“Do I think he should be in? No” - Chris Mason openly questions Stephen Bunting’s 2026 Premier League place

The debate over the Premier League Darts lineup is flaring up, and this time Stephen Bunting is firmly under scrutiny. Despite an impressive résumé on the floor and the European Tour, the Englishman’s form on the big stage has been a concern for some time. Former pro darter and analyst Chris Mason openly questions whether Bunting currently belongs in the prestigious PDC event.

Bunting put together an exceptionally strong run last season away from the televised tournaments. He was one of the few players to win multiple Players Championships, European Tour events, and World Series tournaments. Yet there is a stark contrast on television. In his last six majors, “The Bullet” went no further than the third round, while his previous Premier League campaign derailed early.

Mason is clear in his verdict. “I think they will put Bunting in no matter what," he said on talkSPORT. “But do I think he should be in? No.” According to Mason, it’s not so much about talent as timing and workload. “Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up, and last year wasn’t a good look for him. I think it would do him good to have a break for a year."

Bunting finished eighth in the Premier League last year and lost his first eight matches in a row. According to Mason, that run caused lasting damage. “He did his good work mostly at the start of the year, but that was basically undone by the Premier League. And if you look at his last five TV tournaments, it just wasn’t good enough.”

That trend continued at the PDC World Darts Championship, where Bunting, ranked seventh in the world, went out in the last 32. In a seven-setter he had to bow to James Hurrell. It was another defeat at a moment when Bunting needed to show stability.

After that match, Bunting also made headlines off the oche when he spoke openly about online threats and abuse directed at him and his young son. Mason did not ignore that context in his assessment but stuck to his sporting analysis.

According to Mason, the Premier League is a completely different beast from a string of standalone tournaments. “It’s not just about how well you can throw,” he explained. “You have to be able to perform week in, week out against the very best players in the world for four months.”

He also points to the mental and physical toll. “You need someone who can last the whole ride. Someone who can handle the schedule, the travel, the pressure, and their home situation. That’s something you shouldn’t underestimate.”

Mason suggested that Bunting was simply spent at the end of last season. “Towards the end of the year he poured everything into his darts. He couldn’t play on autopilot anymore because the tank was empty.”

The idea that a year without the Premier League could actually help Bunting is shared more widely among analysts. It would give him space to reset, without the weekly pressure and public glare that the format brings. Given recent off-stage events, that respite could be welcome.

Mason stressed that his words are not meant as criticism, but as protection. “It’s about what’s best for the player. And sometimes that’s not more matches, but taking a step back.”