James Wade has come under fire for his abrupt departure from the stage following his World Matchplay final loss to Luke Littler, with the 42-year-old branded ‘disrespectful’.
Littler, just 18, made history by becoming the youngest player ever to win the prestigious event, overcoming a rocky start to defeat Wade 18–13 in Blackpool at the end of last month.
Wade had raced into a commanding 5–0 lead in the early stages and looked set to complete a stunning victory over the teenage sensation.
But Littler, showing composure beyond his years once again, stormed back to claim the title and cement his place among darts’ elite.
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|James Wade has come under fire for his abrupt departure from the stage following his World Matchplay final loss to Luke Littler, with the 42-year-old branded ‘disrespectful’
Despite no formal requirement for the losing finalist to stay on stage, it’s widely considered good sportsmanship to remain, offer congratulations, and appear briefly on camera during the trophy presentation.
Wade, however, exited immediately after the match concluded, leaving Littler to celebrate alone.
The move drew criticism from Sky Sports pundits Michael Bridge and Chris Murphy, who addressed the incident on the Love the Darts podcast.
“I got it clarified that there was no issues with Luke or the crowd or anything like that,” Bridge said.
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“He was just angry at himself, which is fine, but we would have liked to have heard from him.”
Murphy was even more direct: “I thought it was disrespectful for him not to be on the stage at the end.
“Whether he does an interview or not is up to him, but not to be there when Luke is receiving the trophy, that is disrespectful.
“Just stand there for a minute and applaud, and then say, ‘I don’t want to talk.’”
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LITTLER REIGNS AT THE WINTER GARDENS! ☢️
LUKE LITTLER IS THE 2025 WORLD MATCHPLAY CHAMPION!
The World Champion produces a sensational display to defeat James Wade 18-13 and lift the Phil Taylor Trophy for the first time! 👏#MatchplayDarts | Final pic.twitter.com/DoHwZsORJQ
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 27, 2025
Meanwhile, Littler took the moment in stride. Speaking after lifting the trophy, the young champion expressed his delight.
“I am just so happy, I think they (my parents and girlfriend) had been a bit nervous this past week and I have definitely put them through it in training and in games,” he said.
“But I am very happy to spend a long 10 days in Blackpool and I have come through victorious.”
Reflecting on his rapid rise and earlier exit from the same tournament last year, Littler added: “I came here last year and lost in the first round.
“Some people might have thought I might lose again, but I pulled myself out and got these opportunities and I don’t want to be 5–0 down again.
“Since I started, I always said to myself, as long as I win one of every major then I’ll be happy.
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|Luke Littler poses with girlfriend Faith Millar after winning the World Matchplay title
“I’ve only got a few left to tick off but I’ll chase the majors I haven’t won yet.”
Wade had impressed en route to the final, defeating Joe Cullen, Wessel Nijman, Gian van Veen, and Jonny Clayton.
But his post-match conduct, or lack of it, has sparked debate about respect and sportsmanship in the game.