Summer Recap: The Neon Nightmare Lights Up the Oche
What a summer it has been for Stowe “The Neon Nightmare” Buntz! From the bright lights of New York City to the intense weekends of the Championship Darts Corporation circuit and the excitement of DPFL Live, Stowe has been putting in the work, hitting big shots, and giving fans plenty to cheer about. Let’s take a look back at an incredible stretch of darts.
Starting Strong – CDC Weekend #1, Niagara Falls
The season kicked off in Niagara Falls, and Stowe wasted no time showing he was ready for the grind. After shaking off some early nerves, he battled through the bracket and clinched his first CDC title of the year in Event 2. Along the way, he showcased his scoring power and finishing ability, proving that the work he put in during the offseason was paying off.
Stowe Jr. also made his CDC debut, becoming the youngest tour card holder in history. Watching father and son compete together made this weekend one to remember, setting the tone for the months to come.
The Big Stage – PDC US Darts Masters & North American Championship
June brought one of the most exciting opportunities of the year as Stowe stepped onto the iconic stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
In the US Darts Masters, Stowe drew none other than World #1 Luke Humphries. The match was a back-and-forth battle, highlighted by Stowe’s fearless finishing — including two double bull checkouts that had the crowd on its feet. Humphries eventually claimed the 6–4 win, but The Neon Nightmare proved once again that he belongs with the best in the world.
In the North American Championship, Stowe got past Jules Van Dongen with a confident display to reach the semifinals. There, he ran into Canadian star Matt Campbell, falling short 6–2, but the performance added another chapter to his growing list of achievements.
It was a weekend filled with high-level darts, incredible atmosphere, and memories that will last a lifetime — for both Stowe, family, friends, sponsors and the fans who traveled to NYC to cheer him on.
Grinding the Circuit – CDC Weekends
Weekend #2 – Cambridge, Ontario
Back-to-back finals runs highlighted Weekend #2, where Stowe twice came up against Adam “The Reaper” Sevada. Though Sevada took both wins, Stowe lit up the event with one of the moments of the year — a perfect 9-darter in his semifinal vs Jim Long, only the 4th in CDC history!
Weekend #3 – Chicago, Illinois
Stowe took home another CDC title, battling past Leonard Gates, Joey Lynaugh, and Alex Spellman in the final. Add in semifinal and quarterfinal runs throughout the weekend, and it was another consistent showing full of high-level darts.
Weekend #4 – Brownsburg, Indiana
The Neon Nightmare struck gold again, with big victories over Danny Lauby, Jacob Taylor, and David Cameron before edging Adam Sevada 7–6 in the final. Multiple semifinal and Top 16 finishes rounded out another productive weekend.
Weekend #5 – Chicago, Illinois
The Neon Nightmare had another strong weekend in Chicago! In Event 11, Stowe reached the semi-finals, falling in a last-leg decider to David Cameron. He bounced back in Event 12, powering through the field to take first place, defeating Alex Spellman in the final. In Event 13, Stowe made another semi-final run, highlighted by a clutch 145 checkout in the quarters before losing to Darryl Christie.
DPFL Live – A Week to Remember
The summer also brought the DPFL Live Event, and what an unforgettable week it was. Stowe picked up multiple wins, including:
First Place – DPFL Open Doubles 501 with Alex Spellman
First Place – DPFL Champ Elite Doubles 501 with Alex Spellman
First Place – Shot Darts DPFL Open Cricket (2nd Chance)
First Place – DPFL Open WDF Silver Singles
Along with several deep runs in other events, it was an incredibly successful showing. But the highlight for many was the Exhibition Match featuring Stowe and Alex Spellman against international stars Raymond van Barneveld and Jermaine Wattimena. The atmosphere was electric, and the experience of sharing the stage with darting legends will be remembered for years to come.
Stowe Jr. and Layla also made their mark, both cashing in multiple events and taking home some hardware of their own, showing the Buntz family legacy in darts is only growing stronger.
Family on Tour
Beyond the wins and stats, this summer was special because it was shared with family. Having Crystal, Stowe Jr., and Layla traveling and competing alongside The Neon Nightmare made the journey all the more meaningful. Each of them contributed to the memories of a summer packed with darts and growth.
A Thank You to the Fans & Sponsors
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support from Crystal, the kids, family, friends, and all the incredible fans who cheer Stowe on from near and far.
And of course, a huge thank you to the sponsors who back The Neon Nightmare every step of the way!
Shot Darts
CONDOR
D’Angelo Sports & D’Angelo Darts
DPFL Darts
DJD
Triple 20 Dart Shoes
Team717
Defiance Darts
Herbert Management Group
The support makes the dream possible, and every checkout and every win is shared with you!
What’s Next?
The darting summer may be behind us, but the season is far from over. With the CDC Continental Cup on the horizon and more opportunities ahead, the Neon Nightmare is locked in and ready for what’s next.
Stay tuned, and thank you for being part of this journey. The best is yet to come!