"No, because I’m the People’s Champion": Stephen Bunting defiantly says fans won't turn against him and makes Ally Pally promise

Stephen Bunting admitted he had to dig deep and show real resilience after surviving a dramatic scare in his opening match at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, becoming the first player of this year’s tournament to win a tie-break at Alexandra Palace.

Despite producing a blistering opening, including a 119 average in the first set, Bunting saw a commanding position slip away as his opponent mounted a strong comeback. The world number four was forced to regroup under intense pressure before eventually finding a way over the line at the PDC World Darts Championship.

“I tuned it up – that was not the plan,” Bunting said post match. “I felt comfortable, I felt in control and, for whatever reason, I fell asleep. To go behind in the match was a travesty, to be honest. I felt a bit worthless, but I’m happy to be able to dig myself out of that hole and find a way to win the match.”

Bunting looked unstoppable early on and admitted he was frustrated with himself when the contest swung back to level terms. “What am I doing?” he said. “The first two sets I felt like I played really well. To finish with a 96 average, I’m happy, but from 2–0 up to where I finished off is not what I want to do. I always say the first game is always the hardest in any tournament.”

The Liverpudlian believes the result showed how much he has grown as a player, particularly on the sport’s biggest stage. “Two years ago, I would have probably lost that game,” he admitted. “To come through that game and feel the joy I do now – I’ve got my lad here with a smile on his face. I can’t wait to get back to the hotel and celebrate that win.”

Once again, Bunting was carried through difficult moments by a raucous Alexandra Palace crowd, with the ‘Bunting Mental’ chants ringing out throughout the contest. “The fans were exceptional,” he said. “For any opponents I play, they’re going to feel the pressure of that. When things don’t come my way, I’ve got the fanbase – they are the 12th man. They really pushed me on towards the back end of that game.”

The victory sets up a meeting with India’s Nitin Kumar, and Bunting was quick to praise his next opponent. “Nitin’s a fantastic player,” he said. “What he’s done for Indian darts is exceptional. I’ve known him for quite a few years and we played each other in Bahrain. The World Championships are so different though, and I’m really looking forward to it. I love him to bits, he’s a great player, but hopefully I’ve got enough to get him out of the way.”

Asked about what he would take away from the evening, Bunting joked: “Fish and chips, mushy peas and curry sauce.” But on a more serious note, he stressed the importance of maintaining his preparation. “More of the same,” he said. “I had a great practice session with Damon Heta leading into this. I’ll get on the phone tomorrow and make sure we bash our heads together again. I feel like the game’s in a great place.”

Bunting also highlighted the confidence he is carrying into the tournament after strong recent form. “I beat Luke Littler a few days ago,” he said. “When you’re playing exhibitions against the best players in the world, it’s the best practice. I’m world number four, so I need to have my chin held high. There’s no question in my mind that I can win this tournament, but I need to prepare myself right and make sure everything’s prim and proper.”

Although there was a spell where Bunting appeared to lose momentum, he rejected suggestions that he lost his composure. “I don’t think I lost composure,” he said. “I think he stepped up a level and I dropped off. Maybe I thought the game was over at two sets to nil, which is a silly thing to do. But to come back from that shows massive cojones. It shows that I’m willing to fight to be in this World Championship.”

Drawing on his vast experience, including his Lakeside title, Bunting remains convinced he can still conquer the sport’s biggest prize. “I’m 40 now – there’s not many years left,” he said. “But I’m going to make sure I win it before I retire.”

He believes the early scare could ultimately work in his favour. “It was a scare I brought on myself, which makes it sweeter that I overcame it,” he said. “If I’d lost, I’d have been hiding under a rock. I averaged 96 in the end – I’m happy to get over the line. The first game is always the hardest.”

Bunting showed flashes of aggression during the latter stages of the match, something he admitted was unusual for him. “I’m not really an aggressive player,” he said. “I felt a bit lethargic in that third and fourth set, maybe I was a bit under the weather. But it shows a true champion to get through that game. There’s a lot of pressure – my family, my management, my fans, my sponsors. I don’t want to go out. I want to win it.”

Preparation has been key in the build-up to the tournament, with Bunting revealing he has mainly been practising with Damon Heta. “Luke Humphries was busy, Luke Littler was busy, and Michael van Gerwen lives too far away,” he laughed. “I’ve done eight exhibitions over the last two weeks and I feel like I’m playing the best darts of my life.”

As for the crowd potentially turning against him in future matches, Bunting was confident. “No, because I’m Stephen Bunting – the People’s Champion,” he said. “They’re always going to go Bunting Mental. When I went behind tonight, they picked me up and got me over the line.”

Even a brief interruption from a wasp buzzing around the stage couldn’t dampen his mood. “I’m scared of wasps!” he joked. “He was a bit of a wasp in my side with the comeback, but I was able to swat it away in the end.”

With a record £1 million prize on offer for the champion, Bunting insisted money is not his motivation. “Money doesn’t mean a lot to me,” he said. “I grew up with no money. If I can give my family a better life, that’s what it’s all about.”

Reflecting on his year overall, Bunting added: “I’m world number four. I want to be number three, number two, number one. I know I’m one of the best players in the world and I’m going to prove it.”

He also credited the work he has done with a hypnotist, particularly around rest and recovery. “Sleep is really important for me,” he explained. “I’ve been seeing him for about three years. The visualisation really helped, and it helps me go into games feeling positive.”

Above all, Bunting stressed the importance of family as he continues his World Championship journey. “It means everything,” he said. “I hear my lad more than anyone – he’s my biggest fan. I’ve got a great family, great fans, great management and great sponsors. The Stephen Bunting train is carrying on – and who’s going to stop me?”