In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where precision and composure reign supreme, Stephen Bunting has once again proven why he’s one of the sport’s most beloved figures. The 40-year-old Englishman, affectionately known as “The Bullet,” delivered a scintillating performance at the Players Championship 25 in Milton Keynes, defeating Jonny Clayton 8-6 in a thrilling final to claim his sixth PDC ranking title. This victory, which added £15,000 to his already impressive £640,000 career earnings, was a testament to Bunting’s resurgent form and unshakable focus. But what captured the hearts of fans wasn’t just his prowess on the oche—it was his delightfully humble plan for his latest windfall.
Bunting’s journey to this triumph was anything but straightforward. Just a day earlier, he had fallen agonizingly short in the Players Championship 24 final, losing 8-7 to Sweden’s Jeffrey de Graaf in a nail-biting decider. That setback, however, only fueled his determination. Returning to the Arena MK with fire in his eyes, Bunting unleashed a masterclass, averaging an astonishing 102.21 across the tournament and peaking with a jaw-dropping 111.66 in his last-64 win over Mario Vandenbogaerde. His final against Clayton was a showcase of skill and resilience, with Bunting nailing six maximum 180s and a three-dart average of 101.74. Clayton, known as “The Ferret,” pushed him to the limit, clawing back from a 5-1 deficit to make it 6-4, but Bunting held his nerve, sealing the win with a clinical double.
Post-match, Bunting’s infectious humility shone through when asked about his plans for the £15,000 prize. With a grin that could light up the arena, he quipped, “One million per cent [I will]!” treat himself to an Indian takeaway to celebrate. “I know how well I am playing,” he added, reflecting on his form. “Long may that continue. I will keep working hard. I have played exceptionally this week and was disappointed not to win on Monday.” This wasn’t just a throwaway remark—Bunting’s love for a good curry has become a charming footnote in his story, endearing him to fans who adore his down-to-earth nature. It’s a stark contrast to the flashy purchases one might expect from a world-class athlete, especially one ranked fourth in the PDC Order of Merit.
This victory marks another milestone in what has been a remarkable 2025 for Bunting. The St. Helens native, who transitioned to the PDC in 2014 after a stellar BDO career that included a 2014 World Championship title, has been in scintillating form. Earlier this year, he clinched his first World Series title at the Bahrain Darts Masters and his maiden European Tour crown at the International Darts Open in Germany, each victory netting him £30,000. His run to the World Darts Championship semi-finals, where he fell to eventual champion Luke Littler, earned him £100,000—part of which he used to buy a family caravan in North Wales, a purchase that spoke volumes about his grounded character. “Part of my money went on the garden and then we’ve also just bought a caravan in a Haven site in North Wales,” he shared earlier this year. “It’s a lovely getaway from the house and from playing darts to spend some time with my family.”
Bunting’s rise hasn’t come without challenges. His Premier League campaign this year was a rollercoaster, marked by eight consecutive losses before a hard-fought win in Berlin. Finishing bottom of the standings with 12 points, he narrowly missed surpassing Rob Cross’s 14. Yet, his persistence paid off, with a £60,000 haul that included a £10,000 bonus for his lone night victory. Now, with the Players Championship 25 title in his pocket, Bunting is looking ahead to the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, where he’s tied with Littler for the most Masters victories this season. “We are coming into the nitty-gritty part of the season, and I’m getting some wins against some top-class players,” he said, exuding confidence tempered with his signature humility.
Off the oche, Bunting’s connection with fans is stronger than ever. With nearly 200,000 TikTok followers and a YouTube channel, *The Bunting*, where he shares glimpses of his life and practice routines, he’s become a fan favorite. His walk-on song, *Titanium* by David Guetta featuring Sia, has inspired the chant “Bunting Mental,” a rallying cry that echoes through venues. As he prepares for the PDC World Championships in December, where he’ll aim to surpass his 2021 and 2025 semi-final runs, Bunting remains focused. “The standard is so high, and if I don’t keep practicing, I will get left behind,” he admitted, a nod to the relentless drive that keeps him at the top.
For now, though, Bunting’s immediate plans are refreshingly simple: savoring an Indian takeaway, perhaps a spicy vindaloo or a creamy korma, to celebrate a hard-earned victory. In a sport often defined by high stakes and intense rivalries, it’s this relatability that makes Stephen Bunting not just a champion, but a true crowd pleaser.
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