Rob "Voltage" Cross claimed his first PDC title of 2026 at Players Championship 22 in Wigan on 17 June, defeating Maik Kuivenhoven 8-5 in the final to win the £15,000 top prize. The former World Champion was in devastating form all day, winning seven consecutive matches and posting a tournament average of 98.91 to lift his 11th Players Championship crown.
It was a statement performance from the 35-year-old, who had endured a difficult start to the season after missing out on the 2026 Premier League for the first time since 2023. Cross answered his critics in emphatic fashion at the Robin Park Leisure Centre, producing multiple 100+ averages and a sensational semi-final display against Stephen Bunting that featured checkouts of 170, 130 and 127.
Cross's Path to the Title
From the very first arrow, Cross looked a man on a mission. He tore through the early rounds, dropping just two legs in his opening three matches to set the tone for a dominant day.
Early Rounds: Ruthless Against the Dutch Duo
Cross opened with back-to-back 6-1 demolitions of Dutch pair Chris Landman and Jimmy van Schie. The latter was dispatched with a blistering 103.43 average, a clear sign that Cross had brought his A-game to Wigan. A comfortable 6-2 win over Connor Scutt in Round 3 completed a ruthless march through the first half of the draw.
Last 16: Sharp Put to the Sword
David Sharp was the next to fall, and Cross saved arguably his best performance of the day for this one. Averaging 104.73, the 2018 World Champion barely gave Sharp a sniff, wrapping up a comprehensive 6-1 victory to book his quarter-final spot.
Quarter-Final: The Toughest Test
Alexander Merkx provided Cross with his stiffest challenge of the day. The Dutchman pushed Cross all the way in a tense encounter, but the former World Champion's experience proved decisive as he edged through 6-4. It was Cross's only match of the day decided by fewer than four legs.
Semi-Final: A Masterclass Against Bunting
If there was any doubt about Cross's intentions, the semi-final against Stephen Bunting erased them entirely. The 2019 World Matchplay champion produced a stunning display, averaging 102.82 and hitting three outrageous checkouts: a maximum 170, a 130 and a 127. Cross ran out a comfortable 7-3 winner against one of the form players on the ProTour, sending a clear message to whoever awaited him in the final.
The Final: Cross 8-5 Kuivenhoven
Maik Kuivenhoven was appearing in his maiden Players Championship final, and the 37-year-old Dutchman showed he belonged on the big stage by matching Cross stride for stride in the early exchanges.
Cross took the opening leg on double 18 before Kuivenhoven levelled with a double 10 finish. A 100 checkout on double 16 restored Cross's lead at 2-1, but Kuivenhoven hit back with a clinical 91 checkout to make it 2-2.
Cross edged ahead 3-2, then broke the Kuivenhoven throw with a double 10 finish to open up a 4-2 cushion. The Dutchman refused to go quietly, breaking straight back with his own double 10 and then levelling the contest at 4-4.
That was as close as Kuivenhoven would get. Cross found another gear, breaking the throw to lead 5-4 before producing a sensational 10-darter (scores of 140, 180, 149, finished on double 16) to go 6-4 up. A further break of throw made it 7-4, and although Kuivenhoven pulled one back to 7-5 via double 3, Cross sealed the deal in the next leg to complete an 8-5 victory.
Post-Match Reaction
"I always thought I was going to win, and when I'm like that, usually I do win," said Cross after the match.
The victory was Cross's first ranking title since Players Championship 1 in February 2025, ending a 16-month wait. Cross acknowledged the difficult spell he'd been through: "Three months ago I'm probably £15,000 adrift, but I managed to give myself a good kick."
The win all but secures his place at the World Matchplay in Blackpool next month, a tournament he won in 2019.
Rob Cross: Career Profile
For those new to the sport or looking to learn more about the man behind the "Voltage" nickname, Cross has one of the most remarkable stories in professional darts.
A former electrician from Hastings (hence "Voltage"), Cross turned professional in 2016 after winning a PDC Tour Card through the Challenge Tour. Just 18 months later, he stunned the sporting world by winning the 2018 PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, defeating Phil Taylor 7-2 in "The Power's" farewell match.
Cross has since gone on to win 22 PDC titles, including the 2019 World Matchplay and two European Championship titles (2019 and 2021). Currently ranked World No.22, this Players Championship victory is a timely reminder that the 35-year-old remains a serious threat on the ProTour circuit.
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What This Title Means for the Rest of 2026
This Players Championship 22 victory does more than add another trophy to the cabinet. It practically confirms Cross's World Matchplay qualification, giving him the chance to return to the Winter Gardens where he lifted the title in 2019. With form and confidence restored, Cross will fancy his chances of making a deep run in Blackpool.
More broadly, the win sends a message to the rest of the tour. Cross had been written off by some after a difficult 18 months, but performances like this prove that when "Voltage" is switched on, he remains one of the most dangerous players in world darts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Players Championship 22 in 2026?
Rob "Voltage" Cross won Players Championship 22, defeating Maik Kuivenhoven 8-5 in the final at the Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan on 17 June 2026. It was Cross's first PDC title of the season and his 11th Players Championship crown.
What was Rob Cross's tournament average at PC22?
Cross posted a tournament average of 98.91 across his seven matches. His highest individual match average was 104.73 against David Sharp in the Last 16. He also averaged 103.43 against Jimmy van Schie and 102.82 against Stephen Bunting in the semi-final.
How many Players Championship titles has Rob Cross won?
Players Championship 22 was Rob Cross's 11th Players Championship title, taking his total PDC career title count to 22. His major titles include the 2018 PDC World Championship, 2019 World Matchplay, and two European Championships (2019 and 2021).
What was Rob Cross's best checkout at PC22?
Cross hit a maximum 170 checkout in his semi-final against Stephen Bunting. He also hit finishes of 130 and 127 in the same match. In the final, he produced a brilliant 10-darter that included a 149 checkout on double 16.
Who is Maik Kuivenhoven?
Maik Kuivenhoven is a 37-year-old Dutch professional darts player. The Players Championship 22 final was his maiden Players Championship final appearance. Despite losing 8-5 to Cross, Kuivenhoven showed his quality by levelling the match at 4-4 before Cross pulled away.
Where can I buy Rob Cross darts?
You can browse the full Rob Cross collection at ArrowHeadz, including his signature Target Darts, flights and accessories. Cross uses 21.5g Target darts on the professional circuit.
