It has been a tricky campaign for Stephen Bunting, who has not continued to play at the heights he expected. Another underwhelming Premier League campaign was produced with countless early exits in other major, European Tour and Players Championship events leaves a sour taste. However, he will always have his loyal fanbase supporting him every step of the way.

Bunting for a while had been an established name on the PDC Tour, but he truly exploded when he won the Winmau Masters, blasting himself up the ladder. All while this was going on, he amassed a number of fans, making him one of the most popular players on the PDC Tour.

Whenever he walks onto the stage, ‘Titanium’ is blasted around the arena with ‘The Bullet’ conducting the crowd. They sing along in a very special sight that all can get behind.

Speaking to the Daily Star Sport after signing a 10-year contract with Target, Bunting shared his deep gratitude for the fans and the adoring love he feels when stepping onto the stage.

“It’s an honour to be honest. To feel the connection I have made with my fans really helps me when I’m on the big stages. Getting behind me if things aren’t going well is a massive tool I can use to regroup,” he said.

Stephen Bunting is one of the most popular players on the PDC Tour

“They are a massive part of my journey and my career and it’s amazing to hear them singing the walk on back to me when I’m on the stage. And even the messages I get from the fans win or lose.”

When Bunting is on the oche, it is business like usual as he tries to win the darts contest and put in the best performance he can. He has to keep his emotions in check and focus on the task at hand, which is no mean feat.

“I like to think I handle it really well. Sometimes when they sing the song back to me it really is a pinch-me moment and it gets emotional for me,” he said. “But without them I wouldn’t be where I am now and playing to a good standard and wanting to improve constantly.”

Deep run at Ally Pally on the forefront of Bunting's mind

Bunting will be the first to admit that his form on the big stage has not been good enough in 2026. After a third round exit at the PDC World Darts Championship at the end of last year, he has reached the quarter-final in front of the TV cameras just once.

That came recently at the European Championship in a rejuvenated performance. Bunting almost did not qualify for Dortmund after a tumultuous European Tour campaign but left it late with a semi-final run at the Dutch Darts Championship to confirm his place.

It is a solid foundation to build off from. However, at this moment in time, he is not in the Grand Slam of Darts. It could be the first time he misses the major event in Wolverhampton since 2022. He will be at the Players Championship Finals at the end of November, sitting 29th in the Players Championship Order of Merit.

Then comes the big one. Bunting is defending big at Ally Pally after reaching the semi-final two years ago. £100,000 is up for grabs as the 41-year-old outlines his goals for the rest of the year.

“Wanting to have a big run in all the major tournaments as well as having a strong finish to the pro tour season," he confirmed. “Big steps are moving to the new Target 21g darts. I believe these will take me to more consistency and bigger titles. And keeping on top of the hypnotherapy also.”