Stephen Bunting faced some early drama but surged past Germany’s Kai Gotthardt to secure his spot in the second round of the 2024 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London, with a score of 3-1. Known as 'The Bullet', Bunting's performance not only showcased his darting skills but also demonstrated the magic of live crowd support.
The reigning Masters champion was nearly on the brink of defeat, as Gotthardt landed three quick 180s and had him down 2-0 before Bunting found his rhythm. Gotthardt's missed opportunities at double eight allowed Bunting to level the match at 1-1, switching the momentum entirely. Bunting seized the moment, winning seven consecutive legs to confirm his victory and set up another match against either Dirk van Duijvenbode or Madars Razma.
Off the oche, Bunting has evolved significantly as both a player and public figure. Recently, he made headlines for changing his walk-on song from 'Bird Is The Word' by The Trashmen to 'Titanium', the 2011 hit by David Guetta featuring Sia. This change, he explained, was partly due to how the previous song had affected his performance. “The Bird Is The Word, I got paid a lot of money to change my walk on to [that]. It was all well and good at the time but I was more nervous...,” Bunting shared during his conversation with Wayne Mardle on YouTube.
His new choice aligns with his personal life, as 'Titanium' is favored by his son, reinforcing the emotional connection to the song. "When I go to Germany or Belgium I'm still getting [support]... but when you've got the fans behind you it's far easier,” he added, underscoring the importance of crowd energy during competitions.
Bunting's career has been characterized by numerous highs. Born on April 9, 1985, in Fazakerley, Liverpool, he made waves early on by winning the Winmau World Masters and Zuiderduin Masters back in 2012, and then the BDO World Darts Championship in 2014. This foundation has led him to climb the PDC ranks quickly, with his recent success at the Darts Masters solidifying his status as one of the top players going forward.
This year's World Darts Championship marks Bunting's 11th appearance and follows on from reaching the semifinals just two years ago. His popularity has surged alongside his performance; he now boasts 200,000 followers on TikTok and around 170,000 on Instagram. He has become known not only for his prowess on the board but also for engaging with fans through his signature slogan, #LetsGoBuntingMental.
Fans at the Ally Pally have embraced him, creating vibrant atmospheres as they sing along to his new walk-on track. During his first match, he remarked, “Oh, it'll be amazing. Obviously, at the Ally Pally, it's just a special place.” This connection with attendees and viewers at home has allowed him to not only perform but thrive as the sport grows increasingly popular.
With each new match, Bunting is not just playing darts—he's establishing himself as both competitor and entertainer. He noted the frenzy around his merchandise and the constant chant of 'Let's go Bunting mental’, characteristic of how far his brand has expanded. Recent games have seen overwhelming support, with fans actively seeking him out even on the street.
Looking to the future, Bunting's next competitions promise to be thrilling for both him and his supporters. The concluding matches of the 2024 World Darts Championship may determine his presence within the sport, especially considering prize money totals are climbing to £2.5 million, nearly forty times what was available when the tournament first began.
While Bunting's past may have included some struggles, his current mindset is geared toward victory, promising thrilling matches as he strides through the remaining rounds of the Championship. With the combination of focused athleticism and jubilant fanfare surrounding him, the World Darts Championship will surely see more captivating performances from The Bullet.
