In a fiery interview that is set to rock the world of professional darts, veteran star James Wade has launched a remarkable salvo at the sport’s current golden boy, Luke Littler, insisting he is a “far superior” player who has been consistently overlooked by the media and fans.
Wade, 43, a nine-time PDC major winner and one of the most decorated players of his generation, did not hold back when discussing the 19-year-old phenomenon who has taken the sport by storm over the last two years.
“I am sick of being treated like a journeyman when I have more titles than half the top 10 combined,” Wade told Darts Monthly. “Luke Littler is a fantastic talent, don’t get me wrong. But to hear people say he is the best ever when he hasn’t even won a World Championship? It is laughable. I am better than him. On my A-game, I beat him nine times out of ten. I’ve got the records, the consistency, and the craft he hasn’t earned yet.”
Wade, known for his clinical finishing and competitive grit, expressed deep frustration at what he perceives as a “popularity contest” rather than a meritocracy. While Littler has amassed a legion of followers and a prime-time TV slot, Wade argues his own accolades—including Premier League wins, UK Open titles, and a World Grand Prix trophy—deserve more reverence.
“People see a young kid throwing 180s and they go crazy. I’ve been doing it for 20 years, and I’ve won things doing it,” Wade continued. “He gets the headlines for beating a top player; I get ignored for winning the tournament. It doesn’t matter how many ‘wow’ moments you have if you don’t have the silverware to back it up. I have the silverware, but no one talks about it.”
The comments come just weeks before the pair are potentially set to meet in the latter stages of the upcoming World Matchplay, a tournament Wade has won twice. Littler, who is currently preparing for the event, has yet to respond directly, but sources close to the teenager suggest he is “surprised” by the outburst.
Social media has been divided. Some fans argue Wade has a valid point about the historical lack of recognition for the sport’s older guard, while others have branded his claims as “deluded” given Littler’s record-breaking scoring averages and recent head-to-head victories.
Darts pundit and former world champion John Part offered a balanced view: “James is statistically one of the greatest to ever pick up a dart. But in the modern game, it’s not just about wins; it’s about the electricity a player brings. Luke has that X-factor. Whether James is ‘better’ is subjective, but the court of public opinion has already voted.”
Wade, however, remains defiant, stating he will prove his point on the oche. “Let them cheer for him. When I lift that trophy, I won’t be looking for their applause. I’ll just be looking at my reflection in the silverware and knowing the truth: I am the better player.”
With the World Matchplay draw looming, Wade has just thrown the biggest dart of the year—straight at the heart of the sport’s new dynasty. The only question that remains is whether his skill will do the talking, or if these words will come back to haunt him.