James Wade makes darts history with 1,000th PDC win but faces setbacks
James Wade has made history by becoming the first men's player to win 1,000 matches on the PDC Pro Darts Circuit. The milestone came during Monday's Players Championship in Leicester, where he defeated Lukas Wenig 6-1. Yet, the achievement was followed by a surprising loss later the same day. Wade's darts career began early, with his first victory at just 14 years old in the 1997 Basingstoke Open. Over the years, he has claimed more than 20 Players Championship titles and won the Premier League in 2009. His last appearance in the Premier League, however, was in 2022, and he was not selected for the 2026 edition.
The 41-year-old has spoken openly about his struggles with bipolar disorder, which he says affects his confidence. Despite this, he reached the 1,000-win mark—a feat no other male player has achieved. His day in Leicester ended on a low note, though, as Cristo Reyes defeated him 6-2. Wade had previously expressed disappointment at missing out on the 2026 Premier League. While no official statement named the players who outperformed him, his absence marks a shift in the tournament's lineup since his last appearance three years ago.
The landmark win cements Wade's status as one of darts' most consistent performers. Yet, his mixed results on Monday highlight the challenges he continues to face. His absence from the 2026 Premier League also signals a new era for the competition.
