James Wade, affectionately known as ‘The Machine’, has kicked off his 2026 PDC Pro Tour season in spectacular fashion, securing his first title of the year at Players Championship One. In a gripping final, Wade overcame Nathan Aspinall with an 8-6 victory, showcasing incredible resilience. This win marks Wade’s 20th career Players Championship title and earned him a top prize of £15,000, setting a high standard for the season ahead. The tournament, held in Hildesheim, saw a mix of established stars and rising talents battle it out, with some unexpected early exits.
Wade’s Path to Glory: A Masterclass in Consistency
James Wade’s journey to the final was nothing short of dominant, demonstrating why he remains one of darts’ most respected figures. He navigated a challenging field, defeating a series of formidable opponents:
- Karel Sedlacek
- Alexander Merkx
- Jeffrey De Graaf
- Mensur Suljovic
- Joe Cullen
- And a significant victory over darts titan Michael Van Gerwen
Each match contributed to his momentum, culminating in a highly anticipated clash with Nathan Aspinall.
The Dramatic Final: A Battle of Nerves
The final against Nathan Aspinall was a true spectacle, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s how the thrilling encounter unfolded:
- The match started evenly, with both players holding their throws for the first three legs.
- Aspinall secured the first break in Leg Four with a clinical 14-darter, pulling ahead 3-1.
- Wade immediately fought back, winning two consecutive legs in just 30 darts to level the score at 3-3.
- Undeterred, Aspinall responded with two legs of his own, re-establishing a 5-3 lead and moving within three legs of victory.
- However, ‘The Machine’ then shifted into a higher gear, rattling off four successive legs to seize control of the match, moving to a commanding 7-5 lead.
- Aspinall managed to pull one leg back, but Wade was not to be denied. He sealed his victory in Leg 14 with a precise 16-darter, securing the title and the £15,000 prize money.
Aspinall’s Strong Performance
Nathan Aspinall also had an impressive run to the final, showcasing his top form by overcoming several tough competitors:
- Arno Merk
- Madars Razma
- Joe Hunt
- Beau Greaves
- Gabriel Clemens
- Adam Gawlas
Despite the final defeat, Aspinall’s performance signals a strong start to his own season.
Other Notable Moments from Players Championship One
Beyond the finalists, the tournament featured several compelling storylines:
- Quarter-final appearances were made by Wessel Nijman, a two-time Players Championship title winner in 2025, and Jack Tweddell, a recent Challenge Tour event winner. These performances highlight their potential for the season.
- Surprisingly, some of the sport’s biggest names faced early exits. Premier League stars Gian Van Veen and Gerwyn Price both bowed out in Round Two, underscoring the fierce competition on the Pro Tour.
What’s Next: Players Championship Two
The darts action continues swiftly! The PDC Pro Tour double-header concludes on Tuesday with Players Championship Two, also taking place in Hildesheim. All 128 players will return to compete for an additional £150,000 in prize money. Play is scheduled to begin at 13:00 CET (12:00 UK Time).
Fans eager to follow the action can do so through various platforms. Live coverage will be available across four streaming boards, typically accessible via the official PDC streaming service and selected sports betting websites worldwide. For real-time updates on scores and results, dedicated darts statistics websites provide comprehensive coverage throughout the day.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
