Stephen Bunting has paid a heartfelt tribute to his loyal fanbase, admitting that their support has been instrumental in his career. Speaking to the Daily Star Sport after signing a 10-year contract with Target, 'The Bullet' opened up about the special bond he shares with the crowd.
“It’s an honour to be honest. To feel the connection I have made with my fans really helps me when I’m on the big stages. Getting behind me if things aren’t going well is a massive tool I can use to regroup,” Bunting said. “They are a massive part of my journey and my career and it’s amazing to hear them singing the walk on back to me when I’m on the stage. And even the messages I get from the fans win or lose.”
The 41-year-old, who exploded onto the scene after winning the Winmau Masters, has become one of the most popular players on the PDC Tour. Whenever he walks onto the stage, ‘Titanium’ is blasted around the arena with Bunting conducting the crowd, a sight that has become a hallmark of his matches. “I like to think I handle it really well. Sometimes when they sing the song back to me it really is a pinch-me moment and it gets emotional for me,” he added. “But without them I wouldn’t be where I am now and playing to a good standard and wanting to improve constantly.”
On the oche, however, Bunting admits his form on the big stage has not been good enough in 2026. After a third round exit at the PDC World Darts Championship at the end of last year, he has reached the quarter-final in front of the TV cameras just once – recently at the European Championship in a rejuvenated performance. Bunting almost did not qualify for Dortmund after a tumultuous European Tour campaign but left it late with a semi-final run at the Dutch Darts Championship to confirm his place.
It is a solid foundation to build on, but at this moment in time he is not in the Grand Slam of Darts, and it could be the first time he misses the major event in Wolverhampton since 2022. He will be at the Players Championship Finals at the end of November, sitting 29th in the Players Championship Order of Merit. Then comes the big one: Bunting is defending big at Ally Pally after reaching the semi-final two years ago, with £100,000 up for grabs. “Wanting to have a big run in all the major tournaments as well as having a strong finish to the pro tour season,” he confirmed. “Big steps are moving to the new Target 21g darts. I believe these will take me to more consistency and bigger titles. And keeping on top of the hypnotherapy also.”
