Stephen Bunting sends out warning to PDC World Darts Championship rivals: "The Bullet is coming"

Stephen Bunting heads toward the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship with visible self-belief and has a clear message for reigning world champion Luke Littler. “The Bullet,” currently world number four, feels stronger than ever and is determined to carry his impressive form into Alexandra Palace.

On Sunday, December 12th, Bunting starts his campaign with a first-round match against Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki. The Englishman is looking forward to the clash but stresses his ambitions go much further. After a standout season with six titles across the Players Championship, the European Tour, and the World Series of Darts, he wants to make a statement in London: Bunting is one of the leading contenders for the world title.

Bunting reached the semi-finals at the 2025 World Championship, his best result since joining the PDC in 2014. In that semi-final he faced Luke Littler, who beat him 6-1 in sets. Despite the clear scoreline, Bunting played strongly, averaging 100 with three sets only lost in a deciding leg.

That defeat has not discouraged him. Quite the opposite. Bunting appears extra motivated to take on the young world champion again this year. He proved as much last weekend at an exhibition event in Portsmouth, where he defeated Littler 4-3 in the semi-final, once more averaging 100. He then won the final 4-2 against Adam Lipscombe, making for an ideal preparation.

Speaking to SPORTbible, Bunting left no doubt about his current level. "I'm world number four, I've been playing the best stuff I've ever had over the last year or so. I've won six titles this year, so I'm trying to win a seventh," said the former Lakeside champion. "I'm keeping myself occupied, doing exhibitions and keeping myself on the board, so I'm making sure that I turn up to Ally Pally in great form."

The experienced Englishman emphasizes that his approach this year is all about consistency and discipline. “It's up to me to make sure I turn up at the worlds thinking that every game is a final, make sure that no stone is left overturned. The preparation, the practice, the routine, everything comes into plan for that World Championships."

"It's seven games you have to win the World Championship. I'm willing to play every game like a final and go on to win," he adds. "I know how good I can be. It's [the first round match] about turning up and making sure that I'm there in my best form, making it very, very difficult for him to live with, start strong and finish strong, and really put down statements for the rest of the players that The Bullet is coming."

Bunting is already a world champion outside the PDC: he won the BDO title in 2014. A new world crown on the PDC circuit would place him in an exclusive club. Only Dennis Priestley, Phil Taylor, John Part, and Raymond van Barneveld have ever won both the BDO and PDC world titles. The last to do so was John Part in 2008.

Should Bunting succeed, he would become only the fifth player ever to complete this unique double.

Despite twelve years in the PDC and nine PDC titles, Bunting is convinced he can compete at the top for years to come. "I'm still only 40, I've got a lot more years to give to the sport. There would be nothing greater than going on to win the World Championship."

"I know there's a lot of hard work to be put in over the next week or so to make sure that I'm ready, but I'm willing to do that."

With his current form, confidence, and determination, Stephen Bunting is undoubtedly a player to watch at this World Championship. And his message to the field, especially to Luke Littler, is clear: The Bullet is coming.