The 2026 Beat the Champs Tournament Concludes at Palos Lanes – Men’s Champion Edges Runner-Up by One Pin

The 63rd Annual Beat the Champs Adult Division Finals crowned two new champions, each taking home the $10,000 first-place prize. The finals, held at Palos Lanes in Palos Hills, Illinois, on March 15, 2026, concluded the tournament, which began on the first Sunday in December and secured 13,863 entries—up 2% compared to the previous year. One pin separated the Men’s Champion, Anthony Sheridan of Fox Bowl, from second-place finisher Justin Jones of Skyway Bowl, 1042 to 1041.

The Women’s Division, Nadine Louise Bleck of Wood Dale Bowl racked up a score of 1041 to defeat runner-up Judy Shaver of Poplar Creek Bowl, who shot 1009.

The event, which was sponsored and conducted by the Illinois State Bowling Proprietors’ Association, Storm Bowling, and Coolwick Apparel, welcomed a visit from last week’s PBA U.S. Open Champion, Patrick Dombrowski, who secured his first national touring title; he is currently an 11-time PBA Regional Champion. Dombrowski was a constant presence at the bowling center throughout the day, taking photos, signing autographs, and participating in the presentation of awards for both the morning’s 4th Annual Youth Championships as well as during the adult competition. Illinois State BPA Tournament Director Tom Sims spoke about what makes the Beat the Champs Tournament so special: “In addition to the long history of the event, we are most proud that throughout its history all net proceeds generated from this prestigious tournament are donated to charity.” As during the prior two years, the 2026 net proceeds will be donated to the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) and are expected to total more than $14,000 in donations —up 30% compared to the prior year.

The 4th Annual Beat the Champs Youth Division Finals crowned four champions at Palos Lanes in Palos Hills, Illinois, on March 15, 2026. The event, sponsored by the Illinois State Bowling Proprietors’ Association, Storm Bowling, and – Coolwick Apparel, awarded titles across four divisions:

12-17 Champion: Natalie Abruzzo, Don Carter Lanes, Rockford, Ill. – 773
Boys 12-17 Champion: Liam Letherby, Laraway Lanes, New Lenox, Ill. – 794
Girls 11 & Under Champion: Arya Vargas, Habetler Bowl, Ill. – 759
Boys 11 & Under Champion: Jase Royal, Laraway Lanes, New Lenox, Ill. – 724

The scoring was high, and the pace was quick, with all three games completed in less than 90 minutes. Laraway Lanes claimed both boys' titles. The Youth Division, added in 2023, has been a key complement to the historic Beat the Champs Tournament, now in its 63rd year. Adding to the excitement of the event, the 2026 PBA US Open Champion Patrick Dombrowski attended the event and participated in the presentations of awards.