Imagine hitting rock bottom in the spotlight of a world championship, only to find the courage to share your deepest struggles publicly—what if that vulnerability could inspire millions? Rob Cross, the former darts champion, is bravely opening up about the personal challenges he's faced following his convincing 3-1 victory over Ian White in the second round of the tournament. But here's where it gets controversial: is it ever the right time to bare your soul, especially when you're still in the middle of a high-stakes competition?
Cross prefers not to delve into the heart-wrenching details of what he witnessed during a visit to a children's hospital in Cologne just a couple of weeks ago. He describes some of the stories as utterly devastating, yet he emphasizes that they're not his to share. Accompanied by fellow players after a charity exhibition the night before, the experience profoundly transformed him. 'It really makes you see the hardships others endure,' he reflects. 'And for those of us whose lives are relatively stable—with healthy families—it puts everything into perspective. It reminds us just how fortunate we are. No matter what you're dealing with, there's always someone facing something even tougher. That's why opening up and talking is so crucial.'
Now, Cross is choosing to speak out about his own journey. Perhaps the aftermath of a straightforward second-round triumph is as good a moment as any—or maybe not. He doesn't want to get bogged down in the minutiae, and he's quick to admit he hasn't figured it all out. Still, sharing his story helped him, so he's hoping it might resonate with others too. And this is the part most people miss: mental health isn't confined to the sports arena; it's a universal battle that transcends professions and backgrounds.
For the 2018 world champion, the year 2025 has been a relentless series of setbacks. His performance in the Premier League was dismal, leading to a sharp decline from world number 4 to number 20. He hasn't advanced beyond the second round in any major tournaments. Financial woes hit hard too, as he entered an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (a formal agreement to repay debts over time, often used in the UK for managing overwhelming financial obligations) to tackle over £450,000 in unpaid taxes. And just last week, his longtime manager Rob Bain—who Cross calls 'like a father figure'—was hospitalized.
Yet, when it comes to mental health challenges, cause and effect aren't always straightforward. 'I would've faced these issues regardless of whether darts was in the picture,' Cross explains. 'It doesn't matter your upbringing or your successes—if you're unhappy, you're simply unhappy. I might act like the tough guy on the outside, but that's not the reality. As humans, we can only handle so much before it breaks us down.'
He's battled these feelings long before darts entered his life, and like many, he grew up believing he had to be stronger, hiding his vulnerabilities. 'I'm guilty of not confiding in those closest to me, the people I trust most,' he admits. 'But if you want help, you have to speak up—otherwise, it will consume you.'
Amidst the turmoil on the darts stage, Cross has spent much of the year on a personal quest for self-discovery. He drifted in and out of tournaments, finding practice sessions a real grind. He tried medication for his ADHD, but made the personal decision to stop just before this championship. 'Medication can be helpful, but it sometimes dulls the edges when you need clarity,' he says. 'I thought staying on it might have led to an early exit from the tournament.'
And here's where the debate heats up: is stopping ADHD medication to perform at peak levels a smart choice for an athlete, or does it risk prioritizing short-term success over long-term well-being? Cross feels differently. 'I'd rather embrace the full me than suppress it, emotions and all. It lets my energy shine through rather than bottling it up. I think I'm on the mend now, though I still struggle to unwind—we'll work on that.'
Interestingly, despite everything, Cross has been performing admirably here, showcasing some of his best form of the year. Now, he can relax and enjoy the holiday season with his four young children, eagerly anticipating his last-32 matchup against Damon Heta. 'Losing today would've made for a bleak Christmas,' he confesses. 'I'd have gone home and moped like a child. But winning means I can savor the festivities with my little ones—it'll be priceless.'
Looking ahead, the puzzle of his career isn't fully assembled yet. Without reaching at least the semi-finals, he'll start 2026 outside the top 16, forcing a tough fight to qualify for major events. The Premier League is likely off the table for now, and he still owes the tax authorities. But if darts has brought him heartache, it's also his clearest path to redemption. 'The key for me,' he shares, 'is rediscovering the joy in it—the thrill of nailing that perfect shot under pressure, the rush of adrenaline. Money won't transform my life; nothing can. But clinching the world title? That's the ultimate achievement in this sport, and that's what matters most.'
In the UK, if you're struggling with mental health, the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. For additional support, Mind offers help at 0300 123 3393 or through their website at mind.org.uk.
What do you think—should professional athletes like Rob Cross prioritize mental health disclosures even during competitions, or could it be seen as a distraction? Do you agree that medication for conditions like ADHD should be a personal choice, or is there a responsibility to the sport? Share your opinions in the comments below; let's spark a conversation!
