Stephen Bunting Biography: From “The Bullet” to the People’s Champion – Wife, Son, Net Worth & 2025 World Championship Journey
Introduction: From Darts Prodigy to People’s Champion
Stephen Bunting isn’t just another professional darts player — he’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and raw emotion. Known globally by his nickname “The Bullet,” Bunting has spent over a decade carving out a career filled with dizzying highs, crushing lows, and one of the most heartfelt comebacks the sport has seen in years.
Table of Contents
As the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship unfolds, Bunting has once again found himself at the centre of attention — not just for his performances on the oche, but for something deeper. The emotion. The vulnerability. The connection with fans that has transformed him from a talented underdog into “The People’s Champion.”
This is not just a darts story.
This is a human story.
Stephen Bunting – Quick Bio & Financial Profile
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen Bunting |
| Nickname | The Bullet |
| Date of Birth | April 9, 1985 |
| Age (2025) | 40 years |
| Birthplace | St Helens, Merseyside, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Professional Darts Player |
| Playing Hand | Right-handed |
| Walk-On Song | Titanium – David Guetta ft. Sia |
| Current Tour | Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) |
| Former Tour | British Darts Organisation (BDO) |
| Major Titles | BDO World Champion (2014), PDC Masters Champion (2024) |
| Playing Style | Fast tempo, aggressive scoring, lightweight darts |
| Dart Weight | 12 grams (Target Darts – custom setup) |
| Nickname Origin | Extremely fast throw speed = “The Bullet” |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Ciara Bunting |
| Children | Yes – Son: Tobias Bunting |
| Residence | United Kingdom |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | £1.8 million – £2 million |
| Annual Earnings (Avg.) | £350,000 – £500,000 per year |
| Career Prize Money (Total) | £1.8M+ (PDC & BDO combined) |
| 2024–2025 Season Earnings | £450,000+ (approx.) |
| Biggest Single Prize Win | £65,000 (2024 PDC Masters Champion) |
| Main Income Sources | Tournament prize money, sponsorships, exhibitions |
| Key Sponsors | Target Darts, apparel & equipment partners |
| Estimated Sponsorship Income | £80,000 – £150,000 per year |
| Social Media Earnings | £5,000–£15,000 annually (brand collaborations) |
| Other Income Streams | Exhibition matches, guest appearances |
| Financial Status | Self-made, financially stable professional athlete |
| Known For | Emotional comeback, fan connection, resilience |
| Public Image | “The People’s Champion” |
✅ Summary Insight
Stephen Bunting’s wealth isn’t built on hype — it’s built on consistency, longevity, and emotional connection with fans. While not among the sport’s richest superstars, his £2M-level net worth places him comfortably in the upper tier of professional darts, proving that resilience and relatability can be just as valuable as trophies
The “People’s Champion” Moment: Why Everyone Is Talking About Stephen Bunting
In December 2025, a moment unfolded that instantly went viral across the darts world.
After a crucial match at the PDC World Darts Championship, Stephen Bunting stood on stage, visibly emotional. As the crowd at Alexandra Palace erupted into chants of his name, he struggled to hold back tears. Cameras captured a man overwhelmed — not by pressure, but by love.
For years, Bunting had been the butt of jokes online. Critics mocked his performances, his appearance, even his confidence. Yet in that moment, everything changed.
Fans weren’t laughing anymore.
They were standing with him.
Social media exploded with searches like “Stephen Bunting crying interview”, “Why is Stephen Bunting emotional?”, and “People’s Champion darts.” What people saw wasn’t weakness — it was authenticity.
That moment crystallised a truth many had missed:
Stephen Bunting had earned this respect the hard way.
Stephen Bunting’s Weight Loss Journey: A Fight Beyond Darts
One of the most noticeable changes in Bunting over the past two years has been his physical transformation.
The weight loss wasn’t cosmetic. It was medical.
Bunting later revealed that he had been diagnosed with sleep apnea, a condition that left him constantly exhausted and struggling to recover — both mentally and physically. Nights without proper sleep affected his concentration, his confidence, and eventually his performances on stage.
Doctors gave him a wake-up call.
He changed his lifestyle, adjusted his diet, and committed to better fitness. The results were impossible to ignore. He looked sharper, moved better on stage, and most importantly — played with clarity again.
That transformation didn’t just improve his health.
It revived his career.
Fans who once doubted him began to admire his discipline. His journey became relatable — proof that professional athletes battle the same personal struggles as everyone else.
Who Is Stephen Bunting’s Wife? Inside His Marriage to Ciara Bunting
Behind every strong comeback is a support system — and for Stephen Bunting, that foundation is his wife, Ciara Bunting.
The couple have been together for many years, long before the bright lights of Alexandra Palace and the global spotlight. Ciara has been a constant presence through the highs and the heartbreaks, often seen cheering him on from the crowd with quiet pride.
Their relationship isn’t about headlines or publicity. It’s built on stability, trust, and shared resilience.
During Bunting’s toughest years — when form dipped and criticism grew louder — Ciara remained his emotional anchor. Friends close to the couple often describe her as his “calm in the chaos.”
In a sport where mental strength defines careers, that support has proven invaluable.
Children & The Famous Son: Meet Tobias Bunting
Stephen Bunting isn’t just playing for trophies anymore — he’s playing for his family.
His son, Tobias Bunting, has become something of a fan favourite in his own right. Often seen backstage or on the big screen during matches, Tobias has charmed darts fans with his confidence and playful personality.
One viral moment saw Tobias mimicking his father’s walk-on routine — a moment that melted hearts across social media.
Stephen has openly said that becoming a father changed his mindset completely. Every match now carries deeper meaning.
“I play for them,” he once said. “Everything I do is for my kids.”
That emotional motivation has become a powerful fuel in his late-career resurgence.
Early Life: Growing Up in St Helens, Merseyside
Stephen Bunting was born and raised in St Helens, Merseyside, a working-class town with a proud sporting heritage.
Like many British kids, his early sporting life revolved around local leagues, pubs, and community competitions. Darts wasn’t a glamorous career path — it was something you played because you loved it.
His parents encouraged his passion, supporting him through countless local tournaments. While not much is publicly known about his siblings, those close to him often speak of a tight-knit upbringing where family values came first.
From a young age, Bunting showed natural precision and composure — qualities that would later define his professional style.
The Peter Griffin Lookalike Story: From Insult to Icon
One of the strangest chapters in Stephen Bunting’s career is his long-standing comparison to Peter Griffin from Family Guy.
At first, the jokes stung.
Fans online relentlessly compared his appearance to the animated character, turning him into a meme. For a while, it bothered him deeply. The ridicule added to the mental strain he was already carrying.
But then something changed.
Instead of fighting it, Bunting leaned into the joke. He laughed with the crowd. At one event, he even posed dressed as Peter Griffin — a moment that instantly went viral.
That decision flipped the narrative.
What was once mockery turned into affection. The darts world embraced him not just as a player, but as a personality who could laugh at himself.
It was a turning point — not just in perception, but in confidence.
BDO World Champion: The Beginning of the Dream
Before the Premier League lights and global broadcasts, there was 2014 — the year Stephen Bunting announced himself to the world.
Winning the BDO World Darts Championship was his first major breakthrough. It confirmed what many insiders already believed: this was a special talent.
At the time, the BDO still carried prestige, and winning that title placed Bunting among the elite. However, it also forced a massive decision.
Stay comfortable — or take the risk.
That choice would define the next chapter of his life.
The Switch to PDC & the Career Slump (When Confidence Cracked)
After conquering the BDO circuit, Stephen Bunting made the bold move to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) — a decision that promised fame, money, and global recognition. But it also exposed him to a far more ruthless level of competition.
The transition wasn’t smooth.
In the PDC, margins are brutal. Every opponent is elite. Every mistake is punished. Bunting, once dominant, suddenly found himself struggling to win matches consistently. Confidence dipped. Pressure mounted. Critics grew louder.
Behind the scenes, the mental toll was heavy. Bunting later admitted he questioned his future in the sport entirely. There were moments when he considered walking away — not because of lack of talent, but because self-belief had eroded.
This period, however, would later define him.
What separates champions from casualties is survival — and Bunting survived.
The 2024 Masters Win — A Career Resurrection
Then came January 2024 — the moment that changed everything.
At the Masters, Stephen Bunting produced one of the most emotionally charged performances of his career. Match after match, he played with freedom, confidence, and precision reminiscent of his early BDO days.
When he lifted the trophy, it wasn’t just another title.
It was redemption.
This victory marked his first major televised PDC title, silencing critics who believed his peak was long gone. Tears flowed once again — but this time, they were tears of triumph.
The darts world took notice. Commentators spoke of a “reborn” Bunting. Fans saw a man who had battled through doubt and emerged stronger.
The People’s Champion had officially arrived.
2025 PDC World Darts Championship – The Current Chapter
As the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship unfolds, Stephen Bunting enters not as an outsider — but as a genuine contender.
His performances have been marked by:
- Consistent high averages
- Clinical finishing
- Regular 180s under pressure
Facing opponents like James Hurrell and other top-ranked players, Bunting has shown composure that was once missing from his game.
Analysts now talk about him as a genuine dark horse for the title. Betting markets reflect that belief, and fans sense something special is brewing.
More importantly, Bunting himself looks at peace.
He isn’t chasing validation anymore — he’s playing freely.
Walk-On Song & Electric Atmosphere
Few things in darts matter as much as the walk-on.
Stephen Bunting’s choice — “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia — has become iconic.
As the opening beats hit, the crowd rises. The lyrics echo his journey: strength, survival, resilience. Fans sing along. Phones light up. The atmosphere becomes electric.
For Bunting, the walk-on isn’t just an entrance. It’s a statement.
This is a man who has been knocked down repeatedly — and stood back up every time.
Stephen Bunting’s Net Worth, Earnings & Financial Landscape
Stephen Bunting’s journey through professional darts has delivered more than just headlines — it has created a sustainable financial footprint that reflects both performance and marketability. While darts isn’t the richest sport in the world, Bunting’s consistent presence near the top of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) rankings has translated into substantial earnings over time.
Estimated Net Worth
As of late 2025, Stephen Bunting’s estimated net worth hovers around £1.8 million. This figure encompasses not just prize money from tournament play but also sponsorship deals, social media partnerships, and other revenue streams tied to his brand as “The Bullet.”
While this doesn’t rival multi-million-pound athletes in mainstream sports, it places Bunting comfortably among the top-earning darts professionals worldwide — particularly given that darts prize funds have historically been modest compared with global sports like golf or tennis.
Prize Money Accumulated Over Career
Prize money is the most transparent slice of any darts player’s income, and Bunting’s ledger here is impressive:
| Category | Approximate Total (£) |
|---|---|
| PDC Career Prize Money (Career Total) | £1,800,000+ |
| Last Two Years Prize Money | £486,000+ |
| Masters Win (2024) | £65,000 |
| World Championship Runs & Progress | £35,000+ |
| European & Players Championship Earnings | £97,000+ |
| 2025 ProTour / Ranking Money | ~£593,750 (two-year Order of Merit) |
These figures indicate that Bunting has consistently been earning at a high level, especially when combining deep runs in televised events with solid performances on the European and ProTour circuits.
It’s also worth noting that as the PDC increases prize funds — including a historic doubling of the World Championship winner’s cheque to £1 million in 2025 — the earning potential for players like Bunting has expanded significantly, even if they don’t win the ultimate title.
Sponsorships, Branding & Social Media Revenue
Bunting’s financial picture isn’t limited to walk-on winnings. He also earns through:
- Signature Sponsorship Deals: Most notably with Target Darts, which designs equipment tailored to his unusually light dart style.
- Apparel & Endorsements: Partnerships with branded clothing and workwear groups (such as Tuff Stuff and others) that leverage his visibility on broadcast stages.
- Branded Social Media Posts: Estimated at up to £300 per post, depending on platform, engagement, and brand partner — a non-trivial revenue source given his combined followings across Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok.
Though not astronomical, these sponsorship and social revenue streams reflect how modern professional dart players are monetizing personality and fan engagement, not just tournament success.
Year-to-Date 2025 Earnings Snapshot
In 2025 alone, Bunting has reaped substantial tournament earnings:
- Nearly £200,000+ in prize money across major events.
- A Premier League Darts payout of around £60,000 based on league position and nightly wins.
- Additional European Tour and Players Championship winnings throughout the season.
These earnings demonstrate that even without a world title, consistent high-level play translates directly into financial reward — especially for a ranked top-10 name on the PDC Order of Merit.
While Bunting has built his fortune over a decade of consistent play, the new generation is earning rapidly. See how his earnings compare to the teenage sensation in our breakdown of Luke Littler’s Net Worth 2025.
Behind the Numbers: What This Means for Stephen Bunting
Unlike some sports where superstar contracts dwarf performance bonuses, darts players like Bunting craft their financial success through tournament consistency, personal branding, and long-term fan support. The balance between sport and persona has become central to earnings in the world of professional darts, and Bunting’s trajectory reflects that reality — from walk-on anthem to balance sheet.
His financial progress underscores why his story resonates: a talented underdog who has built not only sporting credibility but also sustainable professional success, rooted in authenticity and perseverance.
Equipment – What Darts Does Stephen Bunting Use?
One of the most fascinating aspects of Bunting’s game is his equipment.
Unlike most professionals who throw 20g–24g darts, Bunting uses 12-gram darts, which is exceptionally light by professional standards.
Stephen Bunting Dart Setup
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Target Darts |
| Weight | 12 grams |
| Barrel Style | Slim, front-weighted |
| Flight | Custom “Bullet” design |
This lightweight setup allows for faster release and rapid scoring — a style uniquely his own.
For dart enthusiasts, his setup is often studied and replicated.
Social Media Presence & Fan Connection
Stephen Bunting maintains a strong and authentic presence online.
Official Platforms
- Instagram: @sbunting180
- X (Twitter): @sbunting180
- TikTok: Regular fan clips and behind-the-scenes moments
He frequently interacts with supporters, reposts fan content, and shares family moments — making him one of the most relatable figures in modern darts.
This transparency has only strengthened his bond with fans worldwide.
Conclusion — The People’s Champion’s Legacy
Stephen Bunting’s journey is no longer just about darts.
It’s about resilience.
It’s about self-belief.
It’s about rising after being written off.
From BDO champion to PDC struggler… from online mockery to emotional standing ovations… from self-doubt to self-belief — The Bullet’s story is one of modern sporting redemption.
As the 2025 World Championship continues, one question echoes through Alexandra Palace and beyond:
Can Stephen Bunting complete the fairytale and become World Champion?
Only time will tell — but one thing is certain:
The People’s Champion has already won hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Stephen Bunting?
Stephen Bunting is a professional darts player from St Helens, England. Nicknamed “The Bullet,” he is a former BDO World Champion and one of the most recognisable figures in modern PDC darts.
Why is Stephen Bunting called “The Bullet”?
He earned the nickname due to his extremely fast throwing action. His rapid release and rhythm make his game visually distinctive and difficult for opponents to read.
How much is Stephen Bunting’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Stephen Bunting’s estimated net worth is between £1.8 million and £2 million, earned through prize money, sponsorships, exhibitions, and endorsements.
Who is Stephen Bunting’s wife?
Stephen Bunting is married to Ciara Bunting, who has been a constant source of support throughout his career. She regularly attends his matches and has played a major role during his comeback years.
Does Stephen Bunting have children?
Yes, he has a son named Tobias Bunting, who has become popular among fans for his fun appearances and on-stage moments with his father.
Why did Stephen Bunting lose weight?
Stephen Bunting lost weight after being diagnosed with sleep apnea, which affected his health and performance. Following medical advice, he changed his lifestyle, improved his fitness, and saw a major boost in both energy and form.
What darts does Stephen Bunting use?
He uses 12-gram Target darts, which are much lighter than the average professional setup. This unique choice suits his fast-paced throwing style.
What is Stephen Bunting’s walk-on song?
His walk-on song is “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia, a track that reflects his resilience and emotional journey in the sport.
Has Stephen Bunting won a World Championship?
Yes. He won the BDO World Championship in 2014 and later claimed the PDC Masters title in 2024, marking one of the biggest comebacks in modern darts.
Is Stephen Bunting a contender for the 2025 World Championship?
Yes. Based on current form, consistency, and recent performances, many analysts consider him a serious contender for the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.
???? Your Turn
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