Following a memorable year on and off the dartboard, Stephen Bunting believes his new legion of fans can inspire him to Paddy Power World Darts Championship glory in January.
Stephen Bunting kicked off the new campaign by lifting major silverware, and now he’s dreaming of ending the season in similar style at Alexandra Palace.
The Liverpudlian will be among the stars competing for the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy from December 15-January 3, although few players will enjoy the level of support reserved for Bunting.
The 39-year-old has become something of a social media sensation over recent years, and he’s developed his own cult following – evidenced by his own ‘Let’s Go Bunting Mental’ hashtag.
“It started off as a bit of a joke with the Tik Tok side of things, but what you see with me is what you get,” revealed Bunting, who is now one of the sport's most popular figures.
“It has been nice to show the fans my personality and give something back to them, and obviously the walk-on song Titanium, they absolutely love it.
“I feel like I’m orchestrating a massive crowd when I’m up there. It feels like everyone is there for me!
“That might sound a bit selfish, but I really enjoy it, and long may that continue.
“I’ve got a great fanbase behind me which really helps. When you step on that stage and they’re all going ‘Bunting Mental’, it makes it easier to play!”
Former Lakeside Champion Bunting boasts a strong pedigree in the sport’s flagship event, reaching the quarter-final stages on three occasions since he made his debut a decade ago, including a run to the semi-finals in 2020/21.
However, for the first time in his career, Bunting will make the annual pilgrimage to Alexandra Palace as a PDC televised title winner, courtesy of his memorable triumph in January’s Masters.
He clinched the title with a thrilling 11-7 victory against Michael van Gerwen, having also defeated Ross Smith, Luke Humphries, Peter Wright and Nathan Aspinall in Milton Keynes.
“Never in a million years could I have imagined being in this position a few years ago,” conceded Bunting, who credits sports psychology for his renaissance.
“There were points when I could have just walked away from the sport, but this is something I’ve done all my life; I don’t know anything different.
“Winning the Masters has given me the confidence to push forward, and I believe it’s going to be a catalyst for bigger things to come.
“I’m just riding on that crest of a wave at the moment, and hopefully the fans can be on that ride with me."
Bunting also has added incentive ahead of this year’s World Championship, after he and his wife Keila announced the birth of their son, Theo last month.
“I’ve just welcomed my new son into the world, so I need to keep winning and supply for my family,” added the St Helens star, who recently broke into the world’s top eight.
“The determination is there, the belief is there, and I’m going to work harder than I’ve ever worked in my life for this.
“I want it so much. Not just the World Championship. I want to be back in the Premier League, playing in the elite events all over the world.
“I believe I’m on the right track, but I know there’s still work to be done.”
You can read the full, exclusive interview with Stephen in the official Paddy Power World Darts Championship programme, which is available to pre-order now.