Gary Haines Secures Emotional First PBA Tour Title at 2025 USBC Masters

On a memorable Sunday in Allen Park, Michigan, Gary Haines of Babylon, New York, etched his name into bowling history by winning the 2025 United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Masters. In front of a packed crowd at the famed Strobl Arena inside Thunderbowl Lanes, and millions watching live on FOX, Haines clinched his first-ever Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour title and major championship, defeating Anthony Simonsen of Las Vegas in a thrilling two-game final.

For Haines, the win was more than just a trophy—it was a long-awaited validation after years of coming close but falling short. His gritty performance, emotional gestures, and underdog journey made this year’s Masters one of the most captivating in recent memory.

The Road to Victory

The Challenge of Being No. 1

Haines entered Sunday’s stepladder finals as the tournament’s No. 1 seed and the only undefeated bowler in the field. This unique position meant that he had to be beaten twice in order to lose the championship—an advantage, but also a mental challenge. As he explained, his strategy was to use the first game to get comfortable, knowing he had a second chance if needed.

That plan, however, was quickly put to the test.

In the opening match of the championship round, Simonsen came out strong, firing an early “turkey” (three strikes in a row) and maintaining his lead throughout the game. Haines struggled to find his rhythm and fell to Simonsen by a score of 207-172, forcing a winner-take-all second game.

Rising Under Pressure

The second game began much like the first, with both bowlers trading strikes and spares but neither truly taking control. Haines appeared tense, missing opportunities and struggling to find the lane conditions that had favored him all week.

But it was in the critical moments of the match that Haines showed his resilience.

Heading into the ninth frame, the score remained tight. In a surprising and now unforgettable move, Haines called a time out and walked back to the settee area—not to consult with coaches, but to share a kiss with his wife, who was sitting in the front row alongside other family members.

This moment of affection was actually suggested by his ball rep, Dino Castillo, who sensed that Haines needed to reset mentally. “Dino told me, ‘Dude, you need to loosen up. Go over and kiss your wife,’” Haines revealed after the match. “I was hesitant at first, but after I threw it bad in the eighth and caught a lucky break, I figured why not.”

The crowd watched as Haines, clearly emotional, returned to the lane and delivered a perfect strike in the ninth frame. He followed it up with a high-flush hit in the tenth frame, sealing a narrow 192-186 victory over Simonsen.

The win earned him not only the coveted Masters title but also a $100,000 prize and, most importantly, his first PBA Tour trophy.

A Career-Defining Moment

For Anthony Simonsen, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. The 2025 Masters offered him a chance to become only the second bowler in history, alongside Australia’s Jason Belmonte, to win four Masters titles. Despite his strong start and dominant performance in Game 1, Simonsen fell just short and settled for the $50,000 runner-up prize.

The journey to the finals was no easy feat. Earlier in the day, Simonsen overcame two formidable opponents. He first defeated Bill O’Neill of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, 189-176, capitalizing on two late errors by O’Neill. Prior to that, O’Neill had bested Justin Knowles of Okemos, Michigan, 202-195, in the day’s opening match. O’Neill and Knowles earned $25,000 and $15,000, respectively, for their third- and fourth-place finishes.

The Masters tournament itself began on March 24, featuring a sold-out field of 390 bowlers from around the world. Players competed on a challenging 44-foot lane pattern designed specifically for the event. All qualifying and match-play rounds were streamed live on BowlTV, while the stepladder finals were broadcast on FS1 and FOX.

A Long Time Coming

Haines’ victory is even more impressive when considering his career history. At 36 years old, he is no newcomer to high-level competition but had never quite broken through. His resume included five runner-up finishes at PBA regional events, three second-place finishes at the Long Island Masters, and several near misses in the New England Bowlers Association (NEBA) tournaments.

“I’ve finished second so many times,” Haines admitted after the match. “It felt like I was always the guy who almost won. This week, finally, someone decided I deserved one.”

While Haines celebrated his long-awaited victory, he made it clear that this doesn’t signal a career shift to full-time professional bowling. “You probably won’t see me out here much more than before,” he said. “These guys do this for a living. It wouldn’t make sense for me to think I can suddenly be the best in the world. I still have a long way to go.”

Despite his modesty, Haines’ composure under pressure and ability to deliver when it mattered most proved that he belongs among bowling’s elite.

Conclusion

The 2025 USBC Masters will be remembered not only for the dramatic finish and intense competition but also for the human story behind the championship. Gary Haines’ journey—from perennial runner-up to Masters champion—was a testament to perseverance, family support, and the ability to rise above adversity when it counts.

His emotional moment with his wife on live television added a rare, heartfelt touch to the sport, reminding fans everywhere that behind every athlete is a story of dedication, struggle, and love.

As the confetti settled and Haines lifted the Masters trophy, it was clear that this victory was more than just a title—it was a life-changing moment he and his family will cherish forever.