In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of professional darts, Stephen “The Bullet” Bunting has announced his immediate retirement from the sport, citing a devastating physical decline.
The 2014 BDO World Champion and recent Masters winner made the emotional announcement via a prepared statement released on his social media channels this afternoon.
“A Painful Truth”
The statement, titled “A Painful Truth,” read in part: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I announce my retirement from professional darts. This is not a decision I ever wanted to make, nor one I make lightly. But I must be honest with myself, my family, and you, the incredible fans. The simple fact is that my hands are no longer strong.”
“For months now, I’ve been battling a progressive loss of strength and stability in my grip. The darts no longer feel like an extension of my arm. The consistent action that I’ve built my career on has become unreliable and, frankly, painful to maintain. After extensive medical consultation, it is clear that this is a permanent condition, not one that rest or treatment can fix.”
A Career Cut Short at Its Peak
The timing is particularly jarring for the darts community. The 39-year-old from St Helens had been enjoying a stunning resurgence on the PDC circuit. His electrifying victory at the 2024 Masters, where he finally claimed his first major PDC televised title, was seen as the launchpad for a late-career prime. Currently ranked within the world’s top 10, Bunting was considered a genuine threat for any major title.
His unique, rapid-fire throwing style, which earned him his nickname, required immense finger and wrist control—a control he now says is gone.
The Sport Reacts
The reaction from fellow professionals has been one of profound sadness and respect.
World Champion Luke Humphries posted: “Devastated to hear this. Stephen is a class act and was playing the best darts of his life. A huge loss for the sport. Wishing him all the best.”
Long-time rival and friend Michael Smith added: “Heartbreaking news. One of the best technicians the game has ever seen. The oche won’t be the same without The Bullet.”
The PDC released a statement praising Bunting as “a wonderful ambassador for darts, a major champion, and a player whose sportsmanship and skill have inspired thousands.”
What’s Next?
Bunting’s statement indicated he will not disappear from the sport entirely. “Darts is my life,” he wrote. “While I can no longer compete at the level you deserve, I hope to remain involved in the sport in some capacity, perhaps in coaching or commentary. For now, I need time to process this and be with my family.”
His sudden departure leaves a major void in the upcoming Premier League lineup and the wider tour. Tributes are expected to pour in throughout tonight’s scheduled night of darts in Liverpool, a poignant venue close to Bunting’s home.
Stephen Bunting retires as a beloved figure, a unique talent whose career bridged the BDO and PDC eras, and whose final chapter is marked not by a decline in passion, but by the cruel betrayal of his own body.