Balance of Power: Title Defense with Individual Ambition Entering 2026 PBA season

Last Updated: February 11th, 2026
5 min read
By Rob Gotchall

The 2026 Professional Bowlers Association season opens with Storm, Roto Grip and 900 Global carrying both expectation and momentum. As the reigning Manufacturers Cup champion, Team Storm returns with the depth required to defend its title, while individual pursuits across the roster shape a season defined as much by ambition as by consistency.

That balance has become essential in the modern PBA landscape. Manufacturers Cup success is built over time, through depth and adaptability, while the sport’s legacy is written by those who rise above the field when it matters most. For Storm’s family of brands, the two paths are closely linked.

At the center stands Jason Belmonte, whose résumé already occupies a singular place in bowling history. Belmonte enters 2026 owning more major championships and Player of the Year honors than any competitor before him, yet the offseason has been marked by renewed intent. By his own account, he arrives more motivated and prepared than ever, with his focus squarely on extending a record that already sets the standard.

Alongside him, Anthony Simonsen begins the season with a different pursuit. Despite multiple majors and title success, Simonsen has yet to claim a Player of the Year award. As the on-lane leader of Roto Grip’s national team, his consistency now carries added weight. If sustained presence converts into victories, 2026 could mark the season when Simonsen asserts himself as the tour’s defining presence.

Momentum also surrounds Andrew Anderson, who finished runner-up in points in 2025 and already owns a Player of the Year award. Reliable across formats and increasingly comfortable in high-pressure moments, Anderson enters the season positioned to turn consistency into dominance and continue to be in the sport’s top individual conversation.

Another rising storyline belongs to Ryan Barnes, the 2025 PBA Rookie of the Year. Barnes’ rookie campaign showcased a talent that can compete with the best in the world and his sophomore season presents the next challenge: converting opportunity and execution into his first national title.

Within the Storm-branded roster, proven winners remain central to both individual and team success. Kyle Troup returns after a playoff appearance in 2025 that lacked the television presence fans have come to expect, while Jesper Svensson, Chris Via and Francois Lavoie continue to provide consistency and championship experience. The return of Dom Barrett adds further intrigue, as the major champion looks to reestablish himself in the winner’s circle.

Depth remains a defining strength. Storm is rounded out by veterans Darren Tang, Kyle Sherman, Patrick Dombrowski and newcomer Brad Miller.

Following Simonsen, Roto Grip’s roster includes Kris Prather, Kevin McCune, BJ Moore, Stuart Williams, Justin Knowles, Frank Snodgrass, Wes Mallott and newcomer Ben Sobel, each capable of contributing meaningful results across a demanding schedule.

Led by Anderson and R. Barnes 900 Global’s team is rounded out by Chris Barnes, Mitch Hupe, Chris Sloan, Thomas Larsen, Timmy Tan, Chase Nadeau, Brandon Bonta and Brian Robinson, bringing experience, versatility, up-and-comers and international perspective to the season-long push.

As the season begins, Storm’s objectives are intertwined. Individual success will depend on preparation, execution and timing. Defending the Manufacturers Cup will require sustained performance across the roster, while Roto Grip and 900 Global look to dethrone the reigning champs and write their own story.

For Belmonte, it is about adding to history. For Simonsen, it is about asserting himself as the season’s defining presence. For Anderson, it is about turning consistency into dominance. For Barnes, it is about arrival. For others, it is about return, validation or momentum.

The answers will come one frame at a time, but once again, Storm’s brands appear positioned at the center of the PBA conversation.

About Storm Products Inc.

Storm Products Inc. is the premier manufacturer of high-performance bowling equipment, featuring the Storm, Roto Grip, 900 Global, 3G, and Master brands. Based in Brigham City, Utah, Storm has led the industry in bowling innovation and technology for 40 years, committed to creating products that enhance player performance and grow the sport worldwide.