Tournament of Champions Drama, Ohio's Alley Takeover & a New 4.7-Star Hidden Gem
Zach Wilkins dominates at the TOC, we add 31 new alleys (mostly Ohio!), and Potter's Alley in Morton, IL becomes our highest-rated new find.
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What a week for bowling stories — from Tournament of Champions fireworks to a massive Ohio alley expansion on BAiO. Plus, we found a 4.7-star gem that's got everyone talking.
🎳 On the Lanes
The 2026 PBA Tournament of Champions is set for its finale this Sunday at the legendary AMF Riviera Lanes, and the stepladder looks absolutely stacked. Zach Wilkins — who just won his first career title last week at the doubles championship — dominated qualifying by nearly 100 pins to earn the top seed. He's joined by Alex Horton, Andrew Anderson, Brandon Bonta, and four-time TOC champion Jason Belmonte.
Belmonte's comeback story is particularly compelling after taking a two-week hiatus. The 32-time PBA Tour champion looked rejuvenated during the week, while rookie Brandon Bonta continues his ridiculous season — he's chasing both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors. The finals air live Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on The CW, and honestly, any of these five could take it.
📣 Industry News
USBC's big moves continue with their 2026 Open Championships making waves in Reno. Armstrong Printing 1 jumped to the Team All-Events lead behind Tom Adcock's monster 2,234 all-events performance — the guy averaged 255 over his final eight games after a slow start. Meanwhile, the 2026 Women's Championships kicked off in Las Vegas with over 16,000 bowlers expected.
On the youth front, the PBA Jr. Strikeforce All-Star Team application window just opened for 2027. Ten youth bowlers will snag $1,000 scholarships plus KR Strikeforce gear — not a bad deal for rolling strikes and keeping your grades up.
📍 New on BAiO
We went absolutely bonkers this week, adding 31 new bowling alleys to the platform. Ohio dominated the additions with spots like Plain City Lanes & Pizza, Star Lanes at the Harbor in Port Clinton, and Twin Star Entertainment in Sandusky. Illinois got some love too with Tivoli Bowl in Downers Grove and Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl and Grill in East Peoria.
We also launched our Best Bowling in Indianapolis, IN city guide — because someone needs to help you find the good spots in Indy.
📊 Stat of the Week
Potter's Alley in Morton, IL takes the crown as our highest-rated new addition this week. This place is rocking a stellar 4.7/5 Google rating backed by 228 reviews. When a spot maintains that kind of rating with over 200 reviews, you know it's not just beginner's luck. People keep coming back, and that says everything.