James Wade booked a 6‑3 win over Adam Sevada in round one of the 2026 US Darts Masters on 26 June, advancing to the quarter‑finals at Madison Square Garden. The back‑to‑back world champion showed his trademark scoring power, delivering five maximums and keeping his title defence alive.
What happened?
The opening round saw Wade start strongly, taking an early lead and never looking back. He hit five 180s, a display of precision that left Sevada scrambling for points. Wade sealed the match on the eleventh leg, finishing with a double 12 to lock in the 6‑3 scoreline. The win placed him in the quarter‑finals alongside Gerwyn Price, who also progressed from round one.
Why does this matter for James Wade?
Wade entered the US Darts Masters as the defending champion, and a smooth start is essential for any title defence. By dispatching Sevada without a tie‑break, he demonstrated that his form remains sharp despite a busy season. The victory also boosts his confidence ahead of a potential showdown with Price, a fellow top‑ranked player known for his heavy scoring.
Who will James Wade face next?
The tournament bracket pits Wade against Gerwyn Price in the quarter‑finals, scheduled for the early hours of 27 June. Price earned his spot by beating Brayden Hall 6‑4 in the first round. Both players are seasoned veterans, and the match promises a high‑scoring battle that could decide the tournament’s direction.
What does this mean for the US Darts Masters?
Wade’s early win adds another headline name to a field already featuring Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Jonny Clayton. With a sell‑out crowd of 5,000 fans, the event is set to become a landmark moment for darts in the United States. If Wade repeats his previous year’s performance, he could become the first player to retain the World Series title on US soil.
The quarter‑finals, semi‑finals and final will be broadcast on ITV3 from 5 pm to 9 pm on 27 June, giving fans a chance to watch the drama unfold live. Wade’s next match will be a key indicator of whether his 2025 dominance can be sustained in a growing American market.