In the electrifying world of professional darts, where precision meets passion under blinding lights and roaring crowds, few stories capture the heart quite like that of Stephen Bunting. The 40-year-old Englishman from Liverpool, affectionately known as “The Bullet,” has long been a fan favorite for his infectious energy, unyielding spirit, and that unmistakable Scouse grit. But as the 2025 Premier League Darts season hurtles toward its climax, Bunting finds himself at a crossroads—one marked by triumph in the shadows of defeat, and a burning resolve to silence the doubters. With just five nights left in the league phase, the world number four is staring down an unlikely path to the playoffs, all while preparing for an emotional homecoming that could redefine his legacy.
Bunting’s journey into this year’s Premier League lineup was anything but a fluke. Fresh off a sensational 2024 campaign, he had stormed to victory at the Masters, showcasing the kind of clinical finishing that left opponents reeling. His run to the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship in January was the stuff of dreams—a gritty battle where he pushed the boundaries against the eventual champion, only to fall 6-1 in a match that highlighted both his potential and the razor-thin margins of the sport. Building on that momentum, Bunting kicked off 2025 with fireworks: a commanding 8-4 win over Gerwyn Price to claim the Bahrain Darts Masters title, followed by a heart-wrenching runner-up finish at the Dutch Darts Masters, where he edged to an 8-5 loss against Rob Cross. These World Series triumphs cemented his status as a top contender, earning him a well-deserved spot among the elite eight in the Premier League. It was his first main-stage appearance since 2015, a decade-long wait that spoke volumes about his perseverance through the wilderness years.
Yet, for all that promise, the Premier League stage has proven to be Bunting’s personal crucible. Eight straight losses to open the season—a brutal tally that left him rooted at the bottom of the standings with zero points and a leg difference of -28—have tested the very core of his resilience. Matches against the league’s heavyweights read like a dartboard of despair: whitewashed 6-0 by teenage sensation Luke Littler in Newcastle, where Bunting averaged a respectable 102 but missed every double attempt; a nervy 6-2 defeat to Chris Dobey in Cardiff, his average dipping to 87.05 amid mounting pressure; and even a 6-4 heartbreaker to world number one Luke Humphries in Dublin. He’s faced them all—Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall—and come up short every time, his 20 legs won across those outings a stark reminder of how form can evaporate under the spotlight.
The struggles haven’t gone unnoticed, and they’ve sparked endless speculation. Humphries, a close friend and rival, offered a candid theory during a recent chat on talkSPORT, pointing to the adrenaline rush of Bunting’s iconic walk-on song, “Titanium” by David Guetta featuring Sia. “I said to him when you do your walk on, do it but give yourself 15 or 20 seconds at the table before you throw your practice darts and allow yourself to come down from that adrenaline,” Humphries explained. He noted the tweak helped in one outing—”He didn’t win but he played better”—suggesting the high-octane entrance might be spiking Bunting’s nerves just when composure is key. It’s a small insight, but in a sport where a single dart can swing a match, such details could be gold.
Bunting, ever the fighter, hasn’t shied away from the mental toll. He credits hypnotherapy sessions with Chris O’Connor for pulling him from the depths after his 2015 Premier League relegation—a drop that “killed him,” as he puts it bluntly. “I didn’t think I deserved to be dropped. I finished eighth, didn’t get relegated and had some really good games. I believe I’m a better player now than I was then,” Bunting reflected, his voice carrying the weight of those hard-earned lessons. Those sessions rebuilt his mindset, turning self-doubt into steel resolve. Even now, amid the barrage of online criticism following defeats like the Littler rout, Bunting turns to his supporters for fuel. Responding to a fan’s encouragement on social media—”Stephen, just thought I would let you know you’re playing fantastic darts, and your averages are truly amazing. You keep focused, and those averages will turn into victories”—he shot back with characteristic warmth: “Thanks, mate. Really appreciate you reaching out. I’m good. Feel great and have a great family, team, management and sponsors behind me. And the fans are amazing. I’ll keep giving my all.”
A Scottish fan’s note struck a similar chord, prompting Bunting to affirm his unbreakable bond with the audience that has carried him through. It’s this community spirit that amplifies the stakes for what’s next: Night 12 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, his hometown fortress. For Bunting, this isn’t just another stop on the tour—it’s a homecoming laced with raw emotion. As a die-hard Liverpool FC supporter, the electric atmosphere from a crowd chanting for both the darts star and the football club could be intoxicating. Commentators have buzzed about the potential for tears before a single dart flies. “Bunting has mentioned he has been very emotional, especially at the start and it took him a while to settle in. So he just needs to keep those emotions in check, because they could possibly overwhelm him, especially in front of a Liverpool crowd,” one analyst noted. Another quipped, “Liverpool are going to be Premier League champions, aren’t they? So imagine the audience in there. Stephen Bunting is a big fan as well so I think it will be a special night and we will see him crying before a dart is thrown.”
But Bunting, wise to the hype, is laser-focused on the prize. “I want to win, not cry,” he declared ahead of the clash, dismissing rumors of an “unthinkable change” to his beloved walk-on routine. Facing Rob Cross in the quarter-finals—a rematch of their Dutch final where Cross edged him out—Bunting knows victory here could ignite a late surge. With five nights remaining, the math is unforgiving: he trails the playoff spots, sandwiched behind giants like Littler, Humphries, and Van Gerwen in the PDC Order of Merit. Cross, lurking in fifth and hungry for his first nightly win this season, presents a formidable hurdle. Yet, Bunting’s recent ProTour form—averaging 103 across five games in one event—whispers of the storm he can unleash when the stars align.
As the darts world holds its breath, Bunting’s saga is a testament to the sport’s unyielding drama. From the highs of world titles and sold-out arenas to the lows of winless streaks and whispered doubts, he’s navigated it all with a smile that never fades. In Liverpool, under the gaze of his people, “The Bullet” isn’t just aiming for a checkouts—he’s reloading for redemption. Whether it’s a playoff miracle or a poignant farewell to this chapter, one thing’s certain: Stephen Bunting’s story is far from over. It’s a narrative of heart, hustle, and the kind of fight that turns underdogs into legends, one dart at a time.
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