MANBY HAILS WADE AS MIND GAMES KING
05/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
CHARLIE MANBY believes James Wade is darts’ ultimate mind-game master.
The former Bricklayer has made a rapid rise in recent months, earning a PDC Tour Card and signing a multi-year deal with Target following a breakthrough campaign.
Champagne Charlie was asked to build the perfect player by picking the best traits in the sport and his answers offered a revealing insight into how he views the elite level.
Manby believes Wade is the best trash talker on the oche and more than capable of ruffling anyone’s feathers.
He told talkSPORT: “I feel like Wade – he can get in my head as well as anyone else’s.”
The world No.91 impressed on the biggest stage, reaching the fourth round of the World Championship where he was beaten by Ally Pally finalist Gian van Veen back in December.
Manby continued his progress with quarter-final runs at Players Championship events Seven and Eight.
He currently holds the Dev Tour record for the highest single-match average, hitting a staggering 130.70 in February 2025 against Patrick Williams.
But Manby reckons back-to-back reigning world champion Luke Littler has the best scoring power and Big Fish ability.
He added: “It’s just Littler, isn’t it?”
When asked about who is capable of taking out the most ton-plus checkouts, Manby instead singled out Jonny Clayton.
He explained: “He loves like a 121, doesn’t he?”
Manby reckons Van Veen has the best entrance song, thanks to “Astronomia” by Vicetone and Tony Igy.
He continued: “I like Gian’s walk-on. I think it gets the crowd going and it not too much either.”
Manby, 20, showcased his confidence when asked about who has the most aura, replying: “Me.”
The Huddersfield thrower believes Scott Williams is sporting the best trim on the circuit.
He said: “I like Shaggy’s new hair with that curly hair.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
