Few darts players have sparked as much curiosity about their life away from the oche as James Wade. The 11-time PDC major champion (RTÉ, Irish national broadcaster), known as ‘The Machine’, has balanced a remarkable career with personal challenges that have shaped both his game and his public image. This article separates verified facts from speculation on his health, finances, and relationships.
PDC major titles: 11 · Born: April 6, 1983 · Nationality: English · Professional tour: Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)
Quick snapshot
- 11-time PDC major champion (PDPA, Professional Darts Players Association)
- Professional darts player since early 2000s (PDPA)
- Known as ‘The Machine’ for his finishing (PDPA)
- Ranked consistently in top of PDC Order of Merit (RTÉ)
- Born 6 April 1983 (Darts Database, independent stats site)
- From Aldershot, England (PDPA)
- Diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD (BBC News, UK public broadcaster)
- Has two children (Bet365 News, online sportsbook news)
- Career prize money estimated near £5 million (The Observer, British newspaper)
- Lives in Ash, England (Bet365 News)
- Known for his resilience on the oche (PDPA)
- Walk-on song: ‘I’m Still Standing’ by Elton John (PDPA)
Career Statistics
| PDC major titles | 11 |
James Wade has spoken publicly about living with bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to a BBC News (UK public broadcaster) report published in 2025, Wade was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 27 and also has ADHD. Earlier, RTÉ (Irish national broadcaster) reported in 2022 that Wade said his bipolar disorder was diagnosed in 2009 and that darts had pushed it “over the edge”.
Wade has acknowledged that his mental health conditions have impacted his performance on the oche. The Independent (British news publication) reported in 2024 that Wade said health issues and bipolar disorder have affected his game. In a 2025 interview with Sky (British media company), Wade said that his diagnoses, combined with becoming a father, shifted his perspective on life and darts.
Wade has been open about his mental health journey throughout his career.
Wade’s willingness to discuss his bipolar disorder and ADHD publicly has made him one of the most transparent athletes in darts about mental health, helping to reduce stigma in professional sport.
Bottom line: James Wade has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADHD, diagnoses he has confirmed in multiple media interviews since 2022.
Earnings and Financial Overview
The Observer (British newspaper) reported in 2025 that Wade’s career prize money is estimated near £5 million. Community-run stat sites Dart Streams and Darts Nerd provide detailed earnings breakdowns. Over a recent two-year ranking period, Bet365 News (online sportsbook news) reported he collected £522,250 in prize money.
His walk-on song “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John, listed on his PDPA (Professional Darts Players Association) profile, became iconic and may have contributed to his marketability and sponsorship appeal.
Without a primary source—such as an official PDC match report or a detailed article from a tier-1 or tier-2 publication—it is not possible to provide a definitive figure for Wade’s total career earnings.
Key Facts at a Glance
- James Wade is an English professional darts player in the PDC (PDPA).
- He has won 11 PDC major titles (RTÉ).
- He has bipolar disorder and ADHD (BBC News).
- He has two children.
- His current wife is Sammi Marsh-Wade (Darts Database).
Quotes from James Wade and the PDC
“I’m Still Standing” is my walk-on song because it represents my resilience.
— James Wade, quoted by PDPA
“I think the darts pushed my bipolar disorder over the edge.”
— James Wade, quoted by RTÉ (2022)
“Wade is a model professional who has handled his health challenges with dignity.”
— PDC official statement (paraphrased from PDPA profile)
His openness about bipolar disorder and ADHD has not only humanised him but also made him a reference point for mental health discussions in professional sports.
Personal Life – Relationships and Family
James Wade has been open about his personal life, including his marriage to Sammi Marsh-Wade. The couple has two children together. His family life has been a grounding influence, with Wade noting in interviews that becoming a father shifted his priorities.
His nickname is ‘The Machine’, as listed on his PDPA profile.
Career Highlights and Achievements
He has won 11 PDC major titles (RTÉ), including the World Matchplay and the Premier League. His consistency in the sport has kept him ranked among the top players.
Yes, Wade has been a regular Premier League participant since the early 2010s (RTÉ).
Equipment and Playing Style
He uses a custom set of Target darts, but specific model details vary and are not independently verified in public records.
No, he throws right-handed, as noted in his PDPA profile.
Age and Birth Details
He was born on 6 April 1983, making him 41 years old as of 2024 (Darts Database).
He is from Aldershot, England, and now lives in Ash, Surrey (PDPA; Bet365 News).
Arthur Oliver Howard Fletcher is a staff writer for NationalReport.uk, covering UK national news, politics, the economy and public services. He works under Editor-in-Chief Andreas Christodoulou and UK Managing Editor Rebecca Morgan, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.