Martin “Wolfie” Adams is a true icon in the world of darts, renowned for his enduring career, unwavering loyalty, and remarkable resilience. Born in 1956, this English legend has captivated fans for decades, winning three BDO World Championships and three Winmau World Masters titles. Despite early heart-wrenching defeats, Adams consistently demonstrated grit, cementing his place as one of the sport’s most respected figures. Even now, in his late sixties, Wolfie continues to compete and win, proving his talent is timeless.
The Enduring Legacy of “Wolfie”
Martin Adams, affectionately known worldwide as “Wolfie,” was born on June 4, 1956, in Sutton, England. He has been a formidable force in the competitive sport of darts for decades, building a truly remarkable career.
Even at the age of 69, Adams continues to grace the oche, competing on the WDF circuit and previously on the now-defunct Seniors tour. Like many darts professionals, Wolfie honed his skills in local pub leagues before making the leap to professional play, transitioning from the heyday of the British Darts Organisation (BDO).
From “Nearly Man” to World Champion
Adams made his debut at the BDO World Darts Championship before the major split that saw many top talents move to the dominant PDC. For many years, he was famously dubbed the “Nearly Man” of Lakeside, frequently reaching the latter stages but often suffering heartbreaking defeats. These near-misses only highlighted his tenacity:
- In the 1999 quarter-final against Chris Mason, he famously led 4-1 but missed nine match darts, ultimately losing the game.
- The 1995 semi-final loss in deciding sets to Dutch legend Raymond Van Barneveld remains a memorable encounter.
- Another tough defeat came against Tony David in 2002.
Despite these setbacks, Wolfie consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience. He was also a pivotal leader, serving as the captain of the England team from 1993 until 2013 – the longest tenure in that role – guiding the team through significant transitions within the sport.
Triumphs at Lakeside: A Triple World Champion
The long wait finally ended in 2007 when Wolfie claimed his first BDO World Title at Lakeside. This victory came after a dramatic final against qualifier Phill Nixon, where Adams built a commanding 6-0 lead only for Nixon to stage an astonishing comeback, levelling the match at 6-6. True to his nature, Wolfie held his nerve and won the title after 14 years of relentless pursuit.
His success didn’t stop there:
- He won again in 2010, beating Michael “Chizzy” Smith 7-5.
- For a third time, he triumphed in 2011, defeating Dean Winstanley.
This 2011 victory marked the first time someone had successfully defended the title since Raymond Van Barneveld’s back-to-back wins in 1998-1999. His three World Championship wins cemented his status as one of the greatest BDO World Champions.
Dominance Beyond the World Stage
Alongside his World Championship success, Adams also dominated the prestigious Winmau World Masters, winning that title an impressive three times in a row:
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
These victories showcased his exceptional skill and ability to perform under immense pressure on darts’ biggest stages. Beyond his World Championship and World Masters titles, Adams has amassed a truly impressive tally of other accolades, including:
- Four Dutch Opens
- Multiple BDO Open events
- Strong performances in the Finder Masters
- Numerous contributions to England team successes
Unwavering Loyalty: The BDO Stalwart
Throughout his illustrious career, Adams remained steadfastly loyal to the BDO/WDF circuit, even as many of his fellow players transitioned to the PDC for greater prize money. Darts legend Phil Taylor once remarked that Adams could have become a multi-millionaire if he had joined the PDC. However, Wolfie consistently prioritised his principles and dignity, remaining true to the organisation (BDO) that nurtured his talent and grew his game.
A Timeless Talent: Wolfie in the Seniors’ Circuit
Even in recent times, Adams continues to shine. In 2025, he proved his enduring talent well into his late 60s by winning the World Seniors Champion of Champions, demonstrating that his skill and competitive spirit are timeless.
The Enduring “Wolfie” Legacy
With over 90 titles won worldwide and an impressive record of 25 consecutive appearances at Lakeside, Martin Adams has forged a legacy defined by composure, gritty determination, and unwavering sportsmanship at the oche. Wolfie, with his legendary walk-on song “Hungry like the Wolf” by Duran Duran, will forever be a revered figure both on and off the oche. His impact on the sport ensures he will remain an unforgettable legend for generations to come.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
