In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision meets passion under the glaring lights of global arenas, Stephen Bunting has always stood out as a crowd favorite. The 40-year-old Liverpudlian, known affectionately as “The Bullet” for his sharp throws and unyielding determination, has built a career on not just his skill at the oche but his genuine connection with fans. From his electrifying walk-on to David Guetta’s “Titanium” to his active presence on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—where he’s amassed over 100,000 subscribers—Bunting has cultivated a loyal following that rivals any in the sport. Yet, even the most beloved figures can stumble, and Bunting recently found himself reflecting on a moment that spiraled into controversy, vowing to learn from it and move forward.
It all began during the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, a tournament that draws millions of viewers and tests the mettle of the world’s top players. In the opening round on December 14, Bunting faced a tense battle against Polish newcomer Sebastian Białecki. The match went the distance, with Bunting scraping through in a nail-biting 3-2 victory. Elated but exhausted in the post-match glow, he let slip a comment that would ignite a firestorm. “I’m Stephen Bunting. I’m the People’s Champion,” he declared. “They’re all going to go Bunting mental, no matter what happens.” What seemed like a lighthearted nod to his growing popularity—echoing sentiments previously expressed by broadcasters like Sky Sports and the PDC itself—quickly backfired.
Social media, that double-edged sword of modern fame, erupted with criticism. Fans and detractors alike accused him of arrogance, suggesting his rising star had inflated his ego. The backlash was relentless, with cruel messages flooding his feeds and even spilling into his email inbox. Many pointed to his recent selection for the 2026 Premier League lineup as evidence that his self-proclaimed status was unwarranted. Bunting, who has always prided himself on being approachable—stopping for photos in supermarkets or pubs and giving back through his online content—felt the sting deeply. The negativity pierced through his usually thick skin, revealing the human side of a player who thrives on fan support.
Just days later, after dispatching Indian qualifier Nitin Kumar in a convincing 3-0 second-round win, the emotional toll became evident. In a raw and vulnerable press conference, Bunting broke down in tears, his voice cracking as he addressed the uproar. Pausing to compose himself, he explained, “I’ve had some stick over social media. I made a comment in the media saying I was the people’s champion. That was literally a comment from what Sky have said, what PDC have said. It wasn’t me saying I’m the People’s Champion. I was just talking about what was said. I’ve had a lot of stick about that.” He went on, his words laced with sincerity: “Listen, I’m not the people’s champion. I turn up. I’ll try my best to win any game. I’ll give 110 per cent. The fans have been unbelievable. Support on TikTok or Instagram, I’ve hit over 100,000 on YouTube. So, I feel the presence. I feel the support online.” Acknowledging the pitfalls of online scrutiny, he added, “Sometimes you can look too much at social media. Yeah, there’s been quite a few negatives. I’ve had quite a few emails as well. But I need to rise above that. People online are fickle.”
Despite the crowd’s roaring approval during his matches—proper darts enthusiasts who know his dedication and buy his merchandise in droves—the online vitriol had shaken him. Bunting emphasized his commitment to his supporters: “You see the crowd in there tonight, they’re proper darts fans. They know what I’m about. I like to give back to the fans through YouTube, TikTok, through everything I do. If they see me in a pub or wherever, Tesco or a shopping centre, I’ll always give time to the fans. They’re so important. They’ve been a massive part of my career so far. Hopefully they can be a massive part of my career in the future. I never, ever shy away from my fans. I’ll stand by that. I still think I’ve got the biggest fan base in darts. I’m lucky.”
The championship didn’t end on a high note for Bunting. In the third round, he was upset by world number 63 James Hurrell, a shocking exit for the number seven-ranked player who had entered as a dark horse contender. Yet, darts is a sport of resilience, and Bunting’s story didn’t end there. After a brief holiday respite filled with mince pies, turkey, and family time—celebrating Christmas with his sons Toby and one-year-old Theo—he returned to the circuit with renewed focus.
Fast forward to January 2026, and Bunting is back in action at the Bahrain Masters, where he’s the defending champion after triumphing 8-4 over Gerwyn Price in the 2025 final. The tournament, pitting eight PDC heavyweights against eight Asian talents for a £30,000 top prize, represents a fresh start. Ahead of his quarter-final clash with the formidable Michael van Gerwen, Bunting opened up in an honest interview, owning up to the misstep that had haunted him. Reflecting on his approach for the year ahead, he admitted, “That People’s Champion stuff was maybe a mistake. That was a statement made regarding what Sky had built me up to be. It was a tongue-in-cheek comment, a bit of a laugh, but I’ll never mention that ever again. It’s all about what I do on the oche now.”
This pivotal season could define Bunting’s legacy. As a former Lakeside world champion, he’s no stranger to pressure, but at 40, maintaining his spot in the elite echelons—like the Premier League—demands consistent excellence. Fans who have followed his journey know he’s more than a player; he’s a family man, a community figure, and a testament to perseverance. By confronting his error head-on, Bunting not only humanizes himself but strengthens the bond with those who cheer him on. As he steps up to the oche in Bahrain and beyond, the focus shifts from words to arrows, where his true championship spirit shines brightest. In a sport where every throw counts, Bunting’s promise to let his performance speak volumes could propel him to new heights, reminding everyone why he’s earned such devotion in the first place.
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