Feature
BOWLING, STRINGS,
AND A LITTLE
RENO MAGIC Competition, Camaraderie, and a Winter Getaway Await
W
hat happens when you mix great competition, a destination getaway, and a fresh spin on bowling technology? You get the Jackpot Classic String Machine Championship, a two-day event that’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about tournaments in the industry. Held at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada, the 2026 Jackpot Classic is already shaping up to be bigger and better than its debut in 2025. The event returns March 6–7, 2026, and promises plenty of what bowlers love most: good competition, good company, and a whole lot of side action. The String Machine Championship is an exciting new branch of the long-running Jackpot Classic brand, which has hosted its original tournament in Las Vegas for nearly 30 years. The Reno version brings that same energy, adding a modern twist with competition entirely on string machines. “The Jackpot Classic was designed to be a fun, social event that highlights how exciting string machine competition can be,” said tournament Greg Olsen director Greg Olsen.
WHERE FUN MEETS COMPETITION
The 2026 event will once again take over the lanes at the Grand Sierra Resort, one of the country’s top bowling destinations. 12 IBI January 2026
By Stephanie Davis
The hotel, renowned for its spacious rooms and impressive amenities, provides bowlers with the perfect backdrop for a mini vacation. “The Grand Sierra really sets the tone,” Olsen said. “It’s one of the most spectacular hotel-bowling centers in the U.S., and they’ve been a fantastic partner.” The event features divisions for singles, doubles, and fourperson teams. With a $300 entry fee per bowler ($1,200 per team), participants get nine games across two days, a hosted welcome reception, and an awards brunch. And yes, there’s plenty of prize money. Last year’s inaugural event paid out over $18,800 in prizes, plus another $12,000 through side brackets.
BOWLERS OF EVERY KIND
One reason the Jackpot Classic has gained popularity is its diverse mix of players. From scratch bowlers to casual league regulars, the 100% handicap format keeps things competitive and fun for everyone. “We had averages from 110 all the way up into the 200s,” Olsen explained. “That’s part of what makes it great. You might have a competitive bowler next to a couple just there to enjoy a weekend away. It’s a really exciting atmosphere.” Many participants turn the tournament into a mini getaway, often traveling with friends or other couples from their home