Hildesheim, Germany – James Wade sent a resounding message to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) with a compelling 8-6 victory over Nathan Aspinall in the final of the Players Championship One on . The win comes as Wade continues to express frustration over being overlooked for a wildcard spot in this year’s Premier League, and serves as a potent reminder of his continued competitive edge.
The match, held in Hildesheim, saw ‘The Machine’ overcome a determined Aspinall, securing his 20th career Players Championship title and a £15,000 prize. Wade’s path to the final was particularly impressive, marked by a series of hard-fought victories, including a dramatic last-leg decider against Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals. He clinched that semi-final encounter with a stunning 104 checkout, showcasing his renowned finishing ability.
Wade’s tournament run included wins over Karel Sedlacek, Alexander Merkx, Jeffrey De Graff, Mensur Suljovic, and Joe Cullen, demonstrating consistent form throughout the event. He navigated four last-leg deciders, a testament to his mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure.
Aspinall, also vying for a Premier League spot, had a strong showing himself, defeating Beau Greaves – in her first tournament as a PDC tour card holder – 6-2 in the last 16, and then overcoming Adam Gawlas in the semi-final. Despite a valiant effort in the final, he was unable to contain Wade’s late surge.
The final itself was a tightly contested affair. Aspinall initially took the lead, securing a break in the fourth leg to move ahead 3-1. However, Wade responded immediately, leveling the score at 3-3 with consecutive legs. Aspinall regained the advantage, leading 5-3, but Wade then unleashed a series of impressive legs, including back-to-back 11-darters, to shift the momentum decisively in his favor. He ultimately closed out the match with a four-leg burst.
Adding to the excitement of the tournament, Mickey Mansell recorded the first nine-dart finish of the 2026 PDC Pro Tour season during his second-round match against Carl Sneyd. While Mansell didn’t advance deep into the tournament, his achievement provided a highlight moment for fans.
The victory has significant implications for the PDC Order of Merit. Wade’s win propelled him up to eighth place, a jump of three positions from his previous ranking of eleventh. Aspinall remains in fourteenth position. Ryan Searle, however, experienced a setback, dropping three places to eleventh as a result of his performance.
Wessel Nijman also benefited from the tournament, his quarter-final appearance lifting him to 26th in the rankings. The shifting positions within the Order of Merit underscore the competitive nature of the PDC Pro Tour and the importance of consistent performance.
Wade’s win is particularly noteworthy given his recent comments regarding his perceived lack of recognition from the PDC. He has previously expressed frustration at being overlooked for Premier League and World Series events, despite his long and successful career. The Players Championship One victory can be interpreted as a direct response to those perceived slights, a clear demonstration of his continued ability to compete at the highest level.
The PDC’s decision to exclude Wade and Aspinall from the initial Premier League lineup sparked debate among fans and pundits. Both players have proven their capabilities, and their absence from the prestigious event raised questions about the selection criteria. Wade’s performance in Hildesheim will undoubtedly fuel further discussion about the fairness and transparency of the PDC’s wildcard selection process.
Looking ahead, Wade’s strong start to the 2026 Pro Tour season positions him well for future success. His ability to consistently perform under pressure, coupled with his unwavering determination, makes him a formidable opponent in any tournament. The coming months will be crucial as he aims to climb further up the Order of Merit and potentially earn a spot in future Premier League events.
The Players Championship One event served as a compelling opening to the 2026 PDC Pro Tour season, showcasing both established stars and emerging talents. Wade’s victory, however, was the defining moment, a statement of intent that will resonate throughout the darts world. It remains to be seen whether the PDC will respond to his on-stage performance and reconsider his exclusion from the Premier League, but one thing is certain: James Wade is far from finished.
