Bowling has captured the attention of fans for years and has created captivating historical accounts. Looking back, we are surrounded by men and women who have made history and will be forever remembered for their incredible skills.
In our quest to recognize the best bowlers of all time, we travel through the years and let their journey remind us that bowling is not just a game, it’s also about skill, strategy, and power.
Join us as we celebrate the people behind the pins and the forgotten legends who made bowling what it is today.
Professional Bowlers Association [PBA] Greatest Bowlers Of All Time
Earl Anthony
Earl Anthony is the pinnacle of bowling excellence and is among those considered the best bowlers of all time.
With his remarkable left-handed style and precision, he dominated the game in the 1970s and 1980s.
His impressive record of 43 Professional Bowlers Association [PBA] titles, including 7 major championships, remains unmatched today.
Anthony’s ability to constantly hit the pocket and change positions set him apart from other bowling professionals.
His influence goes beyond his victories, changing the classic methods and techniques of sports.
Earl Anthony was a true pioneer and role model to upcoming bowlers and his legacy as a bowling legend lives on unwaveringly.
Pete Weber
Pete Weber shines as one of the best bowlers of all time. With 37 PBA wins, including 10 major championships, his skills are unmatched.
Weber’s charismatic and fearless style turned lanes into stages, captivating fans.
His iconic ‘Who Do You Think You Are? I am!’ moment and his cool-under-pressure attitude made him an unforgettable player and redefined his standards.
Pete Weber, no doubt, stands as a bowling icon.
Walter Ray Williams Jr
Another American professional bowler who earned the title of best bowler of all time is Walter Ray Williams. His unmatched record of 47 PBA wins, including 10 major titles, is a testament to his success and longevity.
Williams’ exceptional accuracy and versatility across various lane conditions emphasize his dominance.
Beyond the numbers, his dedication and humility inspire bowlers all over the world.
Mark Roth
Mark Roth was an American professional bowler who undeniably stands among the bowling greats. He is celebrated for revolutionizing bowling with his two-handed technique that changed the game entirely.
With 34 Professional Bowlers Association [PBA] titles and two majors, Roth’s style and approach to challenging the lane conditions showcased his brilliance.
Mark Roth’s contribution and skill left a lasting legacy, earning him a spot as one of the best bowlers of all time.
Norm Duke
Norm Duke is an American professional bowling legend and remains one of the greatest bowlers of all time.
With 40 Professional Bowlers Association [PBA] wins, his skills are exceptional. His precise aim and versatility across lane conditions set him apart.
Having won the PBA Player of the Year title twice, his consistent excellence is evident.
Beyond record-setting, his influence has greatly changed modern bowling strategy.
Best Male Bowlers Of All Time
Jason Belmonte
Jason Belmonte, an Australian professional bowler, is rightfully ranked among the greatest male bowlers of all time.
He won 24 Professional Bowlers Association [PBA] titles with his two-handed strokes and displayed unmatched accuracy. Furthermore, his four PBA Player of the Year awards demonstrated his unparalleled excellence in the sport.
Belmonte’s internationally acclaimed and innovative designs have revolutionized modern bowling techniques.
As a pioneer, he redefined the sport and solidified his place as one of the greatest male bowlers in history.
Mike Aulby
Mike Aulby is an Indiana professional bowler who’s at the top of the men’s bowling scene. With 29 Professional Bowlers Association [PBA] wins, his talent is unquestionable.
Aulby’s versatility and clear style set him apart from the rest. He bagged three major championships, showcasing his consistency.
His influence stems from his contributions to modern bowling technology.
Aulby’s incredible career and sportsmanship have earned him his place as one of the best male bowlers of all time.
Don Carter
Don Carter is an American professional bowler who has cemented his place as one of the best male bowlers of all time.
He boasts 10 Professional Bowlers Association [PBA] titles, making him an undeniably skilled player. He became the first superstar of bowling, which attracted the attention of fans as the popularity of the game grew.
Don’s influence went beyond his victories and shaped the image of bowling, further meriting his status.
Del Ballard Jr
Del Ballard Jr. stands out among male bowling superstars. With 13 Professional Bowlers Association [PBA] titles to his name, his talents are evident.
Ballard’s strong and composed style was crucial to his success while his competitive spirit and captivating presence won the hearts of his fans.
As a two-time major champion who contributed to the development of the sport, Ballard proved his talent and influence.
Del Ballard Jr has truly secured his place as one of the best male bowlers of all time.
Best Female Bowlers Of All Time
Lisa Wagner
Lisa Wagner, a retired professional bowler, stands out among female bowling legends. With 32 Professional Women’s Bowling Association [PWBA] titles, her remarkable skills are evident.
Wagner’s consistent and adaptable style set her apart from other female bowlers. With three major championships, she showcased her incredible prowess and ability.
Her impact and influence has greatly influenced women in bowling. Her legacy as a pioneer and role model has made Lisa Wagner one of the best female bowlers of all time.
Patty Costello
Patty Costello is a female bowling icon. Her 11 Professional Women’s Bowling Association [PWBA] wins are a testament to her strength.
As a pioneer and icon of excellence, Costello has greatly impacted and helped advance women’s bowling. Her composed yet calculated approach led to her indisputable success and influence.
Patty Costello’s legacy has earned her a title among the best female bowlers of all time.
Aleta Sill
Aleta Sill, a retired American professional bowler, is another female bowler who stands out as the best female bowler of all time. She holds 32 Professional Women’s Bowling Association [PWBA] titles that demonstrate her unbelievable skill.
Sill’s accuracy and style contributed to her lasting influence on women’s bowling and made way for advancements in the game.
Aleta Sill is an inspiration and has firmly established herself as one of the best female bowlers of all time.
Robin Romeo
Robin Romeo stands out as a women’s bowling legend, with 13 Professional Women’s Bowling Association [PWBA] titles in her name.
Her achievements of winning two major championships highlight her excellence. Moreover, her influence on women’s bowling is reflected in her contribution to the development of the game.
Robin Romeo is an inspiration whose background has placed her among the greatest female bowlers of all time.
Leanne Barrette-Hulsenberg
Leanne Barrette-Hulsenberg is a female bowling legend who boasts 27 Professional Women’s Bowling Association [PWBA] titles in her name.
Her versatile, balanced style is unique to her and has led her to secure three major championship awards.
Leanne’s impact on women’s bowling is evident through her significant contributions to the game’s growth and advancement.
She is an inspiration and her legacy has established her status as one of the best female bowlers of all time.
The Most Popular Bowlers
Liz Johnson
Liz Johnson is an American professional bowler who shines as one of the most loved bowlers of all time. With an impressive 25 Professional Women’s Bowling Association [PWBA] titles, her talent is unmistakable.
Johnson’s consistency and passion are a facet of her extraordinary talent, leading her to win six major championships.
Beyond her achievements, Liz Johnson’s warm personality, true sportsmanship, and friendliness have made her one of the most popular and respected bowlers of all time.
Mike Durbin
Mike Durbin is a charismatic and enduring figure in bowling history. His talent is unquestionable, with six Professional Bowling Association [PBA] titles.
Distinguished by his captivating persona and exceptional playing abilities, Durbin stands out from other players. Additionally, his position as a commentator and ambassador underscores his influence.
Mike’s contribution and engaging personality made him a fan favorite and a cherished figure in the bowling world, making him one of the most popular bowlers.
Amleto Monacelli
Amleto Monacelli is a bowler who enjoys immense popularity and stands as a widely adored bowling sensation.
Amleto has won 20 Professional Bowling Association [PBA] titles, proving his unbelievable talent. His distinctive technique and consistent play draw fans in to watch his incredible performance.
In addition to breaking records, his friendly demeanor and sportsmanship have endeared him to fans around the world.
Amleto’s long-term influence and contribution to the development of bowling around the world has made him one of the most popular bowlers of all time.
Kelly Kulick
Kelly Kulick displayed unmatched talent and determination following her historic victory in the 2010 Professional Bowling Association [PBA]championship.
Kulick cemented her status as the first woman to win a PBA event with such impressive success.
Beyond the records, her passion and dedication have inspired fans all over the world.
Her personality and sportsmanship, combined with her leadership spirit and performance, have earned her the status of one of the best bowlers of all time.
Jakob Butturff
Jakob Butturff stands as a charismatic bowling star, captivating fans worldwide.
Butturff’s cheerful personality and dynamic style of play sets him apart while his unique two-hand technique showcases his undeniable skills.
In addition to his talent, his genuine sportsmanship and amiable demeanor have endeared him to fans.
Jakob Butturff’s combination of energy, charisma, and fan connection has firmly established his status as one of the most popular and admired bowlers of all time.
Harry Smith
Harry Smith shines as a bowling icon and is beloved by fans worldwide for his friendly attitude and passion for bowling. His extraordinary history and influence are endless.
Smith’s prowess and advocacy set him apart and have earned him many accolades. Beyond this, his influence in the bowling world and his interactions with fans have made him an unforgettable figure.
Beyond his achievements, Harry Smith’s enduring popularity and great contributions have secured his place as one of the most loved and popular bowlers of all time.
Danielle McEwan
Danielle McEwan emerges as a loved bowling star. Many of her talents and skills have allowed her to stand out and achieve great victories.
Her agreeable personality and frequent online presence instilled confidence in her fans.
Along with her skills, sportsmanship and popularity make her a cherished player.
Danielle’s combination of talent, passion, and fan involvement has made her one of the most popular bowlers of all time.
Is Your Favorite Bowler Missing From Our List?
Bowling’s rich history is full of great bowlers who made incredible contributions to the sport.
While our list honors many of the greatest bowlers of all time, this list is not exhaustive, and personal preferences are inevitable.
The beauty of bowling is its diversity of players and techniques, providing a rich catalog of players for fans to love and admire.
If your favorite bowler failed to make this list, remember that their history is still tied to the success of bowling!
Conclusion
The legends we’ve explored stand as beacons. They marked their mastery of the game and dedication and have left a legacy worldwide.
The victories they won and the records they set point to their great sportsmanship and endurance.
Even as new talents arise, the existing legacies remain celebrated for their inspiration and guidance.
We truly recognize the hearts they have touched and the impact they’ve had on the evolution of bowling.