Liverpool-born darts star Stephen Bunting is eyeing glory at the World Darts Championship this month
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer
13:00, 14 Dec 2025
Stephen Bunting is a fan favourite(Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Stephen Bunting, the darts player affectionately known as the ‘People’s Champion’, has his sights set on victory in this year’s World Darts Championship. The Liverpudlian reached the semi-finals in 2024, only to be defeated by eventual champion Luke Litter.
Having previously clinched the BDO world title in 2014, Bunting is now aiming for his first win in the Worlds, with his opening match of the tournament scheduled for Sunday.
Bunting’s down-to-earth personality has endeared him to a large fanbase. His walk-on routine, which sees him stride onto the stage to the tune of Sia and David Guetta’s chart-topping hit ‘Titanium’, is a particular crowd-pleaser.
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Born in Liverpool’s Fazakerley area, Bunting is now fully focused on securing the championship trophy. “I am really excited,” he shared.
“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.” As we prepare for another bout of Bunting fever, let’s delve deeper into the life of ‘The Bullet’.
Net worth
Over the past two years, Bunting has reportedly earned around £486,000, with his Masters victory in 2024 contributing £65,000 to that total. It’s estimated that over his 23-year career, he has amassed winnings exceeding £1.8 million.
Following his World Championship campaign last year, he claimed victory at both the Bahrain Darts Masters and secured his first European Tour triumph at the International Darts Open in Germany. Each victory netted him £30,000.
Stephen Bunting is aiming high at this year’s tournament(Image: Getty)
Bunting also managed to boost his earnings by an impressive £100,000 after reaching the semi-finals in 2024. Bunting has also been earning considerable sums from his merchandise, which has become increasingly popular amongst darts fans.
Discussing his surge in fame, 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 sparked considerable curiosity amongst many. Born on April 9, 1985, he is currently 40 years old. Social media users were stunned by this revelation, which emerged during last year’s World Darts Championship.
Some supporters even drew comparisons to former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who is two months older. Certain darts followers claimed that the Portuguese superstar appeared significantly younger than Bunting.
Spending habits
Bunting has avoided lavish spending in favour of more modest choices. Rather than splashing out on luxury vehicles or an opulent home, the Merseyside-born player chose to put his prize money towards a caravan and a family holiday.
“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 revealed to Spin Bet. “It’s a lovely get away from the house and from playing darts to spend some time with my family.”
Stephen Bunting was beaten by Luke Littler in the 2024 semi-finals(Image: Getty)
Discussing his preferred holiday destinations, he continued: “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 claim victory at the World Darts Championship and secure the £1m prize, he confessed he would remain prudent with his spending. “£1 million would be great,” he said.
“I wouldn’t spend it,” he continued. “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.”
