The festive frenzy of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship took an unexpected turn when fan favourite Stephen Bunting found himself in a heated exchange with supporters online, following comments made in his post-match interview after a nail-biting first-round victory. The world number four, known as “The Bullet,” survived a major scare against Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki, clawing back from the brink to win 3-2 in a deciding-set tie-break, but it was his candid words afterward that ignited a firestorm of debate among darts enthusiasts.
Bunting’s match was a rollercoaster from the start. He stormed into a 2-0 lead with dazzling form, posting a staggering 119 average in the opening set and looking every bit the title contender. Yet, as the pressure mounted, his performance dipped dramatically—he admitted to mentally switching off—and Bialecki capitalised, fighting back to level at 2-2 and even leading in the decider. In the end, experience and the roaring Alexandra Palace crowd propelled Bunting over the line, with back-to-back 14-darters sealing the win and an overall average of 96.
Relieved and buoyed by the support, Bunting didn’t hold back in his on-stage interview. “I believe I’ve got the best fan base in darts,” he proclaimed confidently. “I’ve got the best social media in darts, I’ve got the best management in darts. I’ve got the best family in darts. The only thing I’m lacking is the World Championship, and it’s coming this year.” He went on to praise the fans as his “12th man,” crediting their chants of “Let’s Go Bunting Mental” and “Walking in a Bunting Wonderland” for carrying him through the tough moments when he “fell asleep” on stage.
While many applauded his passion and self-belief, others found the remarks overly boastful, particularly the claims about having the “best” in several categories. Social media quickly lit up with criticism, with some fans calling out the comments as arrogant or “unnatural,” questioning whether such declarations fit the humble persona that has made Bunting so beloved. The backlash divided opinion: detractors argued it came across as dismissive of other players’ support systems, while loyalists defended it as harmless confidence from a player riding high after a gritty escape.
True to form, Bunting didn’t shy away from the controversy. Engaging directly with fans online, he responded defiantly to the detractors, reinforcing his nickname as “the People’s Champion.” When asked if the criticism might turn supporters against him, he shot back: “No, because I’m the People’s Champion.” He promised to deliver improved performances moving forward, vowing that the shaky opener was just nerves and that he’d be sharper in the next round.
This incident highlights the unique bond Bunting shares with the darts community. His rise to cult status has been fuelled by his infectious personality—late-night social media interactions, humorous content, and that iconic walk-on to “Titanium,” where he conducts the crowd like an orchestra, turning Ally Pally into a sea of singing fans. From his days switching from the BDO (where he won the 2014 World Championship) to the PDC, Bunting has transformed from a solid pro into one of the sport’s most entertaining figures. His 2025 season was stellar, with multiple titles across Players Championships, European Tours, and World Series events, cementing his place in the top four.
Now, fresh off the scare, Bunting advances to face India’s Nitin Kumar, who made history as the first player from his country to win a World Championship match. Bunting was full of praise for his upcoming opponent: “Nitin is a fantastic player. What he’s done for Indian darts is exceptional. I’ve known him for quite a few years now, and we played each other in Bahrain.” He acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic, leaning on his family—particularly hearing his son Toby’s cheers—and his unrivalled fan support to push deeper into the tournament.
The exchange with fans underscores the passionate, unfiltered nature of darts fandom. In a sport where personalities shine as brightly as the scoring, moments like this add spice to the narrative. Bunting’s willingness to clap back shows his thick skin and commitment to his supporters, many of whom rallied behind him amid the debate. As he put it after the win: “I was lucky to get away with that one. I need to regroup… That is the nervous one out of the way. I promise I will be better in the next round.”
With the World Championship known for its drama, upsets, and crowd-driven magic, Bunting’s campaign is far from over. If he channels this fire positively, his prediction of lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy could yet come true. For now, the darts world watches eagerly, as “The Bullet” aims to prove his doubters wrong and reward the fans who have made him their champion.
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