Tackett Prevails in PBA USA vs. The World Captains Match over Belmonte

The latest chapter of the storied rivalry between three-time reigning PBA Player of the Year EJ Tackett and Jason Belmonte, the No. 1 ranked player of the last 25 PBA Tour seasons, was written on Sunday afternoon inside the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.

Tackett prevailed over Belmonte in the Captains Match, the prologue to the PBA USA vs. The World match April 4 on CBS and Paramount+.

Representing the Americans, Tackett defeated the Australian by a 266-227 margin on a pair of lanes located literally inside the museum and figuratively inside a time machine.

Belmonte stood little chance as Tackett threw 11 of 12 strikes in the game. Tackett's only imperfection: a pocket 7-10 split in the eighth frame.

While this latest victory reaped less promising rewards than Tackett's most recent win against Belmonte — a $100,000 top prize and three-peat of the PBA World championship last March — Tackett did secure lane choice and lineup selection order for the televised finals.

The April 4 finals will feature four singles matches between the USA and The World. Each match will be worth one point, while two points will be awarded to the team with the highest total score. A one-ball roll-off will be used to break any potential ties.

Following the Captains Match, Tackett and Belmonte each selected two players to join their respective teams.

To join the USA squad, Tackett called upon Andrew Anderson and Ethan Fiore, the two co-runners up in last season’s POTY voting.

Anderson finished second on tour in 2025 competition points, winning two titles and finishing runner-up to Tackett in the U.S. Open. Fiore, meanwhile, became the fourth-youngest major champion in PBA history when he won the PBA Players Championship in April.

While Tackett’s selections perhaps raised some eyebrows — leaving both Anthony Simonsen and Kyle Troup on the board — Belmonte’s picks went as many might have expected.

Belmonte tabbed Swedish star Jesper Svensson, who won last season’s PBA Tournament of Champions and PBA Playoffs. He also selected a fellow Triple Crown winner in Dom Barrett of the United Kingdom.

Belmonte also selected Svensson and Barrett in the 2023 PBA USA vs. The World event, which Belmonte’s team won in dominant fashion.

The fourth member of each team will be filled by the highest American and international-born player in 2026 competition points following the PBA Indiana Classic on March 22.

The 2026 PBA Tour season begins this week with the PBA Players Championship in Arlington, Texas.

Qualifying begins on Tuesday, leading to the Championship Sunday at 4 p.m. Eastern on The CW, marking the pro bowling’s debut on the broadcast partner’s network.