Chris Via, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, opened the 2025 U.S. Open presented by Go Bowling! with an impressive performance at Royal Pin Woodland in Indianapolis.
Via posted a total of 1872 (234 avg.) over eight games, including a high game of 290. His score put him eight pins ahead of second-place Andrew Anderson, who recorded 1864.
The top five after Round 1 also featured 2024 PBA50 Player of the Year John Janawicz, who fired the tournament's only perfect game, finishing with 1845. Kristopher Prather 1844 and Anthony Simonsen 1837 rounded out the top five.
Via, who won the U.S. Open four years ago , credited his success to staying focused and controlling the pocket. He said he’s prepared for the challenging conditions ahead, particularly with a flat 37-foot oil pattern in the second round. Despite his lead, Via emphasized that it’s too early to focus on a second U.S. Open win.
"The U.S. Open is a big tournament; some say it’s the biggest one we bowl,” Via said to Gene J. Kanak of Bowlers Journal International. “I definitely wouldn’t be opposed to picking up another green jacket to go along with the one I already have, but it’s a little early to start thinking too much about that.
Over the course of three days, all 108 bowlers will complete 24 games of qualifying, with each day featuring a different oil pattern. After the third day, the field will be narrowed down to the top 24 bowlers, who will advance to the next stage of the 2025 U.S Open.
These 24 players will compete in three rounds of round-robin match play. Their 48-game totals, including 30 bonus pins for each match play win, will determine the final nine bowlers who will advance to the two stepladder finals broadcasts.
The first show, featuring seeds No. 5-9, will take place on February 1. The winner of that stepladder will join seeds No. 1-4 in the championship round on February 2, which will air on FOX.
The 2025 U.S. Open patterns
The 2025 U.S. Open is a joint effort between the United States Bowling Congress and the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America. It is recognized as a major event on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour and stands as one of the most prestigious tournaments in the sport.
With a prize fund surpassing $275,000, including a $100,000 top prize, the competition is fierce for every participant. Success in the 2025 U.S. Open will depend greatly on each bowler’s ability to conquer the four tough oil patterns, as this tournament is renowned for its challenging conditions. Royal Pin Woodland will once again serve as the venue, providing the perfect backdrop for thrilling matches and unforgettable moments as the world’s top bowlers compete for the title.
Live broadcast can be found throughout qualifying and match play on BowlTV.
