudits from fans and peers alike. The match, a microcosm of darts’ unique blend of skill, psychology, and spectacle, reminded viewers why the sport continues to captivate global audiences.
As the PDC circuit moves forward, the Wade-Menzies clash will linger in fans’ minds, a testament to the sport’s ability to weave drama into every dart thrown. Wade, ranked world number nine, remains a formidable force, his recent Players Championship title in June 2025 signaling a resurgence. Menzies, meanwhile, continues to carve his path, his Riesa triumph a stepping stone toward greater glory. In darts, where rivalries are forged on the oche and settled with precision, this moment of revenge and redemption will be recounted for years to come, a thrilling chapter in the sport’s ever-evolving saga.
Leave a Reply