In the high-pressure world of professional darts, Stephen Bunting has built a reputation not just on his skill, but on his personality. Nicknamed “The Bullet,” the Liverpool star is one of the game’s most popular figures, known for his high-energy walk-ons to Titanium, his constant fan engagement, and his strong presence across social media. But while the cheers and viral moments come easily, the darker side of life in the spotlight has recently hit far closer to home.
Bunting, the world number four and fourth seed at the PDC World Darts Championship, suffered a shock third-round exit at Alexandra Palace after a gripping 4–3 defeat to underdog James Hurrell. Despite flashes of brilliance and trademark fighting spirit, the loss ended his hopes of another deep run following recent semi-final appearances and his 2024 Masters triumph. While disappointing, it was the aftermath that hurt most. In an emotional message to fans, Bunting spoke openly about the online abuse that followed the defeat, revealing that negative comments were not only aimed at him, but also at his family. He thanked supporters for drowning out the noise, but admitted the situation had been especially painful this year, given the sacrifices his family makes behind the scenes.
The issue became even more distressing when Bunting revealed that his 13-year-old son Toby had also been targeted online. Toby, a familiar and much-loved presence in Bunting’s social media content and a regular supporter in the Ally Pally crowd, became an unintended victim of trolling. Bunting described his son as “one of the nicest kids you could wish to meet” and made it clear that seeing abuse directed at a child crossed a line. He also stressed that his family continues to motivate him, reaffirming his belief that he still has plenty more to give to darts and that making them proud remains his biggest driving force.
This isn’t the first time Bunting has addressed the emotional impact of online criticism. Earlier in the tournament, he spoke candidly about how social media reactions affected him after backlash to comments made following a win, highlighting just how quickly admiration can turn into hostility. The extension of that abuse to family members, particularly a child, has sparked renewed concern about the culture of online behaviour in sport. Despite everything, Bunting remained gracious in defeat, congratulating Hurrell and signing off his message with optimism and gratitude to his supporters.
As the World Championship rolls on without him, Bunting’s experience stands as a reminder that athletes are human beings first. The pressure of elite competition is immense, but when criticism turns personal, it exposes the urgent need for more empathy online. Driven by his family and backed by a loyal fanbase, Stephen Bunting remains determined to bounce back, focus on the positives, and return stronger—both on and off the oche.