Stephen Bunting addresses online backlash after World Darts Championship victory
Stephen Bunting broke down in tears as he discussed the online backlash he has faced at the World Darts Championship, after defeating India’s Nitin Kumar 3-0 at Alexandra Palace, where he averaged 94.11 and dropped only two legs throughout the match, reports BritPanorama.
Following this commanding win, the fourth seed from St Helens struggled to contain his emotions when asked about the criticism he received after referring to himself as “the people’s champion” in the wake of his first-round triumph over Sebastian Bialecki. “I’ve had some stick over social media,” Bunting admitted, his voice visibly affected.
Bunting clarified that his controversial remark was never intended as a self-promotion. He stated, “That was literally a comment from what Sky have said, what PDC have said. It wasn’t me saying I’m the People’s Champion. I was just talking about what was said.” The well-known player, celebrated for his David Guetta ‘Titanium’ walk-on, revealed that the backlash extended beyond social media to include hurtful emails.
He expressed, “I’ve had quite a few emails as well. But I need to rise above that. People online are fickle.” In a conversation with talkSport, Bunting described some comments he received as “really hurtful” and acknowledged that he should refrain from reading online responses. Standing on the Ally Pally stage, he found the atmosphere isolating, admitting, “When you’re stood up on that stage it’s a lonely place, and if things don’t go right you can look at your family, look at your manager or sponsors, but it’s down to you.”
Bunting also voiced his anxieties about how spectators might react in light of the controversy. “I had a bit of hate online and I thought that was going to relate into the game, to be honest,” he remarked. However, the reception at the venue turned out to be overwhelmingly positive, as he praised the crowd’s support throughout his dominant performance.
As a player who prides himself on connecting with fans, Bunting highlighted his dedication to interaction across various platforms, noting that his YouTube following has exceeded 100,000 subscribers. “I like to give back to the fans through YouTube, TikTok, through everything I do. If they see me in a pub or wherever, Tesco or a shopping centre, I’ll always give time to the fans,” he explained. Following the championship, he looks forward to enjoying Christmas with his family before facing fellow Englishman James Hurrell in the last 32 on Saturday.
In the world of darts, the spotlight can easily shift from triumph to turmoil, a reality underscored by Bunting’s experience—a reminder of how the celebration of sport intersects with the weight of public opinion.
