Rob Cross, the 2018 PDC World Champion, has thrown down the gauntlet with a succinct yet steely 10-word comment ahead of the 2025 World Grand Prix: “I am still determined to grab the World No.1 spot.”
Spoken on October 6, 2025, at a press event in Leicester, this statement reflects Cross’ unyielding ambition to reclaim darts’ top ranking despite the colossal earnings gap between himself and rivals Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, whose 2025 paydays have redefined the sport’s financial landscape.
The Earnings Chasm: Littler and Humphries Lead the Pack
The PDC Order of Merit tells a stark story. Luke Humphries, the current world No. 1, tops the rankings with £1,684,750 in prize money over the past two years, driven by his 2023/24 World Championship and consistent Pro Tour performances.
Hot on his heels is Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation, with £1,545,500, fueled by his 2025 Triple Crown triumphs—PDC World Championship (£500,000), Premier League (£275,000), and World Matchplay (£200,000).
Cross, despite a respectable season with a European Championship title and steady major runs, lags significantly behind, with earnings roughly a third of the two Lukes’ totals, underscoring the financial dominance of the younger stars.<grok:render type=”render_inline_citation”>
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| Player | 2025 Prize Money (2-Year Order of Merit) | Key 2025 Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Humphries | £1,684,750 | World Championship finalist, Players Championship wins |
| Luke Littler | £1,545,500 | World Championship, Premier League, World Matchplay titles |
| Rob Cross | ~£500,000 (est.) | European Championship, Grand Prix quarterfinalist |
Cross’ Determination: Defying the Odds
Cross, now 35, is no stranger to overcoming challenges. His 2018 World Championship win as a debutant remains one of darts’ greatest underdog stories.
His 2025 season, while lacking the blockbuster titles of Littler or Humphries, included a European Championship crown and a 6-1 thrashing of Littler at the 2024 World Grand Prix, proving he can still compete with the elite.
His comment reflects a refusal to be overshadowed by the financial and competitive surge of Littler (18) and Humphries (30), who have redefined darts’ spotlight with nine-darters and massive fanbases.5
Cross’ resolve is timely as he enters the 2025 World Grand Prix, a double-start tournament he’s historically excelled in, reaching the semifinals in 2023. Facing Stephen Bunting in the first round on October 7, a deep run could boost his Order of Merit standing and close the gap to Humphries, especially with Littler’s recent management split and elbow concerns adding uncertainty.
The £120,000 winner’s prize at stake in Leicester could be a springboard for Cross to challenge for the No. 1 ranking by the 2026 World Championship.
The Bigger Picture: Darts’ Financial Boom
The financial disparity Cross faces reflects darts’ evolution into a high-stakes sport. Littler’s endorsements with Target Darts, boohooMAN, and Xbox, alongside Humphries’ sponsorships, have amplified their earnings beyond prize money, with Littler’s net worth reportedly nearing £2 million.
Cross, while commercially successful, hasn’t matched their off-stage pull, making his pursuit of the top spot a testament to grit over glamour.
His comment also nods to the competitive depth of the PDC, where veterans like Michael van Gerwen and emerging stars like Gian van Veen keep the pressure on.Reactions: Fans and Analysts Rally Behind Cross
Social media buzzed with support for Cross’ defiance, with X posts under #CrossNo1 praising his “never-say-die attitude.” Fans wrote: “Rob’s still got that fire—watch out, Lukes!”
Analyst Wayne Mardle lauded Cross’ mindset: “He’s not fazed by the money or hype. That’s why he’s still dangerous
Humphries, the reigning No. 1, acknowledged Cross’ threat: “Rob’s always a contender—he’s got that big-match mentality.”
As the World Grand Prix unfolds, Cross’ pursuit of the top spot, despite Littler and Humphries’ financial dominance, underscores his resilience in a sport where youth and earnings increasingly define the narrative
