Stephen Bunting confirms talks have taken place over new darts event that's being branded 'a genius idea' by fans
An exciting new event could be added to the darting calendar, according to Stephen Bunting, who has revealed that talks have taken place over a WWE-inspired tournament that would be "great" for the sport.
Earlier this year, former PDC professional Paul Nicholson shared his thoughts on a potential Royal Rumble-style darts event – an idea that was initially proposed in 2021, when the World Championship was taking place.
In short, 30 of the sport’s biggest names would compete in a 'winner stays on' competition whereby the loser of each match is replaced by a surprise entrant. Walk-on music and surprise guests have also been suggested.
"I think this idea of a darting Royal Rumble has been around for a while now but nobody's done it and it's still something that the public want to see," said Nicholson on the Sporting Life podcast in January.
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"This idea of starting two players on stage after drawing number one and number two and playing each other in whatever format is chosen. At the conclusion of that, someone else comes out at position 3, then you have another match before number 4 and so on and so on."
"The thing about this is, it's about audience interaction and it's about surprises because the person on the stage who remains there after winning, doesn't know who they're going to play next and the audience doesn’t have a clue who's coming," Nicholson added.
"The ability of this format to give something else to the fans, that element of 'we don't know what's coming next.' Everybody wants a bit of a surprise and this delivers it."
More than two months on from those comments and Stephen Bunting, the world number six, has publicly welcomed the idea. In fact, he says sponsors have already "talked about" plans to bring the tournament to life.
"I think it would definitely work, and it will sell tickets," Bunting said on The Bunting Effect podcast.
"It’s been talked about through some of the sponsors. That would be something Paddy Power would cling on to. The knockout feature, people coming in from the side – it would be great, and I would love to be a part of it. I like watching wrestling with my lad – Cody Rhodes is his favourite.”
Here's how fans on social media have previously reacted to the idea of a Royal Rumble-style darts event.
One said: "This would be top-tier entertainment. Can someone enter at 1 and win 29 straight legs? Hawaii 5-0 hits and Mardle comes down from the commentary box. Phil Taylor's music booms out again at number 30. Scenes."
A second wrote: "This needs to happen. The scenes when Titanium hits and Bunting runs down to the oche," and another commented: "This has to happen right? Genius."
A fourth said: "Number 30 lights go out the bell dings. Ryan Searle comes out as The Undertaker," and a fifth added: "Never wanted a sporting event more in my life."
Would you like to see it happen? Let us know in the comments.
Jack Kenmare