Stephen Bunting proved his mettle as he advanced to the third round of the 2025 World Darts Championship with a thrilling 3-1 victory over German debutant Kai Gotthardt on December 20, 2024, at Alexandra Palace.
Bunting, ranked eighth globally and the reigning Masters champion, faced some early turbulence. He dropped the first set to Gotthardt, who made an impressive entrance with his debut. The German threw caution to the wind, landing three 180s early on and converting all his doubles, putting Bunting on the back foot.
With the match threatening to slip away, Bunting narrowly escaped what could have been a disastrous second set as Gotthardt missed three darts at double eight. Seizing the moment, Bunting leveled the match by taking out double ten, before regaining his stride and winning the next two sets without losing a leg.
With the crowd buzzing, Bunting's performance was elevated by the high-profile presence of singer Ed Sheeran, who was seen joining the crowd’s chants as he waved stacks of recyclable cups. "We need high-profile people coming to watch our sport," Bunting remarked. "It really does spur us on, especially when you're on stage and you know."
Post-match, Bunting was quick to express his admiration for the pop sensation. He jokingly referenced Sheeran’s penchant for interacting with the media, saying, "I’m surprised he’s not come here to disrupt the interview, to be honest. It would be really nice to meet him. I’m a massive fan of his music on my Spotify.” Bunting also quipped, “It must be something about gingers, because Prince Harry's been here watching me as well, and now I've got Ed Sheeran. What's going on?”
The Englishman’s victory not only secures him progression but also sets the stage for his next challenge. Bunting is scheduled to face either Dirk van Duijvenbode or Madars Razma, depending on the outcome of their matchup after Christmas. A win there would position him against the reigning world champion, Luke Humphries, potentially making for a dramatic quarter-final showdown on New Year’s Day.
Fast-paced darts is notoriously challenging, and Bunting's comeback against Gotthardt highlights the unpredictable nature of the sport. Despite the initial setbacks, his ability to reset his focus proved decisive. "I had a few bad habits in the game to be fair, didn’t I?" he candidly admitted after his win, reflecting on the pressure of performing on such a grand stage.
This victory continues Bunting’s quest for darting glory and mirrors the resilience he has demonstrated throughout his career. The PDC World Darts Championship, known for its electrifying atmosphere and fierce competition, provides ample opportunities for players to exhibit their talent and fight their way through the tournament's layers. For Bunting, each match brings him one step closer to his goal.
Earlier on the same day, the tournament faced some alarming moments when contender Sandro Eric Sosing withdrew prior to his first-round match against Ian White due to serious health concerns, suffering chest pains during practice. Fortunately, the PDC reported, "Sosing has been taken for treatment," ensuring the player’s well-being remains priority.
Bunting's match exhibited not only his physical capability but also the psychological acuity needed to thrive amid pressures of competitive darts. With the crowd’s energy, celebrities cheering from the stands, and the stakes rising, Bunting's composure and skill were truly on display. He will be one to watch as the championship progresses, and his charisma keeps fans engaged during each turn of the dartboard.
With many more matches to play, the excitement only builds as Bunting looks to build on this momentum and inspire his next performance, possibly shaking up the ranks even more.
