'I'm one of the greatest players ever to walk the planet': Signed, James Wade

James Wade was overlooked by Sky Sports in his own admission after his win over Gian van Veen 16-13 as he responded saying it made him hungry and that also he sees himself as one of the greatest players ever speaking to the media including DartsNews.

Despite playing some of the best darts of the tournament, Wade claimed that not once was he shown in Sky Sports’ build-up to his quarter-final clash, sparking a passionate and pointed response.

“I probably played some of the better darts out of all dart players,” Wade said. “And the whole Sky build-up for tonight didn’t show me once. That was quite a proud moment for me, going up there and following it through. I probably averaged better consistently than most players in here… but not one advertisement.”

Rather than let the snub deter him, Wade used it as fuel. “It made me a little bit more hungry,” he admitted. “It’s the kind of thing that makes me unhealthy… not weak, but it’s an unfair judgement.”

"No one will be sat here 20 years later" - no self doubt from Wade

Wade, never afraid to speak his mind, admitted the lack of recognition has been a theme of his career — especially when others with fewer accomplishments get more media attention. “Darts isn’t about who’s playing great anymore,” he said. “It’s about who the press has got hold of and wants to publicise. That’s it. That’s all.”

Yet in the very same interview, Wade — normally reserved when talking about his own legacy — made a rare and striking declaration. “You’ll never hear me say this again, but I believe I’m one of the greatest dart players on the planet,” he said. “Nobody else will do what I’m doing right now. If I win this now, no one will be sat here 20 years later doing the same.”

It was a powerful moment of self-recognition from a player whose consistency and longevity in the sport is unmatched. Ten semi-finals in 20 World Matchplay appearances. Titles across three different decades. An unwavering presence at the top of the game.

“For 20 years, nobody else has done what I’ve done,” he said. “And I’m really, really thankful and grateful.”

Wade's defiance didn’t stop with broadcasters. Asked whether bookmakers undervalue him, he didn’t flinch. “It is what it is, isn’t it?” he said. “Bookmakers are there to pay wages and contribute to the prize fund. Other than that, it doesn’t matter.”