James Wade has become the first player to win 1,000 matches on the PDC Pro Tour circuit, achieving the milestone with a victory at Players Championship 7 in Leicester on Monday, March 30, 2026. The 42-year-old Englishman secured the historic win by defeating Lukas Wenig 6-1 in the opening round, averaging over 96 and sealing the match with a run of six consecutive legs, including three 15-darters.
Wade, known for his longevity and success on the Pro Tour, has collected more than 20 Players' Championship titles, with his most recent coming at the start of 2026. Although he lost in the second round of this event to Cristo Reyes, the opening win was enough to etch his name in the record books. He celebrated the achievement on social media, posting: "Afternoon folks. Well that wasn't the ending I wanted today but on a more positive note this did happen. After winning my first game today I became the first and only player to win 1,000 matches in the Players Championships Events. What an achievement and I feel really proud of that!!"
In his post, Wade thanked his supporters, family, and sponsors, adding that he will return to action for Players Championship eight in Leicester, where 128 players are competing for ranking points and prize money in the race to Minehead at the end of the year. The Pro Tour events continue with rapid scheduling, highlighting Wade's enduring presence and class in the sport.
