In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision and mental fortitude are everything, Stephen Bunting has long been celebrated for his infectious energy and crowd-pleasing performances. Known as “The Bullet,” the Liverpool-born player has risen to become one of the sport’s most beloved figures, captivating fans with his dramatic walk-ons to the tune of “Titanium” and his engaging presence on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. However, behind the cheers and viral moments lies a darker side of fame—one that recently struck at the heart of his family.
Bunting, the world number four and a fourth seed at the prestigious PDC World Darts Championship held at London’s Alexandra Palace, suffered a surprising third-round exit over the weekend. Facing underdog James Hurrell in a thrilling contest that went to a deciding set, Bunting fought valiantly but ultimately fell 4-3. The match showcased moments of brilliance, including high checkouts, but it wasn’t enough to advance toward a potential semi-final clash with defending champion Luke Littler. For Bunting, who had reached the semi-finals in previous years and claimed the Masters title in 2024, the defeat was disappointing yet part of the unpredictable nature of the sport.
What truly deepened the pain, however, was the wave of online negativity that followed—not just directed at him, but extending to his loved ones. In an emotional statement shared on social media, Bunting expressed profound gratitude to his supporters while confronting the harsh reality of trolling. He highlighted the overwhelming positivity from fans, noting how their encouragement on various platforms “deafens the noise” of the critics. Yet, he couldn’t ignore the personal toll it has taken on his family.
“I want to thank my family who also put a lot of commitment in behind the scenes, not really seeing me as much as I would like and I’ve found that the most difficult this year but they know I do all this for them,” Bunting wrote. “I love my family so much and they give me massive motivation to continue this journey. I still believe I have a lot to give darts over the rest of my career and I want to make them forever proud.”
He went on to reveal the shielding efforts of those closest to him: “They see the negative comments and do their best to make sure I don’t see them and even Toby has had some hate from some of the trolls online which really is hurtful for us as a family.” Toby, Bunting’s 13-year-old son, who often appears in heartwarming social media content alongside his father and was present in the crowd cheering him on at Ally Pally, became an unintended target. “Toby is one of the nicest kids you could wish to meet and I’ll be doing a lot more social stuff with him this coming year,” Bunting added, signaling his intent to focus on positive family moments moving forward.
This incident isn’t isolated for Bunting, who has previously spoken candidly about his own encounters with online abuse. Earlier in the tournament, after declaring himself the “people’s champion” following a first-round win, he faced backlash that left him emotional in interviews, even breaking down in tears as he discussed the fickle nature of social media reactions. The extension of such vitriol to a child, however, crosses a line that no parent should endure, underscoring the growing concern over cyberbullying in sports.
The darts community has rallied around Bunting, with many praising his resilience and the genuine connection he fosters with fans. His popularity stems from more than just his skill on the oche; it’s his authenticity, from late-night livestreams to family-oriented posts, that has built a massive following. Despite the setbacks, Bunting remains optimistic, congratulating Hurrell on his victory and wishing everyone a happy new year. “Let’s go bunting mental into 2026 and I love you all,” he concluded in his message.
As the World Championship continues without him, Bunting’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human element in professional sports. The pressure of competition is immense, but when it spills over into personal attacks—especially involving innocent family members—it highlights the need for greater kindness online. Bunting’s determination to keep pushing forward, motivated by his loved ones, ensures he’ll return stronger, aiming to add more titles to his resume while cherishing the support that truly matters.
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