WADE SPEAKS OUT ON MENTAL HEALTH BATTLE AND FATHERHOOD
25/10/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
JAMES WADE admits he “didn’t know who to turn to” as he opened up on his mental health struggles.
‘The Machine’ powered past Luke Littler 10-7 to reach the European Championship quarter-finals, averaging 97.75 and clinching victory in style with a sensational 108 checkout.
10-times major winner Wade also ended Littler’s bid to become world No.1 in Dortmund.
Wade says his motivation now comes from something far more important than trophies and money.
He said: “Yeah, you know, it was tricky.
“It probably wasn’t quite what it should have been. I think I should have won by quite a margin, but you know, it is what it is.
“I mean, I let him in a multitude of times.
“So, you know, I’m just happy to win. It’s a great thing for someone like my son that’s struggling at the moment. So, Arthur — we can do it.
“As I say, I’ve got a son that’s struggling a hell of a lot, but we’re doing all right. We’re doing just fine.
“It’s not about money, it’s not about rewards. I’ve done the money course, and I’ve done the rewards course.
“At the moment, it’s about proving to my son that people who are quirky — we can do this stuff.”
Aldershot slinger Wade reflected on his journey as a father, sharing how recent personal news about his son has deeply changed his outlook on both life and darts.
He added: “When Arthur was first born, I thought he’d evade my amazing gift — but unfortunately, he’s inherited it all.
“I’d like to think that my biggest challenge now is to help people like myself who understand children’s problems because they’ve inherited them from their parents.
“That’s my biggest thing now. I won’t lie or die until it’s recognised as much as I can.
“Recently, when my child was diagnosed with a lot of problems — who do you turn to? If you have a child that’s got a few problems, and my boy is magical as well, who do you turn to?
“I didn’t know who to turn to, and I still don’t know who to turn to. So I believe the PDC will help me, because I know they’re amazing people.
“And there are dart players outside of that — MODUS have already said they’ll turn and help me.
“Despite what’s happened now on stage, for me now, I’m driven by something new in the last month.
“Yeah, I’m enjoying things — and my son is my biggest hero.
“I want to try and be an ambassador for something new — something that doesn’t even exist yet.”
World No.5 Wade has been in stellar form this year as he made the final of the UK Open and World Matchplay.
Wade also picked up his first senior title since 2022 at the Players Championship 19.
The 42-year-old returns to action on Sunday when he faces Luke Humphries in the last eight at the Westfalenhallen Arena.
