ANALYSIS: Is Rob Cross Too Often Disrespected?

Rob Cross has long been one of the sport’s most consistent players. Yet despite a resume that would earn many players significant reverence, Cross often seems to fly under the radar, or worse, is overlooked entirely. This was on full display recently at the World Grand Prix when Cross defeated 17-year-old sensation Luke Littler, in a result that some described as an "upset."

In reality, there was little shocking about Cross's victory. He is a former World Champion, World Matchplay winner, and a man who currently ranks number 4 in the world. The result shouldn't have surprised anyone, yet Littler's rapid rise and status as one of the tournament favourites seemed to cast a shadow over Cross’s extensive achievements. Whilst a lot is being made of Littler losing, should more not be made of Cross’ victory?

This reaction raises an important question: is Rob Cross too often disrespected and overlooked?

Luke Littler came into the World Grand Prix one of the pre-tournament favourites on his debut, riding a wave of momentum that has seen him become one of the most talked about players in darts, despite his age. Littler’s talent is undeniable, and his incredible rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. But when he faced Rob Cross, it was a reminder that experience still counts for something in darts.

The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with Cross emerging victorious 2-1 in sets. Littler put up a fight, starting strong in both the first and second sets, but Cross’s experience and cool under pressure shone through. In the final set, with seven perfect darts in a row, Cross delivered a performance worthy of his nickname 'Voltage,' sending a clear message that he should not be underestimated.

Despite the quality of Cross's play, headlines afterward focused on the "shock" of Littler’s defeat. Whilst it was just the second time Cross defeated Littler, why should it be so shocking for a former world champion, currently ranked in the top four, to defeat a young up-and-comer?

To fully appreciate Rob Cross, we need to revisit his meteoric rise back in 2018. It seems incredible to think that its 6 years since Cross burst onto the scene at the PDC World Championship, defeating none other than the legendary Phil Taylor in the final to claim the world title. Not only was this Cross's debut at the World Championship, but his victory over Taylor, who was competing in his final professional match, cemented his place in history.

Cross’s performance that year was nothing short of sensational. In the final, he dismantled Taylor 7-2, a scoreline that shocked many. For a player in his first World Championship to beat the greatest darts player of all time in such a decisive fashion should have set Cross up as a superstar of the sport. And yet, in the years since, his name doesn’t seem to command the same respect as some of his rivals.

The following year, Cross added the World Matchplay title to his growing list of accomplishments. Winning the prestigious event in 2019 after defeating Michael Smith 18-13 in the final was another huge feather in his cap. Smith, now a former World Champion, was one of the sport’s brightest stars even back then, making Cross’s victory all the more impressive.

The World Matchplay is considered by many to be the second most prestigious title in darts after the World Championship, and Cross’s triumph should have solidified his status as one of the elite players of his generation. But for some reason, the level of recognition he deserves has often seemed to elude him.

In 2021, Cross won the European Championship for the second time, defeating Michael van Gerwen 11-8 in the final. To put this in perspective, beating Van Gerwen in a major final is no small feat. Van Gerwen, one of the most dominant players in darts history, was still in his prime, yet Cross held his nerve to claim his fourth PDC major title.

If we compare Cross to other players with four major titles, it’s clear he deserves more respect. Many players who have won fewer or an equal number of majors are regularly lauded in the darts community. Take players like Gary Anderson or Adrian Lewis, who are revered for their achievements, despite having similarly sized trophy cabinets to Cross.

Yet somehow, Cross seems to lack the same level of recognition, perhaps because his achievements have come in the shadow of players like Van Gerwen or Peter Wright, who have captured the imagination of fans with their flamboyant styles and larger-than-life personalities.

Cross's consistency was on display again in 2023 when he reached the finals of both the Masters and the Grand Slam of Darts. While he didn’t win either event, finishing as the runner-up in two prestigious tournaments in a single year speaks to his quality and staying power. Consistently reaching the latter stages of major tournaments is the mark of a top-tier player, yet Cross still doesn’t seem to receive the recognition his performances warrant.

One theory behind Cross’s lack of recognition could be his less extravagant personality compared to other stars in the game. While players like Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, and even rising star Luke Littler have cultivated distinct personas that draw fans in, Cross has always been more about business on the oche. His walk-on song, "I Don’t Wanna Wait" by David Guetta, might not whip the crowd into the same frenzy as Van Gerwen’s "Seven Nation Army", but it’s part of who Cross is: a focused, no-nonsense competitor.

This isn’t to say Cross doesn’t have fans. He certainly does, but he lacks the massive following of players like Van Gerwen, Wright, or even the teenage Littler. In a sport where personality and showmanship can play as big a role as talent, Cross’s quiet demeanour may have contributed to him being overlooked.

Cross’s victory over Gerwyn Price at the US Darts Masters earlier this year sparked a discussion about how underrated he is. On the podcast ‘Game On,’ Robert Marjanovic commented, “He’s one of the most underrated players on the tour. He’s even more underrated than Ian White, I think. He (White) was underrated, but we talked about him. We spoke highly of him. It was never surprising when he advanced and all that. But Cross is world champion! That’s someone you always have to talk about.”

Marijanovic makes a valid point. Cross is a former world champion, has won multiple majors, and continues to perform at the highest level. Yet, he’s rarely spoken about in the same breath as Van Gerwen, Price, or Wright. In fact, when discussing the future of darts, names like Luke Littler are often mentioned ahead of Cross, despite the fact that Littler, talented as he is, has yet to accomplish a fraction of what Cross has.

The darts community should give Rob Cross the respect he has earned. At 34 years old, with a world title, multiple majors, and a current top-four ranking, Cross has nothing left to prove. His victory over Luke Littler at the World Grand Prix wasn’t an upset, it was simply a reminder of his enduring quality.

Littler, undoubtedly, has a bright future ahead of him, and it’s possible that one day he will join Cross among the ranks of world champions. But for now, Rob Cross remains one of the sport’s elite players, and it’s time the darts world gave him the recognition he deserves. Cross may not be the flashiest player on the tour, but he is one of the most successful and consistent, and that should be respected.