In a thrilling evening at Alexandra Palace, world number four Stephen Bunting, affectionately known as “The Bullet,” survived one of the biggest scares of the early rounds at the PDC World Darts Championship, edging past Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki in a nail-biting 3-2 victory that went to a deciding set tiebreak. The 40-year-old Liverpudlian, a fan favorite renowned for his electrifying walk-ons to “Titanium” and his infectious energy, started like a house on fire but nearly saw his campaign derailed by a determined opponent. Moments after sealing the win, Bunting delivered a candid admission about his future in the sport, revealing the limited years he feels he has left and his burning desire to claim the ultimate prize before hanging up his darts.
Bunting’s performance was a tale of two halves. He stormed into a commanding 2-0 lead, averaging an astonishing 119 in the opening set and showcasing the kind of heavy scoring and clinical finishing that has propelled him to multiple titles this year, including triumphs on the World Series and European Tour. A spectacular 160 checkout highlighted his dominance early on, and it seemed as though the seeded star would cruise into the next round. However, complacency crept in, and Bialecki capitalized brilliantly, reeling off legs to level the match at 2-2 and forcing the tournament’s first extended deciding set.
The Alexandra Palace crowd, ever partisan in their support for Bunting, played a pivotal role in dragging him over the line. As the pressure mounted, their roars acted like a lifeline, helping him regroup and secure a 4-2 win in the decider. Reflecting on the lapse that almost cost him dearly, Bunting was brutally honest: “For whatever reason, I fell asleep and to go behind in the match was a travesty, to be honest. I felt a bit worthless, but I’m happy to be able to dig myself out of that hole and find a way to win the match.” He admitted the fans were instrumental, describing them as a “12th man” that fueled his comeback when his focus wavered.
The match averaged out at 96 for Bunting—a respectable figure, but one he knew fell short of his peak capabilities after such a blistering start. “I felt great, I felt in control. To finish with a 96 average, I’m happy, but from 2-0 up to where I finished off is not what I want to do,” he said. It was a reminder of the fine margins in darts, where mental sharpness is as crucial as technical prowess, especially on the biggest stage.
What made Bunting’s post-match comments truly surprising was his frank discussion about retirement. At 40 years old, the former BDO world champion from 2014 acknowledged the ticking clock on his career. “I’m 40 now – there’s not many years left,” he declared. “But I’m going to make sure I win it before I retire.” This vow underscored his unwavering ambition to add the PDC World Championship to his resume—the pinnacle he believes would complete his darting legacy. Having already achieved so much, including a semi-final run at this very tournament last year and a stellar 2025 season that saw him climb the rankings with consistent high-level performances, Bunting sees Alexandra Palace glory as the ultimate goal that could signal the perfect endpoint.
Bunting’s journey in darts has been one of resilience and reinvention. Switching to the PDC over a decade ago after his Lakeside triumph, he endured ups and downs, including mental health challenges early in his PDC tenure. Yet, in recent years, he’s blossomed into one of the circuit’s most beloved figures—the self-proclaimed “People’s Champion” whose walk-ons turn the arena into a party. His hashtag #LetsGoBuntingMental has become a rallying cry, and his popularity has soared, making him a staple of the sport’s entertainment value.
This latest escape only adds to the drama of his campaign. Next up is a second-round clash with Nitin Kumar, the history-making Indian who became the first from his country to win a match at the World Championship earlier in the session. Bunting, familiar with Kumar from previous encounters, praised his opponent’s achievement while anticipating another tough battle. The crowd’s allegiance will likely remain firmly with the home favorite, providing that extra boost he credits for getting him through tight spots.
As the tournament unfolds, Bunting’s words hang in the air: a mix of determination and realism from a player who knows time is precious. His fightback against Bialecki demonstrated the grit that has defined his career, proving he’s still capable of big moments when it matters most. If he can harness the energy from the Ally Pally faithful and maintain focus throughout, this could be the year he fulfills his dream—and perhaps rides off into the sunset as a two-time world champion in the most prestigious arena of them all. For now, though, the Bullet is very much alive and firing, ready to chase that elusive PDC crown with everything he’s got.
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