Stephen Bunting has almost unintentionally become one of the specific types of darts players that the British public likes. He was ridiculed online for years because to his appearance, his throwing, and even the way he held himself on the oche. Then something changed. He was struggling to maintain composure when he stood on the stage at Alexandra Palace in December 2025 following a significant victory. His name was chanted by the crowd. He dabbed at his eyes. The video was all over the place.
It provides more information about Bunting’s finances than any spreadsheet could, so it’s worth stopping there. Islands have never been purchased with darts money. It has been gradually earned over decades in chilly settings. Bunting, who was born in the Liverpool district of Fazakerley in 1985, has been involved since he was twelve years old. At that age, he watched Phil Taylor on television and decided that was the life he wanted.
| Bio Data | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Stephen Paul Bunting |
| Nickname | “The Bullet” |
| Born | 9 April 1985, Fazakerley, Liverpool, England |
| Age | 41 (as of April 2026) |
| Residence | St Helens, Merseyside |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Profession | Professional darts player (PDC) |
| Current PDC Ranking | World No. 9 (career-high No. 4, 2025) |
| Darts Used | 18g Target Signature Gen 5 |
| Walk-on Song | “Titanium” – David Guetta ft. Sia |
| Major Titles | BDO World Championship (2014), PDC Masters (2024) |
| Spouse | Married, with two sons |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~£1.8 million (2026) |
Although far higher figures can be found online, his estimated net worth as of 2026 is approximately £2 million. When you look at the actual prize money ledger, some sources give away £18 million, which seems excessively generous. Over the course of his 23 year career, he has reportedly won over £1.8 million in tournaments; in only the last two years, he has earned about £486,000. The amount that truly holds up is £2 million, which is supported by sponsorships and products. The higher figures could be the result of someone mistaking assets for earnings or just repeating an error until it became widely accepted.
Honest, traceable prize money makes up the majority of the riches. He won £65,000 after defeating Michael van Gerwen in the final of the 2024 Masters. At the International Darts Open in Germany, he won his maiden European Tour title and the Bahrain Darts Masters, both of which were worth £30,000. In 2024, a run to the semi finals contributed almost £100,000.
On its own, none of it is glamorous, but it stacks. Bunting has been incredibly consistent, ranking ninth in the world and peaked at number four in 2025. Darts favors players who consistently show up. The merchandise, on the other hand, has quietly grown to be a significant source of income. He’s talked about it with a sort of jaded delight, explaining how he now spends his time away from competitions packaging and delivering packages to the post office. It’s a minor yet illuminating detail. At his kitchen table, the People’s Champion folds T shirts. That has a very Merseyside feel about it.
The thing that most impresses you about Bunting is not how much money he has, but rather what he has decided to do with it. No supercars. No mansion. Rather, he invested in the garden and purchased a caravan at a Haven location in North Wales, which is an hour and a half away. He then moves the family there. He has made it clear that his wife Ciara and the children, not him, would spend the £1 million World Championship prize if he were to win it. Perhaps a tenner here and there for himself. It appears that his son Tobias, who is well liked by the public for his stage performances, possesses some of the priciest darts sets ever produced, indicating that there is a spending tendency in the family.
Underneath it all is a personal narrative. After being diagnosed with sleep aponia, which had been negatively affecting his health and performance, Bunting shed weight. This shift in fitness appeared to improve his form. His exceptionally light 12 gram Target darts fit his quick style, which initially earned him the moniker. Observing his journey from St Helens pub leagues to international honors, it’s difficult to deny that the love that is presently being bestowed upon him was long overdue.
Therefore, the figure isn’t the true headline. It’s the form of it. Bunting’s success was based on a relationship with fans that took years to develop and patience rather than excitement. It puts him squarely in the highest echelon of professional darts, regardless of whether the amount is £2 million or somewhat more. Not the wealthiest. Most likely, it won’t be. It seems unlikely that he would exchange the caravan for it.