Beatthechamps

The 2026 Beat the Champs Tournament Concludes at Palos Lanes
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:

Girls 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.

As in previous years, all net proceeds from the tournament will be donated to charity. This year’s donation will once again be directed to the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), an organization dedicated to brightening the lives of veterans. This donation is expected to exceed $14,000, up from a year-ago, assisted by a growth in entries.

Prize list below.

63rd Annual Beat the Champs Target Score Show

The 63rd Annual Beat the Champs Target Score Show, featuring Hall of Fame bowlers Pete Weber and Leanne Hulsenberg,

alongside youth standouts Jos Weems and Anna Antony, delivered an exciting showcase of talent at Arena Lanes in Oak Lawn, Illinois, on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Sixteen-year-old Jos Weems stole the spotlight by rolling a remarkable 759 series to post the highest score of the event.

Approximately 250 bowling fans filled the center and enjoyed the spirited interactions between the bowlers and the fans.

The Beat the Champs Tournament was conducted during a weeklong in-house league qualifying round, with scores recorded throughout the week. The top scores, including handicap, will advance to qualifying rounds beginning in February. Bowlers advancing to the next zone finals will be notified in early February.

The Target Score Show honors the long-standing tradition of the tournament, which originally awarded an “I Beat the Champ” patch to bowlers who surpassed scores set by the professional competitors. While the format has evolved, today’s participants can access and print artist-rendered images of the bowlers competing in the Target Score Show through online access.

As part of the tournament’s tradition, all net proceeds are donated to charity. This year’s beneficiary is Bowlers to Veteran Links, an organization that provides funding for programs benefiting veterans’ needs. In addition, during the Target Score Show, strikes recorded in the 5th and 10th frames triggered additional donations to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah.

Event sponsors included Storm Bowling, Coolwick Apparel, and the Illinois State Bowling Proprietors’ Association. Fans can watch footage from the event at
https://www.facebook.com/StormisBowling
or https://www.youtube.com/

Adult Target Scores…
Pete Weber: 238, 237, 202 --- 677
Leanne Hulsenberg: 210, 169, 223 --- 602

Youth Child Scores…
Jos Weems: 226, 289, 244 --- 759
Anna Antony: 225, 205, 220 --- 650

The Field of 64 has been set for both the Adult and Youth Divisions - Norm Duke to Attend Event

Join us for what promises to be a memorable and exciting day at Hillside Bowl on March 16. One-Hundred and Twenty-Eight bowlers will compete to be crowned the 2025 Beat the Champs Contest Champions, one for each of the six divisions. This event has attracted an impressive 14,500 entries representing 45 Illinois State BPA Member Bowling Centers.

Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that PBA and USBC Hall of Famer, Norm Duke, will be attending the event! He will be available for photos and autographs, making this an even more memorable occasion for all attendees.

Event Details
Sunday, March 16
Hillside Bowl, 425 N. Hillside Avenue, Hillside, Illinois 60162
Youth Division: First Ball: 9:30 AM
Adult Division: First Ball: 1:00 PM
Note: Bowlers must check in at least 45 minutes before their scheduled start time.

Prizes........
Adult Division, payable for both divisions:
1st Pl: $10,000; 2nd Pl: $1,000; 3rd Pl: $500; 4th Pl: $250
2nd-4th Pl: Storm Bowling Ball (certificate) and Bag
5th Pl: Storm Bowling Ball (certificate) and Triple Roller Bag
6th Pl: 16th Pl: Storm Bowling Ball (certificate)
17th- 32nd Pl: Storm Triple Roller Bag

Youth Division:
Total Scholarships: $5,000 ($1,250 per division)

Awards per division:
1st Place: $400
2nd Place: $200
3rd & 4th Places: $125 each
5th - 8th Places: $100 each

Don't miss out on an action-packed day of bowling with the chance to meet a legend in the sport! We look forward to seeing you there!