Who Are the PBA Greatest Players of All Time? A Definitive Ranking

When I first started following professional bowling back in the late 90s, I never imagined I'd one day be compiling what might be the most controversial list in PBA history. Ranking the greatest players isn't just about counting titles—it's about legacy, impact, and those unforgettable moments that define careers. Over my twenty-plus years covering this sport, I've witnessed everything from miraculous comebacks to heartbreaking near-misses, and through it all, certain names have consistently risen above the rest.

Let me start with what many consider the gold standard—Earl Anthony. With 43 PBA Tour titles and 10 major championships, Anthony's numbers speak for themselves, but they don't capture his revolutionary approach to the game. I've studied hours of his footage, and what strikes me isn't just his technical perfection but his mental toughness. He pioneered the controlled power game that so many bowlers emulate today. When Anthony stepped onto the approach, there was this palpable shift in the atmosphere—opponents knew they were facing someone who simply didn't make mistakes under pressure. His six PBA Player of the Year awards stand as a testament to his sustained excellence across different eras.

Then there's Walter Ray Williams Jr., whose 47 PBA Tour titles make him the winningest player in history statistically. I've had the privilege of interviewing Walter Ray multiple times, and what always amazed me was how he transformed from a horseshoe champion into a bowling legend. His unique style—that distinctive pushaway and relentless accuracy—made him nearly unbeatable on challenging lane conditions. I remember specifically the 2002-2003 season where he won four consecutive tournaments, a feat I haven't seen matched since. While some critics argue his game lacked the flash of others, his consistency across three decades proves that effectiveness trumps entertainment in the record books.

Pete Weber represents something different entirely—the fiery showman whose passion both fueled his greatness and occasionally undermined it. With 37 titles and 10 majors, Weber's accomplishments are staggering, but it's his longevity that truly impresses me. To win his last major at 52 years old in the 2013 Barbasol Tournament of Champions demonstrated a adaptability few possess. I was there that day, watching him battle not just his opponents but his own emotions—the famous "Who do you think you are? I am!" moment wasn't just television gold, it was the culmination of a career defined by dramatic performances.

Now, Jason Belmonte presents the most fascinating case study in modern bowling. His two-handed revolution initially drew skepticism, but his 14 major championships—the most in PBA history—have silenced all reasonable doubt. Having followed Belmonte's career from his early Australian days, I've watched him evolve from a novelty act into the most dominant force of the past decade. His 25 PBA Tour titles only tell part of the story; it's his reinvention of power bowling that secures his place here. The way he generates unprecedented rev rates while maintaining precision has forced an entire generation to reconsider their technique.

What makes these rankings particularly challenging is comparing across eras. Dick Weber's 26 titles came during bowling's golden age, when television first embraced the sport, while Norm Duke's 40 titles showcase remarkable versatility that sometimes gets overlooked. Duke's ability to win across five different decades speaks to a technical mastery I've rarely seen matched. Then there's Parker Bohn III, whose 35 titles reflect one of the smoothest approaches in history—I've always admired how he made excellence look effortless.

The current landscape adds another layer of complexity to these evaluations. When I consider players like EJ Tackett and Anthony Simonsen, I'm watching potential future legends in development. Tackett's 13 titles by age 30 put him on a trajectory that could challenge the all-time records if he maintains this pace. Meanwhile, Simonsen's unique ability to win majors while still in his early twenties suggests we might be witnessing the beginning of something special.

This brings me to why ranking greatness remains so subjective. Statistics provide the framework, but context determines the final order. That unexpected Indonesian victory over Thailand I witnessed last season reminded me how quickly narratives can shift in sports. Underdog stories happen, but sustained excellence across seasons—that's what separates the great from the legendary. The players I've mentioned have demonstrated that rare combination of skill, mental fortitude, and adaptability that transcends any single tournament outcome.

Looking at the complete picture, my definitive ranking places Walter Ray Williams Jr. at the top, followed closely by Earl Anthony and Jason Belmonte. Pete Weber claims the fourth position, with Norm Duke rounding out my top five. These choices reflect not just championship counts but impact on the sport, performance under pressure, and that intangible quality I can only describe as "greatness presence"—the ability to change a tournament's dynamics just by showing up. The beauty of bowling lies in these debates, and I suspect my list will generate as much discussion as it provides answers. What remains undeniable is that each of these athletes has left an indelible mark on the sport I love.