Ever wondered who dominates the lanes in the arena of tenpins?
From precision strikes to clutch spares, these 15 legends have knocked down the competition and bowled their way into history.
Ready to roll with the giants of the alley? Let’s dive into their striking achievements.
Best Bowlers:
- Earl Anthony
- Walter Ray Williams Jr.
- Pete Weber
- Norm Duke
- Dick Weber
- Mark Roth
- Don Carter
- Parker Bohn III
- Johnny Petraglia
- Brian Voss
- Amleto Monacelli
- Marshall Holman
- Chris Barnes
- Jason Belmonte
- Liz Johnson
Table of Contents
#1 Earl Anthony
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 27, 1938
- 🎳 Position/Role: Left-handed bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 43 PBA Tour titles, 6-time PBA Player of the Year, first bowler to earn over $1 million in career earnings
Known as “Square Earl” for his stoic demeanor and precision, Earl Anthony is widely considered one of the greatest professional bowlers of all time. His smooth left-handed delivery and exceptional spare-shooting ability set him apart in the sport.
Anthony revolutionized bowling with his focused and methodical approach, resulting in numerous titles and an avid fan following. His impact on the game endures through the Earl Anthony Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting young bowlers’ education. Earl’s legacy is further commemorated by the PBA’s Earl Anthony Players Championship, keeping his memory and contribution to the sport alive.
#2 Walter Ray Williams Jr.
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 6, 1959
- 🎳 Position/Role: Right-handed bowler, also known as a horseshoe pitcher
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 47 PBA Tour titles, 7-time PBA Player of the Year, 8-time PBA Tour leading money winner
Walter Ray Williams Jr., also known as “Deadeye” for his horseshoe pitching skills, is a legend in both bowling and horseshoe pitching. His versatility and accuracy have made him one of the most successful bowlers in history.
Williams is known for his adaptability on a variety of oil patterns and competitive tenacity. His name is synonymous with consistency and excellence in the bowling world. Aside from his bowling career, Walter Ray has also significantly contributed to promoting and playing horseshoe pitching, where he has multiple world championships to his name.
#3 Pete Weber
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 21, 1962
- 🎳 Position/Role: Right-handed bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 37 PBA Tour titles, 10 PBA Senior Tour titles, youngest player to win U.S. Open
Nicknamed “PDW,” Pete Weber is renowned for his fiery personality and animated celebrations. His aggressive style and unique high backswing are hallmarks of his successful career. Weber’s confidence and ability to perform under pressure have made him one of the sport’s most memorable players.
Arguably the most charismatic figure in professional bowling, Weber has faced controversies throughout his career but has always managed to remain a fan favorite. His influence in bringing nontraditional audiences to bowling is unmatched, and his legacy is cemented not only in his professional achievements but also in his character that has become a defining aspect of the sport.
#4 Norm Duke
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 25, 1964
- 🎳 Position/Role: Right-handed bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 40 PBA Tour titles, 7 major championships, youngest player to win a PBA Tour title
Norm Duke is admired for his precision and tactical mastery on the lanes. His compact style and versatility have allowed him to remain competitive across several decades. Duke’s ability to adjust to lane conditions and pace play to his advantage is a testament to his deep understanding of the sport.
Duke’s accessibility and willingness to educate others on the finer points of bowling have contributed greatly to the bowling community. He has become a beloved figure in the sport, both for his competitive spirit and his dedication to nurturing the next generation of bowlers.
#5 Dick Weber
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 23, 1929
- 🎳 Position/Role: Right-handed bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 30 PBA Tour titles, 6-time PBA Senior Tour winner, founding member of the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA)
Revered as a pioneer of professional bowling, Dick Weber was not only a consummate competitor but also a significant promoter of the sport. His smooth and classic style made him a favorite among fans and fellow bowlers alike. His affability and charm were as impactful as his undeniable skill on the lanes.
Weber’s contribution to the sport extends beyond his playing days; he was instrumental in establishing and nurturing the PBA. The legacy of this bowling legend continues through the success of his son, Pete Weber, thus solidifying the Weber family as bowling royalty.
#6 Mark Roth
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 10, 1951
- 🎳 Position/Role: Right-handed bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 34 PBA Tour titles, 2-time PBA Player of the Year, transformed the game with his powerful style
Dubbed the “Cranker,” Mark Roth brought power and revolutionized the modern game with his aggressive, high-speed delivery. He redefined the role of pin action in scoring and inspired future generations of power players in professional bowling.
Despite facing health challenges late in his career, Roth’s resilience and the love for the game remained evident. His innovations have left an indelible mark on the sport, and he continues to be celebrated for transforming bowling into a game of power and athleticism.
#7 Don Carter
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 29, 1926
- 🎳 Position/Role: Right-handed bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 7 major championships, 6-time Bowler of the Year, first athlete in American sports history to sign a $1 million endorsement deal
Don Carter was among the first superstars of professional bowling, known for his uniquely effective style and approach. His distinctive knee-knock delivery became his trademark, and his competitiveness and consistency set him apart as one of the game’s greatest.
Carter’s success and popularity led to an unprecedented endorsement deal with Ebonite, illustrating the potential for commercial success in bowling. Beyond the lanes, he made significant contributions to the sport’s growth, including the founding of the Professional Bowlers Association. His influence on bowling remains deeply felt, and his philanthropic efforts reinforced his legacy as a true ambassador of the game.
#8 Parker Bohn III
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 13, 1963
- 🎳 Position/Role: Left-handed bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 35 PBA Tour titles, 2-time PBA Player of the Year, known for his powerful and smooth delivery
Parker Bohn III stands out for his fluid, graceful style and passionate approach to bowling. He is celebrated for his superb shot-making ability and is regarded as one of the best left-handed bowlers in PBA history.
Bohn’s consistency and longevity in the sport are a testament to his dedication and love for bowling. He is not only a remarkable player but also serves as a mentor and advocate for the sport, frequently participating in charity events and promoting bowling at the grassroots level. His commitment extends beyond his own career, fostering a positive and lasting impact on future generations.
#9 Johnny Petraglia
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: March 3, 1947
- 🎳 Position/Role: Professional Bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: PBA Tour titles: 14, Senior Tour titles: 8, Triple Crown winner
“The Gentleman of Bowling,” Johnny Petraglia, is known for his smooth delivery and graceful style on the lanes. Despite facing injuries earlier in his career, he prevailed, becoming a favorite among fans and players alike for his finesse and sportsmanship.
Petraglia, a Vietnam veteran, has been actively involved in supporting veterans’ causes, which speaks to his character off the lanes. His dedication to bowling is seen in his continued involvement with the game, contributing to its growth and mentoring young players. His life beyond the alleys includes charity work and influencing policies to aid fellow veterans.
#10 Brian Voss
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 4, 1958
- 🎳 Position/Role: Professional Bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: PBA Tour titles: 25, World Championships gold medals, Hall of Fame inductee
Brian Voss, with a competitive spirit, has remained a force in the bowling world, known for his precision and an unflappable approach during competition. Voss has faced the challenge of evolving with the sport, adapting to new equipment and styles to maintain his top-tier status.
His influence extends beyond his bowling achievements through his coaching and contributions to the sport’s development. Voss’s charismatic personality has made him a beloved figure. Off the lanes, his contributions to charity and ongoing commitment to promoting bowling underscore the depth of his impact on the sport and community.
#11 Amleto Monacelli
- 🌍 Nationality: Venezuelan
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 27, 1961
- 🎳 Position/Role: Professional Bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: PBA Tour titles: 20, Senior Tour titles: 10, Hall of Fame inductee
Amleto Monacelli, a trailblazer for international players on the PBA Tour, is celebrated for his powerful and stylish delivery. He distinguished himself with forced adaptation due to wrist surgery, altering his iconic high backswing while maintaining his competitiveness.
His success paved the way for future generations of international bowlers to compete at the highest levels. Off the lanes, Monacelli’s charitable activities, including support for youth bowling initiatives, highlight his commitment to the sport. His personal life reflects his quiet dedication and passion for excellence within and beyond bowling.
#12 Marshall Holman
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: September 29, 1954
- 🎳 Position/Role: Professional Bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: PBA Tour titles: 22, Bowling Triple Crown, Hall of Fame inductee
Marshall Holman’s fiery competitiveness and demonstrative on-lane antics earned him the nickname “The Medford Meteor.” His emotional displays and brash confidence were a stark contrast to the typically reserved demeanor of bowlers of his era, making him a polarizing yet compelling figure in the sport.
Despite controversies from his temperament, Holman’s passion for bowling is undisputed, significantly raising the sport’s profile. Beyond his professional career, Holman has taken roles in commentary and remains a respected voice in the bowling community. His dynamic personality and the intensity have left an indelible mark on the game.
#13 Chris Barnes
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: February 25, 1970
- 🎳 Position/Role: Professional Bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: PBA Tour titles: 19, World Cup Champion, US Open winner, Hall of Fame inductee
Dubbed “The Technician,” Chris Barnes is highly regarded for his tactical approach and mental toughness. His methodical game planning and versatility have allowed him to secure victories in a wide array of lane conditions, showcasing his deep understanding of the sport.
Off the lanes, Barnes’s contribution includes work with youth bowlers, aiming to cultivate the next generation’s talent. His personal life has been one of balance, with his family and charity work being central to his off-field narrative. Barnes has been an advocate for autism awareness, inspired by his own family’s experience.
#14 Jason Belmonte
- 🌍 Nationality: Australian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 29, 1983
- 🎳 Position/Role: Professional Bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: PBA Tour titles: 28, Multiple PBA Player of the Year awards, Multiple major championship wins
Jason Belmonte, commonly known as “Belmo,” revolutionized the sport with his two-handed delivery style, generating unprecedented power and rev rates on the lane. His dominance in major championships cements his status as one of the all-time greats.
Belmonte’s impact is felt worldwide as he promotes bowling, inspiring players to innovate and adapt. Off the lanes, he’s invested in various businesses and remains an advocate for the sport’s growth. The Australian’s infectious enthusiasm and dedication to family life complement his stellar bowling achievements.
#15 Liz Johnson
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: May 2, 1973
- 🎳 Position/Role: Professional Bowler
- 🏆 Career Highlights: PWBA Tour titles: 24, USBC Queens (3× winner), PBA Women’s Series winner
Liz Johnson, a towering figure in women’s bowling, is renowned for her relentless consistency and cool demeanor under pressure. Her accolades as a PWBA and PBA competitor solidify her legendary status, breaking barriers for women in a predominantly male sport.
Johnson’s legacy is characterized by persistence and the shattering of gender norms, inspiring female athletes across all sports. Off the lanes, she is a role model for sportsmanship and dedicates time to advancing the presence of women in professional bowling. Her personal life, while private, underscores a commitment to equality and excellence in her sport.
FAQ
Who is the best Bowling player of all time?
Earl Anthony is the best Bowling player of all time. Here’s a link to our article on why we think Earl Anthony is the best Bowling player of all time. His record titles and influence on the game secure his legendary status.
Who are the top 10 greatest Bowling players of all time?
Earl Anthony, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Pete Weber, Norm Duke, Dick Weber, Mark Roth, Don Carter, Parker Bohn III, Johnny Petraglia, and Brian Voss are the top 10 greatest Bowling players of all time. Each has made significant contributions to the sport with championship wins and skill.
Who is the most famous female Bowling player?
Liz Johnson is the most famous female Bowling player. She has broken barriers in a predominantly male sport and has an impressive list of titles and accomplishments.
