James Wade will be looking to add the Sid Waddell Trophy to his impressive CV in January, as he aims to round off a strong 2025 season by capturing the Paddy Power World Darts Championship title.
The world number seven kicks off his 2025/26 World Championship campaign against Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto on Wednesday evening, as he bids to end his three-match losing run at this event.
Wade admitted that he does not have many fond memories on the Alexandra Palace stage, despite four semi-final appearances and a nine-darter against Stephen Bunting in the 2020/21 World Championship.
Still, he acknowledged that playing in the World Championship is unlike anything else in the sport.
“It’s like no other experience. The crowd are absolutely crazy, the stage is humongous, and it’s an amazing tournament,” claimed Wade.
"It’s the end of the year, it’s the finale, and the prize money is quite considerable. It’s definitely a unique tournament.”
Wade has regained his place in the world’s top eight this year, winning Players Championship 19, finishing runner-up at the UK Open and World Matchplay and registering four other semi-final appearances on the circuit.
Looking to add the one glaring omission from his catalogue, the stakes have never been higher with the lucrative £1M prize pot for the champion at this year’s event.
“Barry [Hearn] muttered the words many years ago, ‘There will be a million pounds for the winner,’ and everyone just took it with a pinch of salt, but he’s delivered,” Wade recalled.
“To see a million pounds is quite crazy. I remember in the early days, we were playing for a thousand pounds, so to play for a million pounds in one tournament is quite crazy; you can see how far darts has come.”
The 42-year-old is set to make his 21st consecutive appearance at the World Darts Championship, a testament to his remarkable longevity at the sport’s top level.
“I’ve probably had four of those where I’ve played sensible darts; the others have been not so sensible,” added the ten-time televised title winner.
“I’m lucky to be involved in the game where it’s been, and I’ve been part of that for 20-odd years.
“That’s something I’m lucky to be part of, and I believe that I’ve played my part in some way.
“I’ve been lucky, and I’ve had some great experiences. I have been really fortunate.”
2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Chanpionship
Wednesday December 17 (1900 GMT)
Round One x4
Matt Campbell v Adam Sevada
Raymond van Barneveld v Stefan Bellmont
James Wade v Ryusei Azemoto
Martin Schindler v Stephen Burton
Best of Five Sets