Stephen Bunting has voiced the opinion that Luke Littler has the potential to finish his career as the most outstanding darts competitor in history, even if he never amasses as many major titles as the sport’s iconic figure, Phil "The Power" Taylor. Bunting’s assessment comes after a dramatic season in which the 19‑year‑old prodigy seemed poised to dominate every ranking event on the 2026 calendar, only to suffer an unexpected defeat at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. At the start of the year Littler, who currently holds the world No. 1 ranking, had already captured the first six premier tournaments.
Following his triumphant World Championship win at Alexandra Palace in January, he added the World Masters, the UK Open, the Premier League, the World Cup of Darts and the World Matchplay to his trophy cabinet. The momentum suggested a clean‑sweep scenario: if he could also claim the World Series of Darts Finals, the World Grand Prix, the European Championship, the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals, he would have secured an unprecedented monopoly over the season’s most prestigious titles. That dream was shattered in the quarter‑finals when Jonny Clayton out‑performed Littler, ending his run in Amsterdam. Despite the loss, pundits and former champions alike are already projecting Littler as the greatest player the sport has ever produced.
Bunting, a seasoned veteran and former world champion, confirmed his belief during an interview with Sky Sports News. "I do," the 41‑year‑old said when asked whether Littler could end up being the greatest darts player of all time. "He still has a lot more to give to the sport." Bunting does, however, acknowledge that Phil Taylor’s record‑breaking tally of sixteen World Championships will likely remain untouched. "I think Littler will win many world titles, but I don’t think he’ll surpass Phil in sheer numbers," Bunting explained.
"The standard of play today is far higher than it was in Phil’s era, and Phil dominated his time." He also highlighted Littler’s cultural impact: "Luke has changed the demographic profile of darts. When people think of a darts player today, they name Luke Littler first. That says a lot about his influence." When pressed about who truly deserves the title of the sport’s best, Bunting preferred to let the two legends settle the debate themselves. "Luke’s ceiling is phenomenal; based on that, he is arguably the best player in the world right now.
Phil won 16 World Championships – you can’t take that away from him. If Phil tells me he’s the best, I’ll respect that.
I’d be happy to win one or two titles, but Luke is already smashing records." Bunting also praised Littler’s recent form, noting a fresh European Tour victory and a consistency that makes him appear almost unstoppable. Yet he cautioned that several other high‑potential players remain on the circuit, meaning any given tournament could produce a surprise outcome. During a recent episode of the "Love The Darts" podcast, Bunting addressed the hostile treatment Littler received at the World Series of Darts Finals, where he was booed and whistled by a vocal minority of spectators. "A loud whistle can really throw you off," Bunting said.
"I’ve experienced it myself. It’s unpleasant and can be distracting when you’re aiming for a double, but it’s only a small fraction of the crowd." Looking ahead, Bunting himself will be competing in the World Grand Prix in Leicester, hoping to improve on his two previous semi‑final appearances.
He expressed optimism about his chances: "I’m entering the tournament in good form, and the next few events should boost my confidence. The Grand Prix uses a double‑out format, which I love because it lets me showcase my finishing skills.
I’m excited for the fans and hope to bring home the title." Fans at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena will also enjoy Bunting’s new walk‑on music, "Titanium," which he says is his son’s favourite track. "I switched from the Peter Griffin and ‘Bird is the Word’ themes to something that resonates more with me and the crowd. When the arena sings ‘Let’s go Bunting‑mental,’ it feels like having a 12th man on the stage. The crowd’s energy helps me relax and perform better." Beyond the oche, Bunting recently discussed his forthcoming autobiography, "Bulletproof," with Sky Sports News.
The title nods to the lyric “I’m bullet‑proof” from his walk‑on anthem and reflects his personal journey of resilience. He opened up about the mental health challenges and online abuse he has faced, especially after the controversial "People’s Champion" incident that was taken out of context. "Social media can be a harsh place," Bunting admitted. "I’m fortunate to have a supportive team, family, and fans who helped me through a dark period.
The book covers my struggles with gambling addiction, which was a low point in my life. I was locked away, scrolling on my phone, placing bets, and it became a dangerous habit." He credited a combination of sports psychologists, hypnotists, and a strong support network for helping him break free from that cycle. "It was a way out at the time, but I managed to put it behind me.
If even a single reader can find hope in my story, the book will have served its purpose," he said. The article concludes with resources for readers who may be dealing with similar issues, directing them to Sky’s help pages. It also reminds fans that Sky Sports will continue to broadcast the major darts events of the season, including the World Grand Prix (September 28 – October 4), the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14 – 22) and the World Darts Championship (December 10 – January 3).
Viewers can stream all the action live via NOW without a contract, ensuring that the excitement of darts remains accessible to a global audience.