World Matchplay Darts 2025: James Wade Claims PDC Would ‘Change the Rules’ to Keep Him Out of Premier League

James Wade kicked off the 2025 Betfred World Matchplay in record-breaking style as he dismantled Joe Cullen 10-3 in emphatic fashion, producing his highest-ever three-dart average at the iconic Winter Gardens stage.

The 2007 champion averaged a blistering 104.44 – his personal best in Blackpool – as he brushed aside former Masters winner Cullen and stormed into the second round with a performance that underlined his return to the sport’s elite.

20th Consecutive Appearance 

This year's event also marks Wade’s 20th consecutive World Matchplay appearance – a milestone bettered only by the great Phil Taylor. 

And with the left-hander starting the tournament provisionally ranked world number five, he’s now less than £80,000 behind Stephen Bunting in fourth. 

A run to the final could see him reclaim a place in the world’s top four – and potentially book a return to next year’s Premier League.

Premier League Return? 

But when asked about the prospect of a Premier League return, Wade didn’t hold back in his assessment of how he believes he’s viewed by darts’ powerbrokers.

“I think I've paid enough dues, and I think I've done enough things, and I think I've given enough of my life to the PDC that I’d like to get those rewards, but I don't think that'd ever happened to me,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk.

Qualification Process Destined to Change

Wade suggested he doesn’t feel favoured by the Professional Darts Corporation, and even went as far as to say the Premier League qualification criteria could be shifted if he were to climb back into the top four.

“I think if I was to get back into the top four things would change with the qualification gaps. I just think it would change,” Wade claimed.

“I'm not what they need and I'm not probably what they want, but I want to be there a hundred percent.”

Currently, the top four in the PDC Order of Merit automatically qualify for the Premier League, with four additional spots chosen by tournament broadcasters Sky Sports and the PDC. 

Wade, a long-time staple of the event, clearly still harbours a deep desire to be involved.

“I’m Not What They Want” 

Asked why he feels he is continually overlooked; Wade gave a brutally honest response.

“Because I'm awkward. I'm an awkward character. I probably don't say the right things at the right times,” he admitted.

“If I was great at saying the right things at the right time, I probably would've been in all the World Series the last 12 months. But I don't quite fit into that mould.”

“There's other players that do manage to get those things and unfortunately, I don't.”

The 41-year-old spoke passionately about wanting to represent the PDC on the biggest stages – not just for himself, but for his family.

“I'd love to travel the world. I've been doing it for 25 years. Do you not think I want to travel the world? Do you not think I want to represent the PDC? Do you not think I want my children and my wife to see me do great things?”

“It Crushes Me” 

But far from driving him on, the perceived snubs have taken their toll emotionally and mentally.

“If anything, it crushes me. It crushes me. Why wouldn't it crush me?” he said.

“I'm perhaps not getting what I maybe could have got. So, it's exhausting not to be in that. But I'll keep trying as hard as I can. I want to be in it all. I want to be part of it all. Of course, I do because when you're not in it, you feel like a lemon.”

There may, however, be signs of a thaw in Wade’s strained relationship with the PDC. He revealed he was offered a spot in the upcoming World Series of Darts event in Australia – but had to turn it down for an already booked family holiday.

Not Done Yet

After such a commanding performance in the opening round, Wade has made it clear he's not done yet. 

And if he can lift the Phil Taylor Trophy next Sunday or add a second World Championship to his CV later this year, the selectors may have no choice but to take notice – awkward or not.