English · Hastings, East Sussex · Born 20 February 1990English professional darts player who became PDC World Champion in 2018, defeating Phil Taylor in his final match and reaching world number one.
Born in Hastings, East Sussex on February 20, 1990, Robert Cross worked as an electrician while developing his darts skills in local competitions. He spent years playing in amateur and semi-professional tournaments before making the significant decision to pursue darts professionally, earning his PDC Tour Card through Q-School in late 2016 to compete on the 2017 circuit. Cross's debut season produced one of professional sport's most extraordinary underdog stories. Within months of joining the PDC Tour, he captured the 2018 World Championship at Alexandra Palace, defeating Phil Taylor 7-2 in the final. The victory was doubly historic as it marked Taylor's final professional match, with the 16-time world champion retiring immediately after the defeat. Cross's triumph made him the first debutant to win the World Championship since the PDC's formation in 1992. His meteoric rise continued as he reached world number one in 2018, achieving the fastest ascent to the top ranking in PDC history. Following his breakthrough year, Cross established himself among the sport's elite competitors. He added the European Championship and World Grand Prix titles to his collection, demonstrating his ability to perform across different tournament formats. His consistent performances have maintained his position in the world's top ten, proving his initial success was not merely a remarkable fluke but the emergence of a genuine championship-caliber player. Cross's impact on darts extends beyond his tournament victories. His smooth, methodical throwing style and apparent composure under pressure have become hallmarks of his game, earning respect from peers and fans alike. His journey from electrician to world champion in a single season remains unparalleled in modern professional darts, inspiring countless amateur players to pursue their dreams. His victory over Taylor symbolically marked a generational transition in the sport, as a newcomer defeated the greatest player of the modern era in his final match.
Defeating Phil Taylor in his final professional match to win the 2018 PDC World Championship
Cross won the PDC World Championship at the very first attempt in his debut season on Tour — no player before or since has achieved this.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive, fast-paced player with strong finishing and ability to perform under pressure
Lasting Impact
Known as 'Voltage' for his explosive rise from electrician to world champion within months of turning professional
Career Honours
- PDC World Champion 2018
- PDC World No.1 2018
- European Championship
- World Grand Prix
- Defeated Phil Taylor in his final professional match