EXCLUSIVE Stephen Bunting is one of darts’ superstars – but he wants to show off a personal side when it comes to relax on social media
Darts’ meteoric rise over the past 24 months is often credited to the incredible exploits of Luke Littler.
The Nuke, 18, has transcended the sport in a way few athletes ever have, propelling it to heights once thought unimaginable.
Yet, he isn’t the only superstar in a game brimming with talent and personality. It takes one watch of Stephen Bunting’s walk to the oche to understand that.
The St Helens tungsten thrower, 40, has fans in the palm of his hands as Sia’s hit Titanium blasts out of the speakers. He’s a fan favourite, despite being darts’ nearly man.
The Bullet, however, has something of a cult following on social media, and he’s found himself as an unlikely TikTok star who has now transitioned into YouTube.
“I think it’s important to show the fans a different side of me,” he told Daily Star Sport when asked about he’s new YouTube channel and Fortnite antics.
“We’ve done a few games on YouTube, and we’re going to do more.
“I’ve just sponsored Ethan Baines, a young up-and-coming talent, so I’ll be doing some stuff with him. Also, interviews with celebrities, which will hopefully take it to the next level.
“YouTube takes me away from the competitive side – it’s more relaxed, I can just be myself. People enjoy it because they see I’m just a normal guy.”
He added: “Yeah, 100 per cent, it helps me get closer to the fans.”
“I enjoy all the fan participation anyway – we do meet-and-greets, exhibitions.
“At venues, I always make sure I spend time with fans, sign stuff, because they’re a big part of my game. The walk-on with the fans singing along – it gives me a buzz, even abroad.
“In Germany, they still support me over their own players, which is amazing.
“So I’ll just keep my feet on the ground, keep building that social media and fanbase. Things are good at the moment!”
And things are very good at the moment for Bunting, who has been able to build on his Masters success from last season.
The Bullet has two Euro Tour titles – the International Darts Open in Riesa and the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel – and two World Series of Darts titles in Bahrain and Copenhagen.
Bunting continued: “I’ve been really consistent this year – up to world number four, playing some of my best darts.
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“I’ve had a few wins on the European Tour and the Pro Tour, so I know my game’s good.
“The consistency is there.
“Obviously, it’d be great to win a TV major, but I’ll just keep taking it one game at a time, one dart at a time, and see where we go.”