Key Highlights
- Stephen Bunting discusses his inclusion in the 2026 Premier League Darts and how he plans to ignore negative backlash.
- Bunting emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal performance rather than social media noise.
- The inclusion of Bunting as a wildcard pick was met with mixed reactions, including criticism from fans and pundits.
Stephen Bunting’s Journey to the Premier League Darts
You might think this is new, but Stephen Bunting has been on the radar for years. In February 5th, 2026, he secured his place in the 2026 Premier League Darts wildcard draw, a move that wasn’t without its share of controversy.
Confidence Amidst Criticism
Bunting opened up to the Love The Darts podcast about the reaction to his inclusion. “I was always confident I would be included in the 2026 Premier League,” he said. “But it was under some scrutiny, and I am making sure to ignore the outside noise.” Bunting’s journey has been a testament to resilience, especially considering how he managed to secure his spot as a wildcard among seasoned professionals like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock, and Gerwyn Price.
Ignoring the Noise
The social media backlash was intense. Bunting explained, “It is my management and my wife that look at the social media side of things. I still see the odd pop through but the people are very negative, they are not fans, some of them are just idiots really who jump on the bandwagon.” This attitude reflects a pragmatic approach to dealing with criticism.
Setting Personal Goals
Bunting is focused on personal improvement. “I know I need to work harder, I am under no illusions,” he said. “I need to get myself fitter and stay at the top of the game.” His goal is clear: surpass his 2025 performance, which was already one of his best years on the PDC.
Lessons from Last Year
Despite the criticism, Bunting believes there were several positives in his 2025 season. “I won six titles last year, I was in 10 finals, and had one of the highest tournament averages especially on the Players Championship,” he stated. “It was the best season I have had on the PDC since I moved from the BDO.”
Future Plans
For next year, Bunting is planning to take a different approach. “I am going to take it a bit easier on the exhibition circuit and plan my diary better,” he said. “I want to look after myself and give the best version of myself.” This strategic shift could be crucial in his quest for success.
Conclusion
Stephen Bunting’s path to the 2026 Premier League Darts is a prime example of perseverance through adversity. His focus on personal growth and determination, despite the negative feedback, makes him a formidable opponent. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one as we watch how he navigates his way through this prestigious tournament. And so, Bunting gets ready for the challenge, knowing that hard work and resilience are key in the world of professional darts.
