Stephen Bunting his hit back at a fan criticising him for his post-match comments following his World Championship opener.
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship is currently underway at London's iconic Alexandra Palace, with the likes of Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and fan favourite Beau Greaves all in action.
In his opening match of this year's competition, English superstar Bunting narrowly avoided what would have been the biggest upset of the competition so far as he beat Poland's Sebastian Bialecki 3-2 on Sunday evening.
Following the match, Bunting declared himself as the 'people's champion' and promised fans that this would be the year that he would finally win the PDC World Darts Championship.
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The comments were met with some backlash online, leading to Bunting himself hitting back at one fan who called him out for the claims.
Speaking after the win over Bialecki, Bunting said: "I'm Stephen Bunting. I'm the People's Champion. They're all going to go Bunting mental, no matter what happens.
"I believe I've got the best fan base in darts. I've got the best social media in darts. The only thing I'm lacking is the World Championship, and it's coming this year."
The comments led to some fans claiming that Bunting had allowed his popularity amongst fans to get to his head and make him a less likeable personality.
Reacting to the post, one fan wrote on X: "If your proclaiming your the peoples champ I can guarantee your not. Your just jump up p**** who’s let it get to their head . Buzzing for you to play someone decent and bottle it like always."
But Bunting wasn't prepared to take the criticism without firing back, as he replied to the fan claiming that he took on the title of the people's champion after he was dubbed it by Sky Sports and the PDC and that he is simply just a normal person working hard.
Replying to the fan, Bunting wrote: "Nope. Not proclaiming. I was dubbed it by sky/PDC and the media. I’m working very hard behind the scenes and I show my fans my persona and let them into my life, so I think that’s why they have taken to me so kindly.
"There will always be negativity but thankfully I have the greatest family, management, sponsors, and fans who can help me oversee it and look to the positive.
"Only time will tell what I can achieve in my career which has already been decent so far and I’m hoping that before I hang the darts up I can increase my trophy cabinet."
He added: "Have a great Christmas guys and hope you get everything you ask for. Remember it’s nice to be nice and remember, we are just human beings trying to do as best as we can x."
Following his first round win, Bunting will return to the oche against India's Nitin Kumar in the afternoon session of play on December 20.
Topics: Darts, Luke Littler, Luke Humphries
Ben McCrum