DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — It's one of the only places where striking is a good thing. The 2026 PBA Illinois Classic, hosted by Victory Lanes in Decatur, is already underway.
The competition brings nearly 100 pro bowlers from across the world to compete for the first place $30,000 prize.
Kyle Troup, a 12-time PBA Champion, said that the draw of seeing pros at work has kept people coming back every day.
"Just knowing the best bowlers in the world are here at Victory Lanes in Decatur. That opportunity doesn't come around too often," Troup said.
Victory Lanes owner David Small said he hopes the tournament will benefit the surrounding community.
"I do it for the community to bring the community together, bring some money into the economy. Get people to see from outside of Decatur what we have to offer. And then hopefully, that maybe that turns into some additional revenue for our city and our county," Small said.
Players will bowl 16 games between Tuesday and Wednesday. The top-ranking third of the players will move on to the next round. Then, the top 24 players will advance to a match-play bracket.
The finals will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 15. Tickets can be purchased online.
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
