The 2026 PBA Tour is moving fast. After Anthony Simonsen’s clinical win in Illinois on March 15, the best in the world are heading to Pro Bowl West for the 2026 PBA Indiana Classic.
With a $200,000 prize fund and $30,000 waiting for the winner, the stakes are high in Fort Wayne. While Simonsen is the man everyone is chasing right now, the history of this event shows that the Indiana swing is never easy.
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The Aulby 39 is a "grinder's" pattern. Pick the players who can fill frames to win this week.
Submit Your Picks"Bringing a Treat to the Fort"
The PBA has deep roots in Indiana, but this year marks a fresh start. While the Indiana Classic has historically been held in Anderson, owner David Small decided it was time for a change of scenery. “We haven’t done it in Fort Wayne, so let’s bring it up to the Fort and see, give them a treat,” Small told local news.
The move is expected to have a major impact on the local bowling community. Pro Bowl West General Manager Taylor Rossi noted that the event is a chance for families to "see what it’s really like" and help grow the sport.
One thing that makes this stop special for fans is the intimacy of the venue. As Small puts it: “There’s really no physical boundary between you and the professionals... you can actually reach out and touch the player and have a conversation with them”.
The Pattern: Aulby 39
While the fans might be there for the conversation, the players will be focused on the Aulby 39 oil pattern. This is a technical "flat" pattern designed to test a player's repeat-ability.
- Distance: 39 Feet
- Total Volume: 33.015 mL
- Pattern Ratio: 2.20:1
A 2.20:1 ratio means there is almost no room for error. If a player misses their target by even a single board, the ball won't hold the pocket. With over 33 mL of oil, it is a heavy pattern that will require aggressive equipment early on to keep the ball from sliding past the breakpoint.
Learn more about reading oil patterns and creating a game plan.
The 2026 Points Race: Top 10 Standings
As we head into Fort Wayne, the race for the #1 player of the PBA Tour 2026 is tightening up. Anthony Simonsen holds a narrow lead over EJ Tackett, but the rest of the Top 10 are all within striking distance if they can put together a deep run this week.
| Rank | Player | Points | Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anthony Simonsen | 10,765 | $84,000.00 |
| 2 | EJ Tackett | 10,075 | $80,250.00 |
| 3 | Patrick Dombrowski | 9,715 | $109,500.00 |
| 4 | Graham Fach | 9,635 | $66,600.00 |
| 5 | Brandon Bonta | 8,330 | $112,500.00 |
| 6 | Andrew Anderson | 5,605 | $25,000.00 |
| 7 | Tim Foy Jr. | 5,145 | $24,100.00 |
| 8 | Santtu Tahvanainen | 5,060 | $23,700.00 |
| 9 | Matt Ogle | 4,890 | $21,000.00 |
| 10 | Jason Belmonte | 4,800 | $15,500.00 |
Players to Watch
Anthony Simonsen is currently the undisputed #1. He leads the tour in points and is coming off a massive win in Illinois just two days ago. On a flat pattern like Aulby 39, his high-rev, two-handed game make him the heavy favorite.
EJ Tackett sits right behind him at #2 in the points race. Tackett is an Indiana native from nearby Bluffton and was the runner-up in the 2024 Indiana Classic. He will have the hometown crowd in Fort Wayne behind him and is desperate to secure his first title this season.
We also have to keep an eye on Kyle Troup. Troup is the defending champion of this event, winning the title in 2024 after qualifying as the third seed. While he is currently lower in the 2026 points standings, Troup can definitely turn on the heat.
Tournament Schedule (Eastern Time)
The tournament runs from Tuesday through Sunday, ending with a LIVE broadcast on The CW.
| Date | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Mar 17 | PTQ (7 Games) | 8:30 a.m. |
| Wednesday, Mar 18 | Qualifying Rd. 1 & 2 | 11 a.m. / 6 p.m. |
| Thursday, Mar 19 | Qualifying Rd. 3 & 4 | 11 a.m. / 6 p.m. |
| Friday, Mar 20 | Elimination Rounds | 11 a.m. / 6 p.m. |
| Sunday, Mar 22 | Finals (LIVE on The CW) | 4:00 p.m. |
The Bottom Line
As Anthony Simonsen looks to extend his lead in the points race, and EJ Tackett hunts for a win on home soil, the pressure at Pro Bowl West will be high. Fasten your seatbelts - this week is going to be fun!
