The 2024 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, a stage renowned for its electric atmosphere and high-stakes drama, took an unexpected turn when former champion Rob Cross found himself at the center of controversy. During his second-round defeat to Scott Williams on December 23, 2024, the 34-year-old darts star was caught on Sky Sports cameras making a lewd gesture, prompting potential disciplinary action from the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA). The incident, which overshadowed a record-breaking tournament that saw 14 seeded players eliminated, has sparked heated discussions about sportsmanship and the pressures of the sport’s grandest stage.
Cross, the 2018 world champion known as “Voltage” for his electrifying presence, entered the match against Williams as the fifth seed, buoyed by a strong 2023 season that included back-to-back World Series titles and a European Darts Grand Prix victory. The Hastings-born player started strong, clinching the first set with his trademark precision. However, Williams, a close friend and last year’s semi-finalist, turned the tide, winning three consecutive sets to secure a 3-1 upset. As Cross left the stage after losing the second set, visibly frustrated, he formed a loose grip with his right hand, raised it to his face, and moved it side to side while pushing his cheek out with his tongue—a gesture widely interpreted as obscene. “I made a gesture to my manager about how annoyed I was with my performance,” Cross later explained on social media, adding, “If it offended anyone, I apologise. Merry Christmas.”
The moment, broadcast live to millions, drew immediate attention. Williams, unfazed by the controversy, dismissed any tension, saying, “Firstly, I wasn’t aware of anything. Secondly, regardless of what he did, I don’t really care.” He emphasized their friendship, noting, “We had a chat beforehand; we had a chat afterwards. I love him; he’s great.” Despite their camaraderie, the DRA, responsible for upholding the sport’s code of conduct, is reportedly considering sanctions, with a fine likely for Cross. Reflecting on the incident after a victory at the Dutch Darts Masters on January 24, 2025, Cross confirmed he had received a letter from the DRA, stating, “I have actually [had the letter from the DRA]. I don’t even know whether I’m allowed to speak about that. Put it this way, for what I got fined, it’s the quickest fine I’ve ever paid. I’m guilty as charged and I’ve apologised about it.”
The incident unfolded against the backdrop of a chaotic World Championship, where upsets became the norm. Alongside Cross, high-profile seeds like Michael Smith, Gary Anderson, Dave Chisnall, and Raymond van Barneveld crashed out early, underscoring the sport’s growing competitiveness. “The standard is so high now, anybody can beat anybody,” said Chris Dobey, who reached the third round, echoing the sentiment that no player is safe in today’s fiercely contested field. Williams, ranked world number 34, advanced to face Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko, whose own fiery personality and appreciation for the Ally Pally crowd contrasted with Cross’s moment of frustration.
Cross’s early exit marked a disappointing chapter in an otherwise illustrious career. Since turning professional in 2017 after working as an electrician, he has amassed over £2 million in prize money, with his 2018 World Championship triumph over Phil Taylor—a 7-2 rout—remaining a career pinnacle. “I spend a lot of time away from my family, but they are so supportive,” Cross once told reporters, highlighting the sacrifices behind his success. His resilience shone through in 2024, when he staged a historic 5-4 comeback from 4-0 down against Dobey in the quarter-finals, only to falter against Williams. “I still believe, even when I’m 4-0 down,” he said after that earlier triumph, a testament to his never-say-die spirit.
The controversy has reignited debates about the intense scrutiny players face at Alexandra Palace, where the raucous crowd can both inspire and unsettle. Cross, no stranger to the Ally Pally atmosphere, has previously thrived under its pressure, but this incident highlighted the fine line between passion and propriety. His swift apology and payment of the DRA fine reflect a desire to move forward, with his focus now on the 2025 season, including a strong showing at the Dutch Darts Masters, where he defeated Richard Veenstra to reach the quarter-finals. As the darts world looks ahead to the 2026 World Championship, which promises a £1 million prize for the winner, Cross’s misstep serves as a reminder of the sport’s raw emotion and the challenges of maintaining composure under its brightest lights.
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