The PBA USA vs. The World Captains Match delivered more than just a Sunday exhibition - it offered a rare early-season look at two of the sport’s biggest living legends.

Inside the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, on a pair of real wood lanes installed without markings or arrows, and human pinsetting machines, EJ Tackett struck 11 of 12 shots to defeat Australian Jason Belmonte 266–227.

Even though the match’s main purpose was to raise donations for the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, Team USA still gained a strategic advantage heading into the April 4 televised finals: lane choice and lineup control.

Tackett selected Andrew Anderson and Ethan Fiore to join him, while Belmonte chose Jesper Svensson and Dominic Barrett for Team World.

The final roster spot for each team will be awarded based on competition points after the PBA Indiana Classic in March.

The rivalry between Tackett and Belmonte remains one of the defining narratives of PBA - and Sunday’s match added another chapter.

But for fans - and for Belmonte himself - now entering his 19th season with 15 majors, a Super Slam, and a stated goal of reaching 20 major titles, the bigger story is what the year ahead represents.

At 42, the Australian icon has openly acknowledged that the last two years have been among the most difficult of his career.

Yet heading into 2026, something feels different. And Belmonte knows it.

BowlingLife spoke with him in an interview following the Captains Match to talk rivalry, tgood lads, and what he describes as a long-awaited return to feeling like the old self again.

It Was More About a Preview

Asked whether the Captains Match carried extra weight, especially given the rivalry narrative between him and Tackett, Belmonte brushed off the idea.

“I don’t think this match was about making a statement. The environment was unique and the atmosphere was cool, but I doubt very much either EJ or myself used this match as a statement match. It was more about a preview and team selections.”

The Winning Trio

Team World, led by Jason Belmonte, won the last two editions of PBA USA vs. The World - sweeping Team USA in 2023 and winning again in 2019.

Belmonte didn't think that Sunday’s result carries any weight heading into the April 4 event, especially since he’ll once again rely on the same winning trio.

His selections for Team World mirror the winning 2023 lineup: Dom Barrett and Jesper Svensson. And according to Belmonte, the reasons go far beyond their résumés.

A Rebuilt Mindset

In the last two seasons, Belmo was always somewhere in the contest for the titles, cashing in neary every PBA Tour event. But despite finishing 3rd in points last season and 5th in 2024, Belmonte has only two titles across his last three campaigns - a stark contrast to the five titles he collected in 2022 alone.

Belmonte acknowledged how difficult the last few years have been and shared, how much sweat he put in to change that.

“I’ve worked really hard on having a strong 2026. I’ve worked out more than I ever have. 4–5 times a week for 5 months. I’ve redefined my physical game slightly. Re-engineered parts of it. However the biggest change has been mentally. It has been a very difficult couple years for me mentally and I suffered through it. I feel much healthier and happier now which has released the version of old of me. I’m excited to be me again on the lanes.”

If Belmo truly feels like himself again, the PBA may be heading toward one of its most 'BOOM' seasons in years - and perhaps the beginning of another push toward the 20 majors Belmonte been chasing for the last decade.

It won't take long for the fans to see if Belmo's hard work payed off, as the new PBA Tour season starts today in Arlington, Texas, with the first major title on the line - PBA Players Championship.

The qualification will take place from Tuesday, February 17, until Friday, February 20, with the first broadcast on Sunday, February 22 at 4 p.m. Eastern on The CW.