"I'm just a normal person, people can associate with that" - Stephen Bunting has explanation for his enormous popularity

Stephen Bunting has become one of the most popular players in the darts world in recent years. 'The Bullet' owes this in part to his growing presence on social media and the rise of the 'Let's go Bunting mental' movement.

Bunting invariably enters the stage to the tones of "Titanium" by David Guetta ft. Sia. A song that the fans in the room sing along to in full every time. "The interaction with the fans is special," he tells HLN. "I get emotional every time I hear 'Titanium.' First I had 'Bird is the Word' as a walk-on song, a nod to my resemblance to cartoon character Peter Griffin. (laughs) But I like this one better. It's my little son's favourite song."

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The 39-year-old Englishman is not a frequent winner, although he became world champion with the BDO in 2014. Last year he won the Masters, but that was not a ranking tournament then. He also played six finals at floor tournaments, but lost all of them. "I play every tournament, and every final, to win. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't. I did have successes - two semifinals at the World Darts Championship, among others. But there are just so many good players right now that you have to be at your very best every tournament. Phil Taylor used to dominate everything. I have some years left in me, but it will always be difficult. I'm still pretty much the number five player in the world."

Stephen Bunting in action

Bunting is very busy on social media, posting all kinds of playful videos and messages there. "Something my son Toby taught me," he says. "It shows my other side, how I am as a person. I'm not a boring darter, but a normal person. I'm just Stephen from Liverpool."

"Before turning pro, I worked as an administrative clerk in a dart shop," Bunting continued. "Making phone calls, taking orders, making purchases.... A regular 9-to-5 job. And afterwards I just went home, to play darts with friends in the evening. I love darts, it's in my blood. Even if I ever retire, I won't disappear from the sport anytime soon. Commentating or becoming a manager would suit me, too. Since I was a kid, darts has been all I know. I enjoy it. And everyone enjoys it with me."

Who, if possible, is even more popular than Bunting himself is his son Toby, who is invariably caught on camera during major tournaments. "Even at school they tell him 'Let's Go Bunting Mental'. (laughs) It's crazy. The other day we were shopping in Tesco, and people were asking him for a picture. He's on TV more than I am. I'm going to have to find sponsors for him quietly. He enjoys it, as do I. Standing in front of such a big audience and making eye contact with him gives me an extra boost. If I'm not playing well, he will definitely say so. And if I get a little lazy at home, he'll prod me to go train. It's important to have someone like that."

At 39, Bunting appears to be quietly at the top of his game. "Age is just a number," he laughs. "You're only as young as you feel yourself, and I feel like I'm.... 39 (winks) That young generation is the future. We have to take care of them. Only hope they don't hit us too hard."

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