Stephen Bunting Releases Statement After Concerning World Grand Prix Crowd With Behaviour During Game
Stephen Bunting Issues Emotional Statement After World Grand Prix Performance Sparks Concern
Stephen Bunting, the world No. 4 and 2014 BDO World Champion, has released an emotional statement addressing fan concerns over his visible struggles during his first-round defeat at the 2025 World Grand Prix in Leicester. The 40-year-old “Bullet,” who lost 2-0 in sets to Danny Noppert (3-2, 3-1) on October 7, admitted to battling a “bad back” that hampered his performance, while thanking supporters and taking aim at online negativity. The match, where Bunting averaged a modest 97.02 with five 180s but faltered on doubles, left crowds and viewers worried about his well-being, prompting the four-time PDC major winner to clarify the situation on social media.
The Match: A Pain-Filled Struggle Against Noppert
Bunting, seeded fourth and a favorite for the £600,000 double-in/double-out event, started strongly with a 3-0 leg lead, hitting doubles with ease to take an early set. However, Noppert, the Dutch “Sprinter” ranked No. 32, mounted a comeback, reeling off five straight legs to steal the opener 3-2. Bunting’s visible discomfort—pausing between throws and grimacing—became apparent in the second set, where he managed just one leg before Noppert closed 3-1. Post-match, Bunting’s average of 97.02 was below his usual 102+ standard, and he landed only 25% of doubles attempts, a stark contrast to his pre-tournament claim of playing “the best darts of my life.”
The crowd at the Mattioli Arena, known for its passionate support of Bunting—the “People’s Champion”—sensed something amiss, with chants of “Bunting mental!” fading into concerned murmurs. Noppert, gracious in victory, praised his opponent’s grit: “Stephen is a class player; I could see he was hurting, but he fought hard.”
Bunting’s Statement: Back Pain, Gratitude, and a Dig at Trolls
Hours after the match, Bunting took to Instagram to set the record straight, revealing a “bad back” as the culprit behind his labored play. “The crowd knew I was in pain,” he wrote, thanking fans for their unwavering support. “Pity the social media full of negativity. Well done to Danny—you played well.” He elaborated in the caption: “Yeah, I started well at the doubles. I was better than in the first game, so I was really happy with it. The tops worked today, and that saved me a lot.”
Bunting’s words struck a chord, highlighting the toll of his grueling schedule—over 100 matches in 2025, including a European Championship title and Premier League playoff run. The back issue, which he first mentioned after a September Players Championship withdrawal, has dogged him since a minor tweak during the Dutch Darts Masters. His statement also subtly shaded online critics, a recurring theme for the social media darling whose TikTok antics and “Bunting mental!” walk-on have endeared him to millions but drawn occasional barbs for perceived showmanship.
Bunting’s 2025: Triumphs Amid the Toll
Bunting’s season has been a career renaissance: World No. 4 ranking, a Bahrain Darts Masters win over Gerwyn Price (8-4), and a Grand Slam of Darts semifinal. His Ally Pally receptions, with crowds belting “Titanium” by David Guetta, have made him the “People’s Champion,” boosting PDC viewership by 15%. Yet, the physical demands—coupled with his age—have exposed vulnerabilities, as seen in his Grand Prix exit.
| Tournament | Result | Key Moment |
|————|——–|————|
| Bahrain Darts Masters | Champion | 8-4 final win over Price; first World Series title |
| Grand Slam of Darts | SF | Epic walk-on; lost to Littler in quarters |
| World Grand Prix | R1 Loss | Bad back hampers doubles; 2-0 to Noppert |
| Premier League | Playoffs | “Bunting mental!” chants; consistent top-4 finishes |
Fan and Expert Reactions: Support Over Speculation
Social media rallied behind Bunting, with #BuntingMental trending as fans defended him: “Robin’s a warrior—back pain and still starts strong? Legend.” His statement garnered 50k+ likes, with Littler commenting: “Get well, Bullet—see you soon.” Analyst Wayne Mardle praised the transparency: “Stephen’s honesty is why he’s the People’s Champion—darts needs more of that.” Noppert added: “Hate seeing him suffer; he’s too good for this.”
As Bunting eyes the Players Championship Finals in Minehead (November 21-23), where he’s seeded fourth, his Grand Prix admission underscores the sport’s physical price. The “Bullet” isn’t slowing down—fans just hope his back holds up for the “mental” battles ahead.
