"Winning the worlds is a big part to becoming number one" - Bunting shares title and number one ambitions ahead of PDC World Darts Championship

Stephen Bunting begins the PDC World Darts Championship with a clear goal in mind: to make the leap from crowd favourite to world champion. The 40-year-old Englishman has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to his high-profile walk-on and the flood of merchandise eagerly sought after from his fan base.

That visible support was a factor last season when Bunting reached the semifinals, where he was only stopped by Luke Littler. With his previous world title in the BDO under his belt, "The Bullet" believes the PDC variety is now within reach.

"I'm really excited. Around Christmas at home with a young family there is always that extra atmosphere and I can't wait to go to Ally Pally," Bunting said in an interview with Sky Sports. "I've worked hard all year and I believe I can win the tournament."

Although his season has not been flawless, Bunting points to the broad strokes. "I just believe in my own ability. Of course I've played bad games this year, but also very good ones," he says. "I go into the tournament with excellent form. My averages are close to what the top guys are throwing."

Bunting knows he can once again count on support from the Alexandra Palace audience for another World Championship run. His status as "People's Champion" he wears with pride.

"Fans are a very important part of everything that we do. I play for my family, for my sponsors, for my management, it's a team effort," he said. "There have been massive moments in my career where the fans have dragged me through tough games. I look forward to many more moments like that."

His commitment toward supporters, he says, explains why the nickname sticks. "They can relate to what I do on social media side. I take the time for everyone. That's why I'm called the People's Champion and I love having that role."

Because of his popularity, Bunting sells a lot of merchandise to his fans. "The merch is non-stop, to be honest. When I'm away from the Darts, all I'm doing is packing parcels and taking them down to the post office. So, yeah, busy, busy but long may that continue."

With his current fourth place in the world rankings, Bunting can either rise or fall, but his gaze is exclusively upward. "People are talking about, obviously, I'm world No 4 and there are people chasing me. But I'm not looking behind, I'm looking ahead. I know I'm not far behind No 3 in the world," he said, referring to Michael van Gerwen.

His biggest ambition is crystal clear. "Winning the worlds is a big part to becoming number one. So, that's my dream, to become number one one day. Everyone will look up to me then but we'll see what happens."

Should he succeed and pick up the top prize of £1 million, Bunting says he knows exactly how that money will be distributed. ""£1 million would be great. I wouldn't spend it, it would be the missus and the kids who spend it," he says, laughing. "I might get a tenner here and there. It wouldn't involve me anyway. My lad's into all sorts of gadgets. He loves his darts as well. He's got some of the most expensive sets of darts ever made. He would probably add to his collection. The missus wants a new kitchen, and Theo wants some gummy bears or something."

On Sunday, December 14, Bunting will be in action for the first time at the 2026 World Darts Championship. 'The Bullet' will take on Sebastian Bialecki, who surprisingly won a Players Championship tournament earlier this season, in the first round.