Tournament Strategy
A TOURNAMENT THAT ENDURES Lessons in Longevity and Engagement By Stephanie Davis
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ournaments remain a steady force in competitive bowling. Across the country, players continue to participate, especially when events evolve to meet changing expectations. Ask tournament operators whose events have lasted, and you’ll hear a common theme: keep updating the format, add new ways to compete, and make sure younger bowlers see something built for them. The Jackpot Classic is proof that approach works. Created and operated by the Washington State Bowling Proprietors Association (WBPA), the event has grown steadily over the past 30 years. What began with just 100 players has grown into a signature annual tradition. The 30th Anniversary celebration, set for June 2–5, 2026, at the Orleans Hotel Resort Casino in Las Vegas, is nearly sold out, with only a handful of spots remaining. Over three decades, the tournament has awarded more than $2.75 million in prize money, including roughly $120,000 paid out annually in cash during the event.
Greg Olsen
“All the work to get the event off the ground, and then 30 years later having two-and-ahalf times more people, it’s heartwarming,” says Greg Olsen, executive director of the Washington State Bowling Proprietors Association. “I’m proud of this in my career.”
What keeps bowlers engaged 30 years later? “You’ve got to pay attention to what your bowlers are telling you, and the numbers usually tell the story,” Olsen says. “If participation shifts, we adjust. If they’re gravitating toward certain formats, we build on that. The key is to keep evolving in a smart way, give them new ways to jump in, and make sure everyone walks away feeling like it was worth it. When people feel valued, they come back.”
16 IBI April 2026
NEW STRUCTURE FOR THE 2026 EVENT
In previous years, bowlers were only required to compete in doubles, with other formats optional. But the data told a different story. Over the past few years, 93% of participants also bowled team, and 89% competed in singles. This year, the event has different formats bundled together. “The board felt we should be consistent with the USBC Nationals,” Olsen explains. It simplifies registration. It reinforces the full competitive experience. And it reflects what bowlers were already choosing to do. “If you’re going to keep something alive for 30 years, you can’t just run it the same way and hope people show up,” Olsen says. “We pay attention to what our bowlers are already choosing to do, and then we build around that. The goal is to keep it competitive but also keep it fun and worth the trip.” The 2026 entry fee is $380 per person. That covers singles, doubles, team competition, team registration, and the awards party.