06/15/2026
Working Man!
- This past weekend, EJ Tackett's unprecedented fourth consecutive PBA World Championship was the headline. But in the wake of that achievement, I wanted to recognize another red hot story on the PBA Tour:
Canada has given the world gifts that endure — in music, none more beloved than Rush, one of the most gifted and uncompromising rock bands ever to take a lighted stage, and currently on their first tour in eleven years.
Now the bowling world is getting acquainted with another Canadian who is leaving his mark. Rush’s breakthrough song was Working Man, about someone who shows up, puts in the work, and will not be denied. Zach Wilkins spent the final stretch of the 2026 PBA season living it and proving it.
Wilkins came into April’s Roth/Holman Doubles Championship a 7-year veteran without a PBA title. He's closing out a breathtaking six-week close to the season on an adrenaline surge forever elevating him in PBA lore.
It started in Portland, Maine, where Wilkins and partner AJ Chapman claimed the Doubles title at Bayside Bowl — one of the most raucous and iconic venues in the sport, the kind of place that makes moments feel bigger. A first title, a first taste of victory. And then the door flew open.
As a new title holder, Wilkins earned entry into the next week's Tournament of Champions — the PBA's signature event — at historic AMF Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn, Ohio. In his very first appearance as a Tour Champion, he led the entire eclectic field after 48 high-pressure games. Falling to rookie Alex Horton in the title match, so agonizingly close to a major championship from the top position, could have been deflating. But to quote Rush, "today's Tom Sawyer. Mean, mean pride,” took over for Wilkins.
Next up was the World Series of Bowling, where Wilkins captured the Scorpion Championship — becoming the first two-time title winner on tour in 2026.
Meanwhile, he was in the hunt for the WSOB’s main event.
Seeded seventh for the WSOB PBA World Championship on CBS Sports, at a refurbished, hallowed and jam packed Strobl Arena at AMF Thunderbowl Lanes, Wilkins methodically ran over the extended stepladder table. First champion Jason Sterner. Then Brandon Bonta — the potential Rookie of the Year. Next the incomparable Jason Belmonte. Major champion Kris Prather. Hall of Famer Bill O'Neill. Major champion Chris Via. One after another, in succession, on national television. Six up, six down.
Of course, Wilkins walked into the championship match against EJ Tackett — a man of destiny, chasing history — and took him to the final ball before a shocking conclusion gave a Wilkins another second place finish in a major.
I spoke with Zach's mom after the match, and she told me Zach's favorite band is Rush. You'll note when Wilkins steps up and delivers a strike on our lighted stage, public address announcer Mike J plays his strike song from Rush, and the arena walls fill with the sounds of Canada - and Zach Wilkins' loud arrival in the bowling world.
📸Carrie Ogle
