PBA All-Star Weekend 2025: One-Handers vs. Two-Handers & String Pins Debut

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) All-Star Weekend 2025 is set to break new ground by introducing two hot topics that always spark debate in the bowling community: a showdown between one-handed and two-handed bowling styles and—yes, you read that right—certified string pinspotters. The event will take place on April 5-6, 2025, at Foxx View Lanes in Waukesha, Wisconsin. The PBA All-Star Weekend will be broadcast on FS1.

Clash of Styles

A key highlight of the upcoming weekend will be the clash between two iconic bowling styles: one-handed and two-handed techniques.

For decades, one-handers dominated the sport. However, the rise of two-handers, led by stars like Jason Belmonte and Anthony Simonsen, has redefined the game and divided the bowling community. Traditionalists argue it has ruined the sport, while others believe it has brought positive change.

On April 5, the top five one-handers and top five two-handers in PBA Tour points will face off in a baker team competition. While the clash may not settle the debate entirely, it will give one camp a significant edge in the ongoing conversation about dominance in the sport.

Team rosters:

One-Handers

EJ Tackett
Andrew Anderson
Graham Fach
Jakob Butturff
Kris Prather

Two-Handers

Jason Belmonte
Chris Via
Tim Foy Jr.
Matt Ogle
Kyle Troup

The one-handed and two-handed teams compete in a best-of-five Baker match. Each player twill bowl two frames per game. If the teams win two games each, they will select three players to bowl a single shot each. The team with the highest combined score wins, and any ties will be settled with a one-ball roll-off.

Strike Derby Thrills

The excitement doesn’t end there. On April 6, the Strike Derby takes center stage, challenging players to a race against the clock in a test of power and endurance. This event will highlight the precision and athleticism required to excel at the highest level. Fans voted for their favorite competitors to participate in this event.

Players in Strike Derby:

Ryan Barnes - 900 Global
Packy Hanrahan - Brunswick
Keven Williams - DV8
Tommy Jones - Ebonite
Boog Krol - Hammer
EJ Tackett - MOTIV
Kris Prather - Roto Grip
Jason Belmonte - Storm
Jesper Svensson - defending champion

String Pins Make Their PBA Debut

For the first time in a televised PBA event, the competition will feature QubicaAMF’s EDGE String pinspotters, recently certified for professional play. This string pin technology has sparked lively debate among players and fans, and its debut at the PBA All-Star Weekend is sure to generate even more discussion.

Representatives of QubicaAMF Worldwide, the event's sponsor, believe that the introduction of string pins marks a significant step toward innovation in the sport.

“As presenting sponsor of the 2025 All-Star Weekend, we look forward to the exciting format and head-to-head competition on this fast-growing technology,” said Jay Buhl, Executive Vice President of QubicaAMF Worldwide.