Rob Cross, the 2018 World Darts Champion, returns to Alexandra Palace for the 2024/25 World Darts Championship. While the weight of his past victory undoubtedly rests on his shoulders, Cross approaches the tournament with a refreshing perspective: motivation, not pressure. His remarkable 2018 debut, a 7-2 victory over Phil Taylor just 11 months after turning professional, remains a testament to his skill and a potent source of inspiration.
Currently ranked world No. 4 on the PDC Order of Merit, Cross enters the tournament in excellent form. This consistent high performance underscores his status as one of the favorites. Instead of viewing his past triumph as added pressure, he leverages it as fuel, believing that if he’s won once, he can do it again. “I think there’s a big difference with winning stuff anyway,” Cross explained. “It’s always nice to know that you can win something. Because when you haven’t, you’re hoping you can.” He acknowledges the frustration of not repeating a championship win, noting a “six or seven-year drought” he aims to break.
Cross’s mental strategy is refreshingly straightforward. He avoids dwelling on past successes or failures, preferring a game-by-game approach. “Defending stuff doesn’t even enter my brain. I’m not that much of a thinker,” he admitted. He emphasizes viewing his past win as a positive rather than a burden, focusing on the present moment and the goal of winning each individual match. “Pressure’s man-made and it’s never a good thing,” he stated decisively. His ultimate goal: to be announced as a two-time world champion. Yet, his approach remains focused, game by game, with his sights firmly set on the ultimate prize.
The 2023/24 tournament offered a memorable experience, culminating in a dramatic semi-final against Luke Littler. Littler’s exceptional performance, averaging 106.05 with 16 maximums and impressive ton-plus finishes, secured a 6-2 victory. Cross, exhibiting remarkable sportsmanship, lauded Littler’s achievement. “To be honest, we’re all born trying to be winners, but it’s not nice when you lose. But look at the bigger picture; what Luke’s gone on to achieve after that is nothing short of amazing. He’s been amazing for the game.” This perspective highlights Cross’s maturity and his appreciation for the larger context of the sport.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape of darts, Cross acknowledges the increased competitiveness. “If you took it back ten years ago, you could probably pick three or four people who could win a tournament. Now, you’re looking at it, and you’ve probably got 24 out of 32.” This increased parity benefits viewers, making the tournament even more exciting and unpredictable.
The 2024/25 World Darts Championship begins at Alexandra Palace on Sunday, December 15th. The tournament runs through January 3rd, offering fans a thrilling two-week spectacle. With a blend of experience, skill, and a positive mindset, Rob Cross is undoubtedly a strong contender to claim the title once again. This year’s tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle of darting prowess and nail-biting finishes.
