The 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace produced another unforgettable night of drama, as underdog James Hurrell delivered a stunning 4-3 third-round victory over fourth seed Stephen Bunting—and didn’t hold back in highlighting a key moment that fueled his triumph.
The match itself was a gripping seven-set epic that showcased the raw unpredictability of darts at its finest. Bunting, the world number four and a darling of the Ally Pally crowds with his high-energy walk-ons and booming “One Stephen Bunting” chants, started slowly, possibly hampered by illness, and quickly fell behind as Hurrell dominated the opening set 3-1. The Liverpudlian fought back valiantly, pulling off miraculous ton-plus checkouts—a 161 to steal the second set from 2-0 down and a 121 to take the third—that kept the packed venue roaring. Yet Hurrell, ranked well outside the top 50, refused to buckle, whitewashing the fourth set, surging to a 3-2 lead, and forcing a decider after Bunting clawed back with a 100 finish in the sixth.
In the final set, Hurrell broke throw early and held his nerve, closing out the match with another composed 100 checkout on tops. His 98 average edged Bunting’s 91, and he claimed 18 legs to 12 in a performance that left no doubt he was the superior player on the night. The upset silenced the boisterous crowd, marking the tournament’s biggest shock yet and propelling the 41-year-old into the fourth round.
But it was in the aftermath that Hurrell revealed what truly ignited his resolve. Speaking immediately after the win, he pointed to Bunting’s exuberant celebrations following those clutch checkouts, particularly suggesting one fist pump came across as premature. “He celebrated like he’d won the game,” Hurrell said, explaining how it motivated him to stay composed and push on. He picked up on Bunting appearing “vulnerable” emotionally during those moments, using it as fuel to maintain his focus. “I feel amazing, it’s the biggest win of my career,” Hurrell added, brimming with confidence. “I knew where my game was coming into this, 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 so confident in my game. I’ve just beaten the number four in the world.”
Hurrell’s comments added a layer of spice to an already thrilling encounter, highlighting the mental chess match that unfolds alongside the arrows on stage. For the journeyman from England, whose career was nearly derailed years ago by severe health issues that left him fighting for his life, this victory represents a remarkable resurgence. Overcoming those challenges has forged a steely determination, and his unflappable demeanor against one of the tour’s most popular figures underscored his growth. Now provisionally climbing the rankings with a significant payday secured, Hurrell advances to face either Martin Schindler or Ryan Searle, carrying the momentum of a player who believes he can topple anyone.
Bunting’s exit, meanwhile, caps a rollercoaster year for the fan favorite. Despite major successes in 2025 and his infectious personality that has made him a staple of the sport’s booming popularity, vulnerabilities crept in during pressure moments. Reports of him battling a cold may have played a role, but his reliance on spectacular finishes to stay alive ultimately wasn’t enough against Hurrell’s relentless scoring.
The ripple effects are significant: as the highest seed to fall so far, Bunting’s departure opens up the top half of the draw considerably. Defending champion Luke Littler, who followed with a ruthless 4-0 dismantling of Mensur Suljovic—posting his highest Worlds average yet at over 107—now has a smoother potential path to the latter stages. The teenage sensation looked untouchable, dropping no sets in the tournament and exuding calm authority.
This year’s championship continues to deliver surprises, with early exits for several big names reminding everyone of darts’ brutal beauty: form can flip in an instant, and underdogs like Hurrell can seize their moment. As the action resumes, the electric Ally Pally atmosphere—fueled by fancy dress, chants, and unbridled passion—promises more twists. Hurrell’s candid call-out serves as a perfect snapshot of the sport’s intensity: not just about the darts thrown, but the mind games, emotions, and sheer willpower that decide who advances and who heads home.
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