"The people doubting you are hiding behind fake profiles, they don’t deserve my breath": Stephen Bunting hits back at social media criticism

Stephen Bunting hailed an “amazing” night in Belfast after defeating Luke Humphries, Jonny Clayton and Gian van Veen to claim Night Four of the Premier League Darts in front of a raucous Northern Irish crowd.

Bunting, who had endured a frustrating start to this year’s campaign after waiting nine weeks for his first nightly win in 2024, admitted it was a huge relief to get off the mark much earlier this time around.

“Yeah, amazing,” he said to Online Darts. “To be honest, I felt like I was playing really well. The first two games obviously went the way I wanted them to go. In the final, if I could have picked a Gian to play the way he did, I’d have been happy with that.

“Just to get over the line, it doesn’t matter about the performance in the final. I think the performance as a whole was great. I think my tournament average was over 100.

“I learnt a lot from last year. It took me a long time to get that first win. I’m happy I’ve got the monkey off my back now.”

After beginning the night rooted near the foot of the table on zero points, Bunting acknowledged the toll that can take.

“Going home, spending time with the family and seeing zero points and second bottom of the table, that’s tough,” he admitted. “But I knew I’d been playing well, not just in the Premier League but on the tour as well. I made the final of a ProTour and the quarter-finals of a European Tour. I know the form’s there. I know how good I can be.

“But when you’re playing in the Premier League, you’re playing the best players in the world. Unfortunately, someone’s got to lose and someone’s got to win. Thankfully tonight was my night.”

The Liverpudlian silenced some of the doubters who had questioned his inclusion in this year’s line-up, reminding critics of both his pedigree and ranking.

“I’ve won a Premier League night last year and I’ve won a Premier League night this year. Obviously people are going to want the favourites in. I’m still number seven in the world. I still believe I’ve got a lot to give this sport.

“You heard it from the walk-on, it was special tonight. They really did pull me through the whole night. I absolutely love playing in front of the fans, especially when you’re playing in front of 10,000 to 12,000 people week in, week out. It’s a special feeling and it’s what we live for.”

Bunting was particularly quick to defend his good friend Josh Rock, who was competing on home soil in Belfast.

“I sort of feel sorry for Josh because he’s practised really well. We’ve practised together for the last three weeks. He’s a fantastic player. Everyone in this Premier League deserves to be here, they’re the best players in the world.

“People need to get off his back. He was up against the ropes tonight and he pulled out a 170 from nowhere. That shows how good he is. His time will come. I truly believe that.”

Bunting believes Rock has “the whole package” and backed the young Northern Irishman for major success.

“His averages, his scoring, his finishing, he’s got it all. He’s such a grounded lad. He works really hard. I honestly believe that if he knuckles down and keeps doing what he’s doing, it’ll only be a matter of time before he wins a World Championship.”

The 40-year-old also revealed the role hypnotherapy continues to play in his success, crediting regular sessions for helping him manage the mental strain of elite competition.

“At eight o’clock this morning I had a phone call with Chris O’Connor. He literally just makes me feel good. The brain is a powerful tool, and every negative thought fills up a bucket, that’s how he explains it. Stress and anxiety come from that.

“It’s important to do the session, empty that bucket, and stay as mentally positive as I possibly can. He’s been a massive part of why I’ve been so good over the last three, four, five years.”

While social media criticism can be difficult to ignore, Bunting made it clear where he draws his strength from.

“The genuine fans are the ones in the crowd. The people doubting you are hiding behind fake profiles. They don’t deserve my breath.

“I’m just a normal person, whether you see me in the street, in an interview, on stage or in Tesco with a bacon butty, I’m the same. I’ve always got time for the fans. Sometimes idiots creep into your DMs and it can affect you, make you feel worthless. Luckily I’ve been able to block that out. I’ve got fantastic management, a wonderful family, and an unbelievable fanbase.”

From the moment he edged past Humphries to the final dart that sealed victory over Van Veen, Bunting felt the full force of the Belfast support.

“From the moment I stepped on stage for my first match to the moment I hit the winning double in the final, they were behind me. If you’re going to win any title, you need the crowd behind you, and they were there tonight.”

Now sitting on five points after starting the evening on none, Bunting insists he will keep his feet firmly on the ground as the roadshow rolls on.

“This is my third Premier League campaign and it would be fantastic to get through to London. Then anything can happen. I won’t put too much pressure on myself, but it’s a good start.

“The hard work starts again next week in Cardiff. I’ll rest with the family, then we go again.”

On Thursday, 05/03/2026, Night Five of the Premier League Darts will be played in the Welsh capital, Cardiff. There Bunting will face home favourite Gerwyn Price.