Stephen Bunting, the beloved darts player known for his amiable personality and trademark walk-on song "Titanium," opens up about the challenges of fame in the sport. Despite his success, Bunting has faced severe online abuse, including death threats directed at him and his son, Toby, after a disappointing performance during the world championship.

In a candid interview, Bunting describes his struggles with social media, particularly on X, which he finds toxic. He emphasizes the importance of platforms like Instagram and TikTok for maintaining a positive presence. As he promotes his new book, Bulletproof: From Pub to Palace, My Life in Darts, he reflects on the drastic changes in his life, noting that he is often recognized in public, which has its ups and downs.

Bunting recounts a particularly painful episode where he jokingly referred to himself as the "people’s champion" after a match, only to face a backlash from angry gamblers following his subsequent defeat. This hostility extended to his son, prompting Bunting to move Toby to a private school to escape bullying.

Despite these challenges, Bunting remains optimistic about his future in darts and the sport's growth, especially with ESPN's recent deal in America. He acknowledges the increasing competition from younger players like Luke Littler but believes that personality and character will continue to draw fans.

Bunting's journey has not been without its lows, including a struggle with gambling debts that nearly drove him away from the sport. With the help of a sports psychologist, he rebuilt his confidence and now maintains a rigorous playing schedule while also exploring new ventures, including a YouTube channel for football cards.

As he prepares for the next chapter in his career, Bunting remains committed to his fans and family, hoping to mentor Toby as he shows promise in darts. "Darts is getting harder now," he admits, but he feels confident about competing at an elite level for years to come.