Darts star Stephen Bunting will be aiming to go all the way in the World Darts Championship this year. The man they have dubbed the ‘People’s Champion’ made it to the semi-finals in 2024 before he was beaten by eventual champion Luke Litter. Bunting has been a world champion before, winning in the BDO back in 2014, but he is now targeting his first win in the Worlds with his first match in this year’s tournament taking place on Sunday.
The star has developed a huge fanbase for his affable yet modest personality. Fans also can’t get enough of Bunting’s walk-on, where the darts ace traverses the walkway to Sia’s and David Guetta’s pop mega-hit ‘Titanium’. Bunting, born in the Fazakerley area of Liverpool is now focused on bringing home the top prize. “I am really excited,” he said. “Obviously, the buzz around Christmas anyway with a young family at home. I just can’t wait to get to Ally Pally. I’ve been working hard over this last year and I believe I can win it.” With the darts world about to transform into Bunting mania once again we take a closer look at the man they call ‘The Bullet’.
Net worth
Over a two-year period, Bunting has won an estimated £486,000. His Masters victory in 2024 earned him £65,000 alone. Overall, it is believed he has won over £1.8 million throughout his entire 23-year career.
After his World Championship run last year, he won both the Bahrain Darts Masters and his maiden European Tour title at the International Darts Open in Germany. He took home £30,000 each time. Bunting was also able to add a staggering £100,000 to his account after his run to the semi-finals in 2024.
Bunting has also been making a pretty penny from his merchandise, which is becoming a must-have for many darts fans. Speaking about his boom in popularity, he said: “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.”
Real age
Bunting’s age has been a fascinating topic for many. He was born on April 9, 1985, making him 40 years old. Fans on social media were left baffled by the revelation which came to light at last year’s World Darts Championship.
Some even made comparisons in particular to former Manchester United and Real Madrid icon Cristiano Ronaldo, who is two months senior. Sections of darts fans suggested that the Portuguese star looked much younger than Bunting.
Spending habits
Bunting has eschewed extravagant purchases in favour of something a little more down to earth. Deciding against high-end cars or a mansion to live in, the Liverpool-born star elected to invest his winnings in a caravan and a holiday with his family.
“Part of my money went on the garden and then we’ve also just bought a caravan in a Haven site in North Wales,” Bunting told Spin Bet. “It’s a lovely get away from the house and from playing darts to spend some time with my family.”
On where he likes to go on holiday, he added: “Haven sites are always great for the kids so there is plenty to do there, and it isn’t too far away with it being an hour-and-a-half from down the road. I can be in my own luxury caravan out the way and loving life.”
Should Bunting take the top prize at the World Darts Championship and win the £1m, he admitted that he would still exercise caution. “£1 million would be great,” he added.
“I wouldn’t spend it,” he added. “It would be the missus and the kids who spend it. 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.”