Stephen Bunting is one of the most respected and popular darts players of his generation, renowned for his precision, resilience, and charismatic personality. Known as “The Bullet”, Bunting’s journey from a Liverpool pub prodigy to major darting champion is a tale of relentless passion and determination. This comprehensive article explores every aspect of Stephen Bunting’s life, from family and early background to career milestones, net worth, controversies, and recent news.
Early Life and Family
Stephen Bunting was born on April 9, 1985, in Fazakerley, a suburb of Liverpool, England. He attended Archbishop Beck Catholic College in Liverpool, where he balanced academics with a burgeoning interest in darts played at local social clubs and pubs. His family has roots in the UK and possibly further back in Ireland, with historical ties documented by family historians. Bunting is a long-time resident of St Helens.
Known for strong family values, Stephen is closely bonded with his parents and siblings, often referencing their essential role in shaping his sporting success. In interviews, he credits their support for helping him navigate the highs and lows of professional sports. Bunting is also married and has children, though he generally keeps his immediate family life private, focusing instead on his career and public persona.
Starting Out: Young Prodigy
Stephen Bunting’s darting talent was evident from a young age. He began playing darts at local establishments, catching the attention of seasoned players and officials with his accuracy and calm demeanour. He won the British Teenage Open and World Youth Masters in 2001, followed by the WDF Europe Youth Cup in 2002. These early wins laid the foundation for a decorated career.
Career in the BDO
Making his debut at the BDO World Championships in 2004 at age 18, Bunting quickly displayed potential by defeating Vincent van der Voort in the first round. Over the next decade, he established himself as a leading figure in the British Darts Organisation. His defining BDO achievement came with the 2014 BDO World Championship win, propelling him into the sport’s elite.
He also won the prestigious Winmau World Masters in 2012 and 2013, becoming the first player to retain the title without dropping a set, an impressive feat lauded by peers and pundits. Nicknamed “The Bullet,” Bunting was known for his smooth, right-handed throwing style and level temperament.
Switch to PDC and Rapid Success
In 2014, Bunting made the high-profile switch to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), a move that was met with great anticipation in the darting community. His debut season saw him win a UK Open Qualifier and deliver strong performances in the World Grand Prix and European Championships. Quickly adapting to the PDC’s competitive environment, Bunting reached the semi-finals of several major events, including the UK Open and the PDC World Championship.
Over the next decade, Bunting built an impressive resume:
- 2024 PDC Masters Champion, defeating Michael van Gerwen in a standout final, marking his first major televised PDC title
- 2025 Bahrain Darts Masters and Nordic Darts Masters Champion, solidifying his status as an elite performer
- Multiple Pro Tour and European Tour titles, including the International Darts Open
- Consistent presence in Premier League and World Championships, highlighted by semi-final appearances in 2021 and 2025
Playing Style and Persona
Bunting is famous for his smooth throw, level-headedness under pressure, and ability to maintain composure during tense matches. His entrance music, “Titanium” by David Guetta featuring Sia, and friendly demeanour, sometimes playfully compared to Peter Griffin, have not only delighted supporters but made him a “people’s champion” in the sport.
Social Media and Public Image
Stephen Bunting enjoys significant popularity beyond the sport. His engaging social media presence, down-to-earth humour, and public relatability have helped him grow a substantial following. He actively shares insights from his career, interacts with fans, and uses his platform to discuss his journey, family moments, and sporting philosophy.
Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2025, Stephen Bunting’s net worth is estimated to be between £1.8 million and £5 million, owing to his tournament winnings, endorsements, and sponsorship deals, including a partnership with A180 Darts. His biggest payday came with the 2024 Masters victory, securing £275,000—one of the largest single-event cash prizes of his career. Over the years, he has collected hundreds of thousands of pounds in prize money from darts tournaments, with additional income from public speaking, media appearances, and sponsor collaborations.
Recent News and Achievements
2025 has been a particularly notable year for Bunting. He won his second Players Championship tour title with a victory over Jonny Clayton in Milton Keynes, continuing his impressive run of form. He also secured his first full appearance in the Premier League since his 2015 debut, an acknowledgement of his resurgence and enduring excellence.
Despite some setbacks, such as a poor start in the 2025 Premier League, Bunting bounced back spectacularly, winning a night in Berlin and adding crucial points to his tally. His recent performances include semi-final finishes and championship wins, demonstrating both resilience and skill.
Controversies
While generally admired for his professionalism, Bunting has faced minor controversies. Most notably, his frequent fist bumps with Luke Littler during matches in 2025 drew comments from fellow players and media, who described the behaviour as “weird” and questioned whether it was distracting. Bunting responded by emphasising mutual respect and dismissing criticism as a sign of his strong play.
A separate issue arose with a Sky Sports commentator disparaging his performance after a defeat, which prompted Bunting to release a public statement acknowledging the harshness but focusing on finding positives and moving forward. Throughout his career, Bunting has generally avoided serious controversy, preferring to let his sporting conduct and results speak for themselves.
FAQs about Stephen Bunting
What is Stephen Bunting’s nickname?
Stephen Bunting is popularly known as “The Bullet” due to his quick, precise play style.
How much is Stephen Bunting’s net worth?
Bunting’s net worth is estimated to be approximately £1.8 million as of 2025, with additional income from endorsements and speaking engagements.
What are Stephen Bunting’s biggest achievements?
Among his career highlights:
- 2014 BDO World Championship winner
- 2024 PDC Masters champion
- Multiple PDC and BDO major and minor titles
- Bahrain and the Nordic Darts Masters champion in 2025.
Has Stephen Bunting been involved in controversies?
There have been minor controversies, such as his fist-bump routine during matches and criticism from commentators, but nothing major or career-defining.
What is Stephen Bunting’s entrance music?
He enters matches to “Titanium” by David Guetta featuring Sia, chosen for its high energy and motivational tone.
What’s Stephen Bunting’s family background?
Bunting comes from a close-knit family in Liverpool, England, and is a father, husband, and son. He maintains strong family ties and credits their support as vital to his success.
How did Bunting become a professional darts player?
He rose through local competitions, winning multiple youth titles before debuting in the BDO at age 18 and later switching successfully to the PDC circuit.
