In the electric atmosphere of the PDC World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace, Stephen Bunting delivered a commanding performance on Saturday evening, cruising to a straight-sets victory over India’s Nitin Kumar in the second round. The world number four, known affectionately as “The Bullet,” dropped just two legs in a dominant display that showcased his precision and composure under the bright lights. Highlights included a spectacular 132 checkout on the bullseye, underscoring why Bunting remains one of the most feared players on the tour. With this win, he advanced to the third round, where he will face James Hurrell after the Christmas break—a matchup that promises to be intriguing given Hurrell’s own resilient journey back to form.
Yet, it was what happened after the match that truly captured hearts and highlighted the human side of professional darts. In the post-match press conference, Bunting, still riding the adrenaline from his triumph, was asked about the recent scrutiny he had faced on social media. The conversation quickly turned emotional as the Liverpool-born star addressed a comment he made following his hard-fought first-round win over Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki. In that earlier victory, which went to a deciding set, Bunting had proclaimed himself connected to the fans in a profound way, referencing the incredible support he receives.
However, those words—interpreting him as the “People’s Champion”—sparked unintended backlash online. Some fans misinterpreted it as arrogance, leading to a wave of negative messages directed at the popular Merseysider. Bunting, who is active and engaging on social platforms, admitted the criticism had weighed heavily on him in the days leading up to his match against Kumar.
“I look at social media and I’ve had some stick,” he shared, his voice steady at first. “I made a comment in the media saying I was the People’s Champion, but that was literally a comment that was from what has been said in broadcasts and promotions—it wasn’t me saying I’m the people’s champion. I was just talking about the unbelievable support.”
As he continued, the emotion built. Bunting emphasized the isolation of the oche: “When you’re stood up on that stage, it’s a lonely place and if things don’t go right, you can look at your family, you can look at your management, you can look at your sponsors, but it’s down to you.” At this point, tears welled in his eyes, and he paused, visibly moved. The press conference was briefly halted as Bunting composed himself, wiping away tears before resuming—a raw moment that revealed the pressure top athletes endure beyond the arrows.
He went on to clarify his gratitude: “Listen… I’m not the People’s Champion. I try my best to win any game. The fans have been unbelievable but sometimes you can look too much at social media. I never ever shy away from my fans.” The outburst stemmed not from fragility, but from a deep appreciation for the crowd’s role in his success. Bunting has long been a crowd favorite, with his energetic walk-on to “Titanium” often turning Ally Pally into a sea of chanting supporters. “If you can’t get up for playing at Ally Pally in the world championship, you shouldn’t be playing darts,” he added firmly, reaffirming his passion for the sport.
This vulnerability comes from a player who has experienced the highs and lows of darts. A former BDO World Champion, Bunting transitioned to the PDC and has climbed to world number four through sheer determination. His semi-final run last year was a career highlight, and his current form—bolstered by recent titles—positions him as a genuine contender for the £500,000 prize and the Sid Waddell Trophy. Looking ahead, Bunting expressed relief at the upcoming break: “It’s Christmas now. I’m going to enjoy family time. I’m going to enjoy opening the presents with the kids and just forget about darts for a bit, to be honest. Sometimes you put too much pressure on yourself.”
The incident underscores the double-edged sword of social media in modern sports. While it allows players like Bunting to connect directly with fans—sharing moments of joy and interacting personally—it can also amplify criticism, affecting mental resilience. Darts, often seen as a game of steely nerves, is increasingly revealing its emotional depth, with players opening up about the toll of public scrutiny.
Bunting’s tears were not a sign of weakness but of authenticity in a high-stakes environment. As the tournament resumes after the holidays, fans will undoubtedly rally even stronger behind him, reminded of the heart he pours into every throw. In a championship full of shocks—including exits for former winner Michael Smith and others—Bunting’s progression feels like a story of triumph over adversity, both on and off the board.
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