**Stephen Bunting Reveals Heart-warming Use of £100,000 Darts Winnings**
Stephen Bunting, one of darts’ most recognisable figures, has opened up about how he chose to spend his substantial winnings after a notable performance at this year’s World Darts Championship. The Liverpool-born star, affectionately nicknamed “The Bullet,” captivated fans during a spirited run to the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace before eventually being halted by Luke Littler, who went on to lift the trophy.
While many might expect a professional athlete to splurge such a windfall on flashy luxuries, Bunting has instead opted for a different kind of reward. Speaking candidly about his post-tournament life, Bunting revealed that he invested the £100,000 prize money primarily to bring lasting joy and relaxation to his family.
“A chunk of the money went into making improvements to our garden,” Bunting explained in a recent interview with Spin Bet. “We’ve also bought a caravan at a Haven site in North Wales, which has given us the perfect little getaway not too far from home. It’s somewhere peaceful for the family to enjoy time together and take a break from my hectic darts schedule.” For Bunting, the decision was all about having quality time with loved ones, particularly after the demanding world of professional darts often keeps him away.
Haven holiday parks, well known for their family-friendly atmosphere and plentiful activities for children, are an extremely popular choice in the UK. The site’s proximity—just an hour and a half’s drive from the Bunting household—means Stephen and his family can easily slip away from day-to-day demands, finding respite amidst busy tournament calendars. “It’s lovely having a luxurious caravan so close by,” he added. “It really helps to have a personal retreat.”
Bunting’s journey at the World Championship was particularly significant, matching his best ever result at the prestigious event. Upon returning home after the tournament, the reality of his relentless schedule quickly set in. “I came home on the day of the final, hadn’t seen my little one for a week, and straight away had to jet off to Germany for a pro-am gala,” he shared, illustrating the fast-paced and often unrelenting nature of a professional darts career.
There has been little time for extended celebrations as Bunting’s calendar remains packed. He has enjoyed further success this year, including claiming victory at the Bahrain Masters and securing his first European Tour title at the International Open in Germany, each tournament adding a further £30,000 to his growing earnings. Such frequent globetrotting leaves Bunting with precious few chances to pause and enjoy his achievements.
This season, Bunting also experienced a long-awaited return to the Premier League Darts competition, which features only the sport’s elite. It was his first inclusion in a decade, and the campaign proved challenging. Faced with a series of early exits—eight opening defeats in a row—Bunting’s perseverance eventually paid off when he clinched his first win of the season in Berlin on night nine. Unfortunately, his Premier League adventure came to an end in Sheffield, falling again to Luke Littler in the quarter-finals.
Despite a tough run—finishing bottom of the table with just one win, a runner-up spot, a pair of semi-final appearances, and twelve first-round exits—Bunting managed to collect a total of £60,000 in Premier League prize money, including a £10,000 bonus for his night win. Nevertheless, the competitive setbacks seemed to do little to dampen his spirits off the board.
Bunting’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the highs and lows of sporting life. The player, whose current career earnings in the PDC stand at £573,000, highlights the importance he places on family and normalcy amidst the pressure of high-level competition. “It doesn’t matter how much you win or lose,” he reflected, “there’s nothing quite like coming home to your kids and sharing those moments together.”
With the Premier League Darts play-offs just around the corner, the season promises more drama for fans, as Luke Littler prepares to face Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries does battle with Nathan Aspinall at London’s O2 Arena. But for Stephen Bunting, the real victory may lie in the rare chances to step back, relax, and enjoy simple pleasures with this family.
In an era where tales of extravagance among sports professionals are common, Bunting’s grounded approach stands out—a testament to values prioritising family, wellbeing, and balance over headlines and flashy spending.