In a thrilling display of darts mastery, Stephen Bunting, known as “The Bullet,” clinched the Players Championship 25 title on August 26, 2025, in Milton Keynes, defeating Jonny Clayton 8-6 in a final that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The 40-year-old Englishman delivered a performance for the ages, averaging 101.74 and showcasing six 180s to secure his second Players Championship title of the year and his sixth PDC ranking title overall. After a heart-wrenching loss in the Players Championship 24 final just a day earlier, Bunting’s resilience and skill shone through, cementing his resurgence as one of darts’ elite.
The final against Clayton, nicknamed “The Ferret,” was a rollercoaster of high stakes and high averages. Bunting surged to a commanding 5-1 lead, capitalizing on two early breaks of Clayton’s throw. His dominance was evident as he fired off a 10-dart leg, a highlight that swung momentum firmly in his favor. “I was disappointed not to win on Monday but I am happy to reach two finals and get one over the line,” Bunting said, reflecting on his back-to-back final appearances. However, Clayton, a seasoned competitor and 2025 World Matchplay semi-finalist, mounted a fierce comeback, narrowing the gap to 5-4 with a clinical 42 finish. The Welshman’s tenacity tested Bunting’s nerve, as missed opportunities allowed Clayton to claw back to 7-6, threatening a deciding leg.
Bunting’s mental toughness, honed through years of top-level competition, proved decisive. In the final leg, he opened with a 180, matched by Clayton, setting up a dramatic finish. With 81 left, Bunting missed a bullseye but returned to hit double eight, sealing the victory and sparking roars from the Milton Keynes crowd. “We are coming into the nitty-gritty part of the season and I’m getting some wins against some top-class players,” Bunting told reporters, his confidence palpable as he eyes the upcoming Flanders Darts Trophy. His tournament average of nearly 103 underscored his consistency, having posted ton-topping averages in four matches, including a staggering 111.66 against Mario Vandenbogaerde in the second round.
The road to the final was no easy feat. Bunting’s campaign began with a hard-fought 6-5 win over Michele Turetta, followed by dominant performances against Ritchie Edhouse (6-3), Cor Dekker (6-2), and Wessel Nijman (6-1). In the semi-finals, he edged out William O’Connor 7-6 in a leg-decider, proving his ability to thrive under pressure. Clayton, meanwhile, showcased his own brilliance, cruising through earlier rounds with wins over Tom Bissell (6-3), Stephen Burton (6-2), Krzysztof Ratajski (6-3), Robert Grundy (6-4), and Alan Soutar (6-1). His semi-final against Martin Schindler was a grueling 7-6 battle, where he overturned a 6-5 deficit to secure his spot in the final.
This victory marks a high point in Bunting’s remarkable 2025 season, which includes a Masters title, two World Series crowns, a European Tour win, and a Premier League night victory. His rise to the top of the Pro Tour Order of Merit reflects his consistency, having reached eight finals since early 2024. “One million per cent,” Bunting declared when asked if he’s in the form of his life, a sentiment echoed by fans who marveled at his performance. His journey from the BDO, where he won the 2014 World Championship, to becoming a PDC powerhouse is a testament to his persistence and evolution.
For Clayton, the loss was a bitter pill, but his performance reaffirmed his status among darts’ elite. The final was a showcase of two veterans trading blows, with Bunting’s wizardry on double three and a clutch bullseye attempt highlighting his flair. As he celebrated his fourth Players Championship title, Bunting’s focus now shifts to the autumn season, where he’s poised to be a formidable force. This epic clash in Milton Keynes wasn’t just a victory—it was a statement from “The Bullet” that his revival is far from over, and the darts world is taking notice.
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