Rob Cross, once a dominant force in darts and the 2018 World Champion, is currently facing a significant career challenge. Despite a remarkable rise from amateur to world-beater, including a Premier League nine-darter and multiple major titles, ‘Voltage’ has seen his ranking drop sharply from world number four to 20th within a year. His recent form, including a tough loss to Luke Littler and struggles in qualifying for major tournaments, has many wondering if he can reverse this slide and reclaim his former glory. This article delves into his incredible journey and the hurdles he now faces.
The Astonishing Rise of ‘Voltage’
Before becoming a household name, Rob Cross showcased his raw talent as an amateur. In 2016, he made a remarkable run to the last 32 of the UK Open, where his journey was halted by none other than the legendary Michael van Gerwen, who even hit a nine-darter against him. This impressive amateur performance was a sign of things to come.
Cross quickly turned professional, earning his PDC Tour Card for 2017/18 by topping the PDC Challenge Tour Order of Merit, clinching three out of sixteen titles that season. His transition to the professional circuit was seamless. Just a week after reaching the fifth round of the 2017 UK Open (losing to eventual winner Peter Wright), Cross secured his first PDC title at Players Championship Three, defeating Mervyn King in a nail-biting last-leg decider. By the end of 2017, he had added three more Players Championship titles to his name, beating top players like Ian White, Peter Wright, and Adrian Lewis. His rapid ascent also saw him reach his first PDC major final at the European Championship, where he was a runner-up to Michael van Gerwen.
From Underdog to World Champion: A Darts Legend is Born
The 2018 World Darts Championship remains the most iconic chapter in Rob Cross’s career. Entering the tournament as the 20th seed, few predicted his fairytale run. Yet, ‘Voltage’ stunned the darts world with a series of incredible performances:
- He overcame fellow Englishman Michael Smith in a tense encounter where Smith missed two match darts.
- He defeated the 2017 World Youth Champion Dimitri Van den Bergh.
- His semi-final clash against the then-reigning World Darts Champion, Michael van Gerwen, was an instant classic. Cross triumphed in a sudden-death, last-leg decider after van Gerwen remarkably missed six match darts. This victory, against the tournament favorite, propelled him into the final.
- In the final, Cross faced the sixteen-time World Darts Champion, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, in what was Taylor’s final professional match. Cross delivered a masterclass, defeating Taylor 7-2 with an astonishing average of 107.67 – the third-highest ever recorded in a World Darts Championship final. This incredible debut championship victory cemented his place in darts history.
Further Major Triumphs
Cross didn’t stop there. He continued to add significant titles to his resume:
- 2019 World Matchplay: An 18-13 victory over Michael Smith in the final saw Cross become only the fourth player in history to win both the World Matchplay and the World Darts Championship. He maintained an average of over 98 throughout the tournament, overcoming strong opponents like Chris Dobey, Krzysztof Ratajski, Stephen Bunting, and Daryl Gurney.
- 2019 & 2021 European Championships: ‘Voltage’ secured two European Championship titles, further solidifying his status as a major winner.
- Premier League Darts: In 2019, he finished second in the league phase and reached the final, ultimately losing to Michael van Gerwen.
In total, Rob Cross has amassed 21 PDC titles, including five World Series of Darts titles, since earning his Tour Card in 2017.
The Champion’s Struggle: Current Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite his illustrious past, the darts world has recently witnessed a challenging period for Rob Cross. Just over a year ago, he was ranked world number four. Now, he finds himself at number 20 on the PDC Order of Merit. This sharp decline has raised questions about his future at the elite level.
One notable moment from his recent form was a spectacular nine-darter hit during the 2025 Premier League of Darts in Brighton, a testament to his enduring talent. However, consistency has been elusive.
A significant setback came at the 2026 World Darts Championship, where he faced the formidable Luke Littler in the fourth round. Despite averaging just under 99, Cross was defeated 4-2 by ‘The Nuke’, who went on to defend his world title. This loss prevented Cross from progressing further in the sport’s most prestigious tournament.
The coming year presents a crucial test for ‘Voltage’. He is scheduled to defend nearly 50% of his ranking money in 2026. This financial pressure, combined with his current ranking, has led many to predict a further slide down the rankings. He is currently projected to miss out on World Matchplay qualification, sitting outside the top sixteen in both the PDC Order of Merit and the Pro Tour Order of Merit. His chances were further dampened by an opening match, last-leg decider defeat to Dirk van Duijvenbode at the European Darts Trophy.
Despite these challenges, Cross has shown flashes of his former brilliance. At the 2026 UK Open, he made an impressive run, defeating Gian van Veen, Mike De Decker, and Daryl Gurney, before being narrowly beaten in a last-leg decider by James Wade in the quarter-finals. These moments remind fans of the champion he truly is.
The question remains: Can Rob Cross, the player who once shocked the darts world, rediscover his spark and climb back to the top? His journey continues to be one of the most compelling narratives in professional darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
