In a developing story that has sent shockwaves through the world of professional darts, six-time major winner James Wade has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding teenage sensation Luke Littler, calling on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) to impose disciplinary action following allegations of cheating.
The scandal erupted over the weekend, where the 19-year-old prodigy was accused of deliberately disrupting his opponent’s rhythm during a tense deciding leg. While Littler has remained tight-lipped since the incident, sources close to the PDC confirm that officials are reviewing footage of the match.
Speaking exclusively to reporters following his own first-round victory, Wade did not hold back.
“It’s not about who he is or how old he is—it’s about the integrity of the sport,” Wade said. “We’ve spent decades building darts into a professional, respectable game. If we turn a blind eye when a high-profile player bends the rules, what message does that send to the qualifiers and the grassroots?”
Wade, widely known as “The Machine,” stopped short of detailing the exact nature of the alleged infraction but hinted that the incident involved “deliberate gamesmanship” during Littler’s opponents’ throwing motion.
“Everyone knows what they saw,” Wade added. “The PDC has a duty to protect fair play. If it was a veteran, there would already be a fine or a suspension. Why should it be different for Luke? If anything, the higher your profile, the higher the standard you should be held to.”
The PDC has yet to issue an official statement, though insiders suggest the governing body is under mounting pressure from senior players to act. Littler’s management team has denied any wrongdoing, describing the allegations as “misguided” and “blown out of proportion by rival competitors.”
However, Wade’s comments have reignited a fierce debate within the darting community. While Littler enjoys a massive following and has been credited with bringing a new generation of fans to the sport, critics argue that his meteoric rise has come with a degree of impunity.
“Luke is a phenomenal talent—arguably the best we’ve ever seen at his age,” Wade conceded. “But talent doesn’t excuse poor sportsmanship. If you cheat, you face the music. That’s how it works in any other sport.”
As the PDC deliberates, the spotlight now turns to how the organization will navigate the delicate balance between protecting its rising star and enforcing its code of conduct. With Littler scheduled to play again later this week, the pressure is mounting for a swift resolution.
For now, the darting world waits to see whether the federation will heed Wade’s call—or whether the young champion will escape sanction.