"I like the noise, I like the vibe and I enjoy playing in front of big crowds": Stowe Buntz ready for Ally Pally debut

Stowe Buntz was one of the stories of the Grand Slam of Darts and will now face Kevin Doets for a shot at Michael Smith in the second round of the 2023/24 PDC World Darts Championship.

Buntz made a splash in Wolverhampton having upset Peter Wright among others to a run to the Quarter-Finals and with Michael Smith known to not be at his best since the heroics a year ago, it could prove to be a banana skin and one Buntz will want to exploit.

“I’m feeling amazing about what I’ve done so far,” reflected Buntz. “I like the noise, I like the vibe and I enjoy playing in front of big crowds, so I cannot wait to experience Ally Pally for the first time. “I’m playing well, and when I’m being given an opportunity, I am able to capitalise on it, but if I could improve on anything, I would want to improve on my consistency.”

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With a similar colourful style to Peter Wright, Buntz looks up to 'Snakebite' and has often been depicted as the American version.

“Peter is one of the guys I looked up to over many years of playing darts,” admitted Buntz, who also defeated Stephen Bunting and UK Open champion Andrew Gilding in Aldersley.

“Ronnie Baxter was the first player I really looked up to. I remember watching him in the old Premier League days with John Part, Roland Scholten, Raymond van Barneveld, Phil Taylor. Just the way he interacted with the crowd and played the game – it was really fun to watch.

“After he retired, Peter Wright became that next favourite player for me, so beating him at the Grand Slam was a dream come true.” But one aspect of his darting life he isn't ready for is Q-School and he will not become a pro yet but eventually.

“Maybe in a couple of years I will [look to become a professional dart player], but it’s not something I’m considering at this moment,” he explained. "I’ve got a 16-year-old daughter, a 14-year-old son, a 12-year-old stepdaughter, and a seven year-old stepdaughter, so getting them through school and education is priority number one.

“We are a really sporty family. My daughter plays softball, my son plays soccer, my stepdaughters go to dance and gymnastics, so it’s busy, busy, busy! That is why I have no aspirations to go to Q-School, because I would regret missing more time than I already do away from my family.”