Stephen Bunting releases assertion on ‘hurtful’ abuse after World Darts Championship exit
Stephen Bunting was dumped out of the World Darts Championship in the third round by James Hurrell and the Bullet has now spoken out on the trolls who have targeted his teenage son
Stephen Bunting has lashed out at the vile abuse aimed at his son, Toby, after his World Darts Championship elimination.
The Liverpudlian PDC ace lamented failing to ‘discover his genuine scoring rhythm’ following his shock departure from the elite competition in round three. The Bullet had defeated Sebastian Bialecki and Nitin Kumar to secure at least £35,000 from the record-smashing £5million prize fund.
Yet the fourth seed crashed out in the third round against James Hurrell in an Alexandra Palace thriller, after play resumed following the Christmas interval. This elimination leaves Bunting fourth in the PDC’s Order of Merit with annual prize earnings of £593,750, trailing Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen.
Bunting had been set to face defending champion Littler in the semi-final but couldn’t overcome his outsider rival. Following his third-round departure, he posted on social media, expressing gratitude to supporters whilst condemning online trolls who have targeted his 13 year old son.
In his message, he penned: “Hi guys. Sorry I’ve had a few days away from my socials but I just needed a small bit of time after my game to recover and rest. Losing any game is never easy, but losing in the world championships always hurts more. Massive congratulations to James Hurrell who played a fantastic match and I wish him all the very best for the rest of the tournament. I tried my best and although some of my finishing was on point I just couldn’t find my true scoring game but that’s darts for you,” reports the Express.
“I wanted to come on and say thank you to all the fans and the support which has been very overwhelming from you guys. Not only in the venue for the worlds but all over my socials with messages of support and love. You guys really are my inspiration and you help to pick me up whilst I’m down in any situation. You’re a massive reason why I keep trying to give 110% in every aspect of what I do whether that’s playing on the stage or doing any type of my media work.
“There have been many negative comments but the positive far outweighs them and deafens the noise they try to make. I want to thank my family who also put a lot of commitment in behind the scenes, not really seeing me as much as I would like and I’ve found that the most difficult this year but they know I do all this for them.
“I love my family so much and they give me massive motivation to continue this journey. I still believe I have a lot to give darts over the rest of my career and I want to make them forever proud.
“They see the negative comments and do their best to make sure I don’t see them and even Toby has had some hate from some of the trolls online which really is hurtful for us as a family.
“Toby is one of the nicest kids you could wish to meet and I’ll be doing a lot more social stuff with him this coming year. I want to thank my management and sponsors for another great season. Your support means the world to me and you guys make me doing what I do worthwhile, enjoyable and easy to do.
“Lastly I wanted to wish you all a happy new year and hope you all have a wonderful 2026. Let’s go bunting mental into 2026 and I love you all. Bullet.”
