In one of the most dramatic moments of the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship so far, fan favorite Stephen Bunting, the world number four and fourth seed, suffered a heartbreaking exit in the third round. The Liverpudlian, known affectionately as “The Bullet,” was edged out 4-3 in a nail-biting seven-set battle by fellow Englishman James Hurrell at the iconic Alexandra Palace on December 27.
Bunting, who has long been one of darts’ most beloved figures thanks to his electrifying walk-ons and passionate support base, entered the tournament with high hopes. Coming off a strong 2025 season that saw him reach multiple finals and claim victories on the World Series circuit, he was seen as a serious contender to go deep—potentially even challenging for the title. His path had started steadily: a hard-fought 3-2 win over Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki in the first round, followed by a commanding straight-sets triumph against India’s Nitin Kumar in the second. Those performances showcased his resilience and finishing power, keeping dreams alive for a first PDC World Championship final.
But on this electric evening in London, it was Hurrell, ranked 63rd in the world and a qualifier who had already notched impressive wins over Stowe Buntz and Dirk van Duijvenbode, who stole the show. The 41-year-old from Gloucestershire started strongly, pressuring Bunting early and forcing him to dig deep just to stay in contention. Hurrell raced to leads in sets, capitalizing on Bunting’s inconsistent scoring—darts sprayed around the board at times, preventing The Bullet from finding his usual rhythm.
Yet Bunting, true to his fighting spirit, refused to go quietly. He produced moments of magic with clinical high finishes, including ton-plus checkouts that kept the match alive. In one crucial stretch, he survived set darts against him and clawed back with a 100 checkout, then denied a match dart to force the decider. The crowd, famous for their raucous atmosphere at Ally Pally, roared in support, chanting for their hero as the tension built to fever pitch.
The deciding seventh set was a microcosm of the entire contest: intense, unforgiving, and full of swings. Bunting faltered with a costly poor leg on his own throw, handing Hurrell the break he needed. The underdog held his nerve masterfully, stepping up to seal the victory with a composed 100 finish—his second dart finding double 20 to clinch the biggest win of his career.
Commentators captured the magnitude of the moment perfectly, describing how Hurrell had “blown The Bullet away” and “passed the toughest examination he’s ever been forced to sit.” This defeat marks Bunting as the highest-seeded player to bow out of the tournament yet, a significant upset that opens up the draw considerably. Reigning champion Luke Littler, who was on a potential collision course with Bunting in the semi-finals, will no doubt take note after his own dominant display later that evening.
For Bunting, a two-time semi-finalist at this venue and a player who has overcome personal challenges—including serious health issues in the past that sidelined him for years—this early exit will sting. Earlier in the tournament, he had shown emotion when addressing online criticism, proudly declaring his connection with fans. His journey in darts, from BDO world champion to PDC star, has been marked by perseverance and crowd-pleasing flair, making him a perennial crowd favorite.
Hurrell, meanwhile, advances to the last 16 with newfound confidence and a provisional climb into the top 50 rankings. His reward is a fourth-round clash against either Martin Schindler or Ryan Searle, as he continues a remarkable run that highlights the unpredictable magic of the World Championship.
This result underscores why darts captivates millions: the blend of skill, pressure, and sheer drama. In a tournament already filled with surprises, Bunting’s departure reminds everyone that at Alexandra Palace, no lead is safe, and no seed is untouchable. As the competition heats up toward the new year, the oche promises even more twists ahead.
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