Former World Champion Rob Cross Breaks Silence on Counselling as He Rebuilds His Career

Former world champion Rob Cross opened his account at the 2026 World Masters with an impressive victory over recent World Championship semi-finalist Ryan Searle.

But while the darts did the talking on stage, it was Cross’s honesty away from the board that ensured the post-match interview resonated far beyond the result itself.

Opening up beyond the match

The man who famously retired Phil Taylor by beating him in the legendary figure’s final-ever PDC appearance to win the 2018 World Championship revealed he is now taking steps to rebuild not just his career, but his life.

For the first time in his life, Cross admitted he is seeing a counsellor in a bid to get himself back on track, both personally and professionally.

This is not the first time Cross has spoken about his mental health struggles. At the recent PDC World Darts Championship, he opened up publicly in depth for the first time and revealed he had stopped taking medication.

“I’ve suffered with that for a long, long time,” Cross admitted to the post-match media.

“This is probably the first interview I’ve ever admitted it in. I was taking tablets because I felt low in life, like we all do. But I thought I was better off being mates with the person inside instead of trying to shut him off with no emotion. So, I stopped them before I came here. I feel okay. I feel great. It brings the happiness out instead of locking everything away.”

A career reset after a difficult year

After a disappointing 2025 by his own high standards, Cross has slipped to world number 20 in the Order of Merit, costing him his place in the 17-week Premier League roadshow.

Missing out on the Premier League has given him space to step back, reassess and focus fully on his wellbeing before attempting to climb back to the top level of the sport.

Cross described himself as being in a period of transition, admitting he had spent years putting up barriers rather than asking for help, something he now views very differently.

“I’m in a transition at the minute to try and get myself back to where I want to be. I’m in counselling, I’m going to admit that. It’s something that I’ve never done, I’ve always even scared of that at times.” 

“I never wanted to talk about my life, I’d put a wall up, put a front up and carry on.”

Early steps, real progress

Just a few weeks into counselling, Cross already feels the benefits and is committed to continuing the process.

“It’s helping. I’m about two, three weeks into it, and I’m going to carry on with it. I feel it’s doing different, but I’ve got to start somewhere.”

“I look at myself at the minute and it’s like a road to redemption really.”

“While I’ve got time. No Premier League, no World Series pretty much. That gives me time there to try and work on myself.”

Looking back — and forward

Cross went on to admit he believes he should have sought support much earlier in his life and career, even suggesting it could have changed the trajectory of his time as world champion.

"I'm not being rude I probably needed it for 20 years. I’m not saying its darts related or anything. It’s about enjoying life and enjoying things around me.”

“I should have done it years ago, then I wouldn’t been a better world champion but that remains to be seen.”

“I’m starting to wake up and look in the mirror and I’m starting to like myself. Maybe it’s a good turn of event and I’m glad I’m doing it,” he concluded.