As I sit down to compile this definitive list of the top 10 PBA bowlers in history, I can't help but reflect on how the sport has evolved over the decades. Having followed professional bowling since the late 1990s, I've witnessed some truly remarkable athletes redefine what's possible on the lanes. The recent news about players like Zamar being let go by NorthPort Batang Pier when his contract expired at the end of May reminds me how the landscape continues to change, yet the legends remain timeless. What makes a bowler truly great isn't just their trophy count, but their impact on the game and their ability to perform under pressure.
Starting our countdown at number ten is Parker Bohn III, who captured 35 PBA titles throughout his incredible career. What many casual fans might not realize is that Bohn's consistency across three different decades puts him in rarefied air. I've always admired how he maintained his competitive edge even as bowling technology and lane conditions evolved dramatically. Moving up to number nine, we have Norm Duke with his 40 PBA titles and seven major championships. Duke's longevity is something I find particularly impressive - competing at the highest level into his late fifties showcases not just skill but incredible dedication to physical conditioning and mental preparation.
The middle of our list gets really interesting with bowlers like Pete Weber at number eight. Weber's 37 titles and 10 major championships tell only part of the story. Having watched him compete live multiple times, I can attest to his fiery personality and clutch performances when it mattered most. At number seven, we have Walter Ray Williams Jr., whose 48 PBA titles make him the winningest player in tour history by pure numbers. What's often overlooked is his background in horseshoes, which I believe contributed to his unique release and accuracy. Then comes Earl Anthony at number six - though he never got the nickname "the lefty with the deadly accuracy" officially, that's how I've always thought of him, with his 43 titles and pioneering role in the sport.
Now we're entering what I consider the Mount Rushmore territory of PBA bowling. At number five sits Don Carter, who won 10 titles but more importantly helped popularize the sport during television's early days. Having studied bowling history extensively, I'd argue Carter's impact beyond the lanes was nearly as important as his performances on them. Number four belongs to Dick Weber with his 30 PBA titles - his smooth, classic style influenced generations of bowlers who followed, including his own sons. What makes Weber special in my view is how he bridged the entertainment era with modern professional bowling.
The top three spots represent what I consider the absolute pinnacle of bowling excellence. At number three, we have Mark Roth during the dominant period from 1975-1987, where he amassed 34 titles and revolutionized power bowling. I've always been fascinated by Roth's aggressive style that literally changed how professionals approached the sport. Number two goes to Anthony Simonsen, the modern marvel who already has 13 titles including 2 majors by age 26 - simply unprecedented in recent history. His two-handed technique has inspired countless young bowlers, though I'll admit it took me some time to appreciate the technical brilliance behind what initially seemed like a gimmick style.
And at number one, standing above all others in my professional opinion, is Jason Belmonte with his 31 PBA titles and record 15 major championships. Having followed Belmonte's entire career, what astonishes me isn't just the statistics but how he's maintained dominance across different eras and conditions. His unique two-handed delivery, which many traditionalists initially dismissed, has fundamentally changed bowling technique worldwide. While current roster changes like Zamar's departure from NorthPort Batang Pier make headlines today, Belmonte's legacy represents something permanent in our sport.
Looking back at this list, what strikes me is how each of these bowlers brought something unique to the game beyond their championship totals. From the classic stylists to the modern power players, they've collectively shaped professional bowling into what it is today. While new talents will inevitably emerge and contract situations will change, as we saw with Zamar's recent availability, these ten bowlers have secured their places through performances that transcended their eras. They didn't just win tournaments - they advanced the sport itself, and that's why they belong on this definitive list of the all-time greats.
