The 2025 Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy, held at Antwerp’s Expo from August 29 to 31, delivered a whirlwind of drama, upsets, and a moment of pure hilarity that stole the show. Amid the high-stakes battles for the £30,000 top prize, veteran darts star James Wade, known for his mischievous antics, found himself in the spotlight after a cheeky gesture directed at world number one Luke Humphries during their second-round clash on August 30. The 41-year-old’s playful act, which left commentators and fans in stitches, came with a hefty price—a fine from the PDC that prompted a comical reaction from the man nicknamed “The Machine.”
Wade, the 10th seed and a three-time UK Open champion, faced Humphries in a tightly contested match that saw the world number one edge out a 6-3 victory. As the players embraced before the game, Wade, ever the provocateur, appeared to lean in and mimic a licking gesture toward Humphries’ neck, a move that caught the attention of the Antwerp crowd and television viewers. The moment, described as “bizarre” and “disgusting” by some, was met with laughter from Sky Sports commentator Michael Bridge, who exclaimed, “What have you done?” as Wade grinned mischievously. The PDC, however, was less amused, slapping Wade with a fine for unsportsmanlike conduct, a decision that left him both bemused and defiant. “What have I done? It’s just a bit of fun!” Wade reportedly quipped, shrugging off the penalty with his trademark humor.
The incident wasn’t Wade’s first brush with controversy in 2025. Earlier in the year, at the UK Open, he made headlines for a similar neck-licking gesture toward Humphries, and days later, he kissed Raymond van Barneveld on the cheek before their Belgian Open match, prompting complaints from the Dutch legend. Wade’s antics continued at a Players Championship event in June, where fans accused him of farting during a match against Peter Wright, an accusation he jokingly denied on social media, blaming his “new shoes.” These moments have cemented Wade’s reputation as a polarizing figure—a blend of fierce competitor and cheeky showman who thrives on rattling opponents. “I’m just trying to enjoy myself out there,” Wade said after the Humphries match, defending his actions. “It’s a tough game, and if I can get a smile or a reaction, I’ll take it.”
Despite the fine, Wade’s performance in Antwerp was commendable. He battled past local favorite Kim Huybrechts 6-3 in the second round, setting up the clash with Humphries. His run ended there, but not without leaving a mark. Humphries, who advanced to the third round, acknowledged Wade’s mind games, saying, “He’s always got something up his sleeve, but I’m here to play darts, not to get distracted.” Humphries’ focus paid off, as he averaged 98.7 and hit four 180s to secure his spot in the last 16, where he faced Leon Weber, a German qualifier who stunned defending champion Dave Chisnall.
The Flanders Darts Trophy, the tenth stop on the 2025 PDC European Tour, was a rollercoaster of surprises. Top seeds like Michael van Gerwen, Chisnall, Peter Wright, and Rob Cross fell in the second round, while 18-year-old Luke Littler stormed through with a 6-0 whitewash of Dylan Slevin, boasting a perfect 6/6 checkout rate. “It just felt like home,” Littler said of the Belgian crowd’s support. Stephen Bunting also shone, averaging 107 in a 6-1 rout of Joe Cullen, setting up a clash with Josh Rock. Belgium’s Mario Vandenbogaerde, the sole home player to reach the last 16, thrilled fans with a 6-3 win over Jonny Clayton, earning a matchup against Danny Noppert.
Wade’s fine, reportedly in the range of £500–£1,000, sparked debate among fans. Some praised his ability to inject levity into the high-pressure sport, with one supporter noting, “James Wade keeps darts entertaining, fine or no fine.” Others, however, felt his antics crossed a line, with a fan commenting, “He needs to focus on throwing darts, not playing pranks.” Wade, unfazed, took to social media to downplay the incident, joking, “I’ll have to sell a few shirts to cover this one!” His history of playful provocations, from denying a fart to kissing opponents, has made him a cult hero for some and a polarizing figure for others.
As the tournament headed into its final day on August 31, with Littler facing Ryan Searle and Bunting taking on Rock, Wade’s gesture remained a talking point. The £175,000 event, broadcast live on DAZN and PDC.TV, showcased the sport’s unique blend of skill and showmanship. For Wade, the fine was a small price to pay for a moment that had fans and commentators buzzing, proving once again that in darts, personality can be as sharp as a dart. His cheeky antics, while costly, added a memorable chapter to the Flanders Darts Trophy’s legacy, ensuring “The Machine” remains one of the sport’s most unpredictable characters.
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