The electric atmosphere at Alexandra Palace delivered another night of high drama during the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship, as defending champion and world number one Luke Littler not only cruised into the fourth round but couldn’t resist a light-hearted dig at fan favorite Stephen Bunting after the fourth seed’s stunning third-round defeat.
Bunting, the world number four and a perennial crowd-pleaser known for his explosive walk-ons to David Guetta’s “Titanium” and the roaring chants of “One Stephen Bunting,” saw his title hopes dashed in a nail-biting seven-set thriller. He fell 4-3 to the unheralded James Hurrell, a 41-year-old ranked well outside the top 50, in what has quickly become one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. The match was a classic rollercoaster: Hurrell stormed ahead with a strong opening set, but Bunting battled back with characteristic resilience, unleashing spectacular ton-plus checkouts—including a memorable 161—to force a decider. In the end, however, Hurrell broke throw at a crucial moment and coolly finished on 100 to seal the victory, leaving the packed venue in stunned silence as the reality of Bunting’s early exit sank in.
For Hurrell, this triumph marks the pinnacle of a career defined by perseverance. Having battled serious health issues that kept him sidelined for years, his return to form at Ally Pally is nothing short of inspirational. “Amazing, absolutely amazing. Biggest win of my career so all good,” Hurrell beamed afterward, admitting he felt relaxed and confident throughout. “I knew where my game was coming into the game, I just needed to sort my doubles out a bit. I’m confident, I’m not going anywhere. I should have won 4-0, to be fair. Relaxed, wasn’t nervous. I’m not feeling no nerves or nothing. I’m so confident in my game.” Now provisionally climbing into the top 50, Hurrell advances to face the winner of Martin Schindler and Ryan Searle, carrying the momentum of a player who has nothing to lose.
Bunting’s departure rippled through the draw, particularly benefiting those in the top half, including Littler, who was projected to potentially face “The Bullet” in the semi-finals. The 18-year-old from Warrington wasted no time capitalizing on the open path, delivering a masterclass in the evening’s headline match against Mensur Suljovic. Littler whitewashed the Austrian 4-0 in a blistering display, posting his highest average yet at the Worlds—a staggering 107.09—while barely spending 25 minutes on stage. Suljovic, known for his deliberate pace that had frustrated opponents earlier, didn’t get a single dart at a double in the first seven legs, gesturing helplessly to the crowd as Littler dominated from the outset.
Fresh off this commanding performance, Littler was asked in his post-match interview about the surge in darts’ popularity often dubbed the “Luke Littler effect.” With a mischievous grin, he turned the question into a playful jab at Bunting’s recent claims of his own fan-driven boost. “I don’t think the Bunting effect is going too well this tournament,” Littler quipped, drawing laughs and underscoring the cheeky rivalry between the two English stars. It was a tongue-in-cheek moment that highlighted the contrast: while Bunting’s passionate support couldn’t carry him through, Littler’s clinical precision kept his title defense firmly on track.
Littler, who has yet to drop a set in the tournament, reflected on his form with quiet confidence. “Tonight felt like a free hit, I had no nerves whatsoever and I let my darts do the talking,” he said, adding a broader perspective on the unpredictability of the sport: “People can say whoever plays Littler next will lose, but this is darts, anyone can win or lose. I just have to show up for my next game and hopefully put in another performance like that.” Next up for the teenager is either Damon Heta or Rob Cross in the fourth round, as he continues his quest to become the first back-to-back champion since Gary Anderson a decade ago.
This year’s championship has been full of surprises, with several top seeds tumbling early and opening up the bracket in unexpected ways. Bunting’s loss, coming on the heels of a solid but unspectacular season, adds to the narrative of vulnerability among the established names. The Liverpudlian has been open about the mental and physical demands of the circuit, and while his engaging personality and massive following ensure he’ll remain a darts icon, questions now linger over his Premier League qualification prospects.
As the tournament heads into its next phase after the Christmas break, the spotlight intensifies on Littler. His blend of youthful exuberance, ruthless scoring power, and growing maturity has elevated him to superstar status, drawing record crowds and viewers to the oche. Yet, as his own words remind us—and as Bunting’s exit so vividly illustrates—darts remains a game where form, nerve, and a touch of luck can turn giants into underdogs in an instant. With fancy-dress fans, booming chants, and pints in full flow at Alexandra Palace, the magic of the Worlds shows no signs of fading.
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