Illinois Masters Format & Rules
Qualifying Round
ALL PARTICIPANTS will bowl 6 games of qualifying on the 2025 USBC Masters pattern, moving lanes to a predetermined schedule after each game. The tournament field is limited to a total of 133 bowlers, no more than 7 per pair. Bowlers will be seeded in a single-elimination bracket based on their 6-game scratch score from qualifying.
The number of entries will determine how many bowlers will advance to the bracket. More than 62 bowlers, the top 16 will advance to bracket play. More than 46 bowlers, but less than 61, cut to the top 12 bowlers, with the top 4 receiving byes. More than 30 bowlers, but less than 45, cut to the top 8. Less than 29 bowlers and we’ll cut to the top 6, with the top 2 receiving byes. If there is a tie for the last qualifying position, there will be a 9th and 10th frame roll off to determine who advances to the single-elimination bracket play. All other ties will be determined by highest last game in qualifying.
Single-Elimination Bracket Play
Single-elimination bracket play will consist of best 2 out of 3 game matches. The winner will move on, and the loser will be eliminated. Should there be a tie, there will be a one ball roll off until we have a winner. The final bowler at the end of all rounds will take home the title.
Tournament Rules
1. The tournament is open to all ADULT sanctioned male bowlers who are in good standing with the USBC and are currently sanctioned with USBC. You do NOT need to be an Illinois sanctioned bowler to participate. USBC memberships must be purchased prior to the event. Memberships will not be available for purchase on site. PBA members are welcomed. Youth bowlers are not able to participate.
2. The entry fee will be $140; $19 lineage, $1 software and trophy pin and $120 prize fund. One in every four bowlers will cash. After April 1st, the entry fee will be $160, with extra monies added to the prize fund. The winner will also receive a paid entry into the 2027 USBC Masters. The entry may be declined, and the winner will receive half of the entry fee in cash. The remaining amount will be applied to the following year.
3. Side pots and brackets will be available during the event. Brackets are $5, unlimited, and begin on games 1, 2, 3 and 4. High Game Pot is $40 and will pay the top game during each qualifying game. Survivor Pot is $40 and will pay at least 1 in 4 bowlers after game 6. All pots and brackets must be paid for before the first competition ball is thrown. ALL BRACKET AND SIDE POT MONEY MUST BE PICKED UP PRIOR TO LEAVING THE TOURNAMENT. We will not mail/send money that is not claimed at the end of the event.
4. Appropriate dress attire is required. All bowlers must wear either dress slacks or dress shorts, with a bowling style shirt. No jeans, cargo shorts/pants, tank tops, t shirts, or hats will be allowed. Name on your shirt is not required but recommended. You will not be allowed to bowl until dress code is followed.
5. Full payment is required no later than April 1st to secure your spot. Payments can be made via PayPal, Venmo, or CashApp. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER APRIL 13TH. Cash is the only acceptable form of payment the day of the event.
6. Check in will begin at 7:30am, and all bowlers are to be checked in by 8:45am. Practice will begin promptly at 8:50am, with tournament play starting at 9:00am.
7. If at any point during the tournament, a bowler is unable to finish, they will be given zeros for the remainder of the frames/games, and not be given a refund. If said bowler is unable to finish due to a non-emergency, they will not allowed to participate in the tournament the following year.
8. All bowlers entering this tournament are to follow USBC rules and policies. All decisions made by the tournament manager are FINAL. All other USBC rules will apply.
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