JAMES WADE COLUMN: Darts star James Wade is preparing for a busy end to 2025 starting with the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton and has spoken to Daily Star Sport
10:10, 06 Nov 2025
James Wade’s column, in collaboration with OOONO – a screen-free traffic camera alert device, for safer driving
Welcome back to the column – ‘View From the Oche with OOONO.’ Much like my career, which hit a few bumps for a while, I’m now on the upswing and ready to go.
It’s strange how things have changed. Two years ago, I was in danger of missing out on the European Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts, along with the riches that come with them.
I made it to the final of the European Championship, where Peter Wright taught me a valuable lesson. However, reaching the final allowed me to compete in the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, where I made it to the semi-finals before losing to Luke Humphries.
I had some impressive wins against Josh Rock, Chris Dobey, and Michael Smith, and suddenly my belief returned. I headed to Minehead for the Players Championship, making it to the quarterfinals but lost to Luke Humphries again.
However, I’m now climbing into the top 10, and from there, there’s no looking back.
James Wade is preparing for the Grand Slam of Darts
The media has said I would never win another major TV event, but after reaching the finals of both the UK Open and the Betfred World Matchplay, I believe it’s only a matter of time before I win again.
Circling back, I have a soft spot for the Grand Slam because, ironically, it’s one of the few titles that has eluded me, alongside the World Championship, of course. That said, if I won the World Championship, all would be forgiven – especially since the first prize is £1million… Maybe I’m just taking my time to ensure the winner’s check is substantial!
The Grand Slam is a unique event with a group stage where only five players advance. If you don’t start well, you’re in trouble.
I remember last year I lost my first game but eventually won my group. Two years ago, I also lost my first game but topped my group. Perhaps the trick is to lose again this year…! I’m joking, of course, because it requires a lot of luck after losing the first game, and there’s a ton of pressure. Fortunately, I seem to perform best under pressure.
James Wade has been in good form(Image: Lewis Storey, Getty Images)
Legends of Darts special edition ON SALE NOW
Way before the stunning emergence of Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries – plus the razzmatazz, sell-out crowds and wall-to-wall TV coverage of today – we had the first golden era of darts.
And what a truly wonderful, halcyon period it was, too.
And with the World Championship now just around the corner, this special edition takes a look back at the legends of the game.
Eric Bristow, Jocky Wilson, John Lowe, Bobby George, Keith Deller, Cliff Lazarenko… The names, and many more on top, just reel off the tongue for sports fans of a certain vintage.
On sale now in participating retailers or purchase online and have it sent direct to your home.
It’s a bit like waiting for a bus: it feels like there’s a long wait between major TV tournaments, and then suddenly there are three in just two months. It’s true that players are starting to focus on the World Championships and think about building up to that.
Personally, I’m just looking forward to the Grand Slam and not thinking beyond it because I know I can win.
Finally, I want to mention my dear friend Ricky Hatton. I’m heartbroken. My thoughts are with his children, parents, and friends. Ricky often said that sometimes life can be too much to bear.
Now, with the Ricky Hatton Foundation supporting many people in getting the right treatment, it’s an honor to represent that cause by wearing their shirt at darts in Leicester. If you are reading this and feeling troubled, please seek help.
Wadey
OOONO is a screen-free traffic camera alert device, for safer driving –https://ooono.com/en-uk/
James Wade’s column, in collaboration with OOONO – a screen-free traffic camera alert device, for safer driving
