"I was crying during the walk-on it was that emotional" - Teary Stephen Bunting thanks fans for incredible support after reaching last 16 at World Championship

The people's champion, Stephen Bunting has really struck a chord with the darting faithful this year and the Ally Pally crowd at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship have been incredibly vocal in their support. In fact, ahead of 'The Bullet's last 32 tie against Madars Razma at the Alexandra Palace, Bunting was moved to tears by the reception he received.

"I'm over the moon to get a win on that stage over one of my good friends," reflected Bunting of his 4-1 victory over the Latvian number one in his post-match press conference afterwards. "We're together a lot on the Pro Tour so it was really difficult for me to find the fight, to be honest."

Follow the PDC World Darts Championship 2025 via our LIVE SCORE!

Read also

Schedule World Darts Championship 2025 on Saturday afternoon: Ryan Searle, Scott Williams and Nathan Aspinall make return

As mentioned though, although epic receptions are becoming a staple of Bunting's appearances at PDC events, the welcome he received from the Ally Pally on Friday afternoon really touched the current Masters champion.

"When you listen to that crowd tonight... we did the walk-on and then did a second chorus into the walk-on. I was crying during the walk-on it was that emotional," he explains. "Maybe I need to rein it in a tiny bit and not get so invested in the walk-on, but it is a special place to play, here in the Ally Pally. To get a win, it's special. When you're up there and you've got thousands shouting your name, you know your opponent is hearing that and maybe it's affecting them. I rode the crest of that wave and kept on. I'm so happy the Bunting bandwagon goes on."

For a spot in the quarter-finals, Bunting now faces Luke Woodhouse after the Englishman defied a nine-darter from Damon Heta to pull off an epic comeback victory on Friday afternoon. "Luke is a great player," Bunting previews. "I've played him quite a few times and I've got quite a good record [against him] I believe. But this is the biggest stage of them all, so what's gone is gone. It's all about the future and I'll make sure I'm 100 per cent at my best."

Read also

Everything about the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship: Schedule, results, TV guide and prize money

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate darts experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe