In the unforgiving arena of professional darts, where dreams are built on treble 20s and shattered by a single bad leg, few experiences cut deeper than being overlooked for the Premier League Darts. For Stephen Bunting, the emotional toll of a past snub still lingers vividly—and he wasn’t afraid to admit how profoundly it once affected him.
The 2026 Premier League lineup, announced earlier this month, features heavyweights like defending champion Luke Humphries, world champion Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock, Gerwyn Price, and Bunting himself. The selection brought fresh debates about merit, form, and wildcard choices, with notable absences including Nathan Aspinall (who learned of his omission in heartbreaking fashion while seated next to Bunting on a flight), Danny Noppert, and James Wade.
But amid the discussions, Bunting opened up about a previous exclusion that left a lasting scar. Reflecting on his earlier experience being dropped from the Premier League after an initial appearance 11 years ago, the Englishman confessed the decision devastated him. **”It really killed me when I played 11 years ago and then got dropped out of the Premier League. It affected the rest of my career,”** he revealed in a candid interview.
The words carry weight. Bunting, known as “The Bullet,” had tasted the spotlight of the prestigious Thursday-night series, with its electric atmospheres, massive crowds, and lucrative prize pot. Being removed wasn’t just a professional setback—it was personal. The disappointment weighed so heavily that it nearly pushed him toward walking away from the sport entirely. The mental strain of the snub, combined with the relentless demands of the tour, made retirement feel like a real possibility.
Yet Bunting fought through. He rebuilt his game on the Pro Tour, grinded out results in floor events and European Tours, and steadily climbed back into contention. His resilience paid off: after years of consistent performances, including strong showings in majors and a reputation as one of the circuit’s most improved players, the PDC welcomed him back for 2026. This time, the invitation feels earned—and validating.
**”I’m a bit disappointed people thought it was between me and Nathan [Aspinall] to be honest. I believe I deserve to be in,”** Bunting added, addressing the fan speculation that pitted his spot against Aspinall’s. While acknowledging the close calls in selection debates, he emphasized his belief in his own body of work. The recall isn’t just about returning to the big stage; it’s proof that perseverance can overcome even the harshest setbacks.
Bunting’s journey highlights one of darts’ harshest realities: the Premier League isn’t purely about rankings or recent titles. Wildcards introduce subjectivity, balancing star power, crowd appeal, and long-term potential. For players like Bunting, missing out can feel like a referendum on their worth. His past experience serves as a cautionary tale—and an inspiration. The emotional low point that once threatened to end his career has instead fueled a remarkable comeback.
Now, as he prepares for the grueling 16-week league phase starting February 5 in Newcastle, Bunting approaches the tournament with renewed hunger. The scars remain, but they’ve toughened him. What nearly broke him years ago has become motivation to prove doubters wrong and show that true champions rise stronger from adversity.
In a sport defined by precision and pressure, Stephen Bunting’s story reminds fans that behind every arrow lies a human struggle—one that can push even the toughest competitors to the brink, only to bring them back fiercer than before.
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