A walking icon, goods flying off the shelves and a dream to make his nickname a reality. Of course, I’m talking about the one and only Stephen Bunting.
Bunting’s popularity has gone to new levels in recent years, reaching new heights at the World Darts Championship last year as fans bought into his ‘Titanium’ walking tune and cemented his ‘People’s Champion’ moniker.
That support helped Bunting all the way to the semi-finals before Luke Liter stopped him in his tracks.
‘The Bullet’ was previously world champion, winning the BDO in 2024, but is now confident he can complete the feat in the PDC.
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Bunting just missed out on a stunning 156 as Luke Woodhouse capitalized on a 5-4 Grand Slam darts win
“I’m really excited. Obviously, partying around Christmas anyway with a young family at home. I can’t wait to get to Ali Peli,” Bunting said.
“I worked hard for this last year and I believe I can win.”
“I just believe in my abilities. Obviously there have been some really bad shots this year. But there have also been some really good ones.”
“I’m coming in great shape. I think all the averages are up there with the best players. Yeah, we’ll see how we do.”
“But I have a great fan base behind me. Great management. Great family. Everything is great.”
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Bunting and Luke Liter blew the roof off the Alexandra Palace with their performance ahead of the semi-final clash
But to achieve what would be the biggest moment of his career so far, Bunting knows he will once again need the support of the Alli Palli crowd.
He knows that they will come only according to how many people bought his new merchandise.
“The fans are a really important part of everything we do. I do it for my family, I do it for my sponsors, my management and I do it for them,” Bunting added.
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Highlights from the World Darts Championship semi-final match between Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting
“It’s a team effort, to be honest, but there have been big moments in my career where the fans have really carried me through some tough games. So I’m looking forward to a lot more.”
“They can connect with me on the social media side of things that we do. Obviously, I have time for everything. That’s why they call me the people’s champion.”
“I love the role it gives me.”
“The trade is non-stop, to be honest. When I’m away from Darts, all I do is pack parcels and take them to the post office. So yes, busy, busy, but long may it continue.”
Dream No. 1 in the world and win a million pounds
Bunting has been in a precarious position in the rankings of late and knows that he will need a good run at worlds to not only try to maintain his fourth position in the world but also hopefully move up the rankings.
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Highlights of Steven Bunting vs Gary Anderson at the World Cup
While many are focused on those immediately behind him, he is only focused on those in front, mainly Michael van Gerwen at world number three.
“People are talking, obviously, that I’m world No. 4 and there are people chasing me. But I’m not looking behind, I’m looking ahead. I know I’m not far behind world No. 3,” Bunting said.
“To win the worlds is a great honor to become number one. So that’s my dream, to become number one one day. Then everyone will look up to me, but we’ll see what happens.”
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Bunting just misses double 12 for nine darts at the World Match!
So if Bunting does climb those rankings and take home the £1m top prize, what will he spend it on?
Simple answer: ask his family, not him!
“£1 million would be great. I wouldn’t spend it, the wife and kids would,” he added.
“I might get a ten here and there. It wouldn’t involve me anyway. My guy likes all kinds of gadgets. And he loves his darts. He has some of the most expensive sets of darts ever made.”
“He’d probably add to his collection. The missus wants a new kitchen and Theo wants gummy bears or something.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live from 11 December to 3 January on the dedicated darts channel Ski Sports (Ski channel 407 from 10 December). Stream darts and more top sports with NOW.