James Wade
A left-handed darting genius with a ruthless finishing instinct, he has collected major titles for nearly two decades while chasing an elusive world crown.
Born 1983 (age 43)·English darts player·Birthday: April 6·Millennials
Biography
James Wade, known as 'The Machine' for his methodical scoring and clutch doubling, has been a formidable presence in professional darts since the mid-2000s. His career is a study in brilliant, yet sometimes turbulent, excellence; he became the youngest player to win a PDC major and has amassed eleven of them, a tally that places him among the sport's absolute elite. Wade's narrative, however, is shadowed by his near-misses at the World Championship, a title that has remained just beyond his grasp despite multiple semi-final runs. Beyond the oche, he has been open about managing bipolar disorder, adding a layer of human resilience to his sporting profile.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
James was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When James Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
James's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Has won 11 PDC major televised titles, including the UK Open and World Matchplay.
- Reached the world number two ranking in 2010, the highest of his career.
- Became the youngest player to win a PDC major title at the 2007 World Grand Prix.
Did You Know?
He is the most successful left-handed darts player in history by major titles.
Wade has a tattoo of the Roman numeral IX, representing his nine-dart finish in 2008.
He worked as a gas fitter before turning professional in darts.
“You have to take the rough with the smooth. I've had plenty of both.”
