In the electrifying world of professional darts, where precision meets passion, Stephen Bunting is ready to seize a golden opportunity. The 39-year-old Liverpudlian, known as “The Bullet,” has thrown his hat into the ring for a shock call-up to England’s World Cup of Darts team, should teenage sensation Luke Littler follow through on hints of boycotting the event. Littler’s cryptic social media posts, suggesting he may skip tournaments in Germany, have sparked speculation, and Bunting is prepared to step up, bringing his fiery energy and Scouse pride to the global stage.
Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy who has taken darts by storm, hinted at his reluctance to compete in Germany after a frosty reception from fans during the 2024 German Darts Championship. “He’s put a few posts on socials about not going back to Germany,” Bunting noted with a wry smile, adding, “If he doesn’t go back to Germany, that means I’m in the World Cup, doesn’t it?” The World Cup, scheduled for June 2025 in Frankfurt, pairs two players per nation, and Littler’s potential absence could open the door for Bunting to join forces with Michael Smith, England’s top-ranked player. Bunting’s readiness to replace Littler underscores his hunger to represent his country, a dream he’s chased since his 2013 BDO World Championship triumph.
Bunting’s comments come at a pivotal moment in his career. The 2024 Masters champion has enjoyed a resurgent season, climbing to No. 12 in the PDC Order of Merit and reaching the Premier League play-offs. His emotional return to Liverpool for Night 12 of the Premier League, where he faces Gerwyn Price, has only fueled his ambition. “I think it’s a dangerous path that you could go down,” Bunting warned Littler about antagonizing fans, drawing from his own experience navigating crowd dynamics. “You don’t want to get the fans hating you.” His advice reflects a veteran’s wisdom, balancing competitive edge with respect for the sport’s passionate supporters.
Littler’s potential boycott stems from a series of tense encounters with German crowds, particularly after his 2024 World Championship final loss to Luke Humphries. Social media posts, including one where he vowed “no more Germany for me,” have fueled speculation about his World Cup participation. Bunting, however, remains focused on the opportunity rather than the drama. “If Luke decides not to go, I’m ready,” he declared, emphasizing his preparation for high-stakes events. His recent form, including a 6-4 win over Peter Wright in the Premier League, showcases his ability to deliver under pressure, a trait that could make him a formidable World Cup contender.
The World Cup of Darts, a biennial event pitting nations against each other, is a stage where Bunting believes he can shine. England, the defending champions, have relied on stars like Smith and Humphries, but Bunting’s inclusion could bring a fresh dynamic. His aggressive style, marked by rapid-fire 180s and a knack for clutch finishes, has earned him a loyal following. “I’m playing some of the best darts of my career,” Bunting said, citing his 2024 UK Open semi-final run as proof of his readiness. A World Cup berth would also mark a personal milestone, fulfilling a promise to his late father, who inspired his darts journey.
The darts community is abuzz with the Littler-Bunting narrative, amplified by their contrasting styles: Littler’s youthful bravado versus Bunting’s seasoned grit. While Littler’s social media antics have stirred debate, Bunting’s focus remains on performance. “I want to keep pushing, keep winning,” he said, eyeing not just the World Cup but a Premier League title. As the darts world awaits Littler’s decision, Bunting stands ready to seize his moment, proving that in the high-stakes game of darts, opportunity favors the prepared.