8-time Professional Bowling Champion Jakob Butturff Dies at 32

PBA Commissioner Tom Clark praised Butturff's singular style and character in a statement released by the organization.

Published: 8/1/2026, 8:03:55 PM EDT

8-time Professional Bowling Champion Jakob Butturff Dies at 32 — A competitor clears the pins to score a strike during a bowling competition in a file photo. (Julian Finney/Getty Images for DAGOC)

Jakob Butturff, an eight-time Professional Bowlers Association Tour champion, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 31, the association announced in a press release. He was 32.

The organization also confirmed the news in a statement posted to X, saying it was "deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jakob Butturff" and that its "thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones.”

Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Commissioner Tom Clark praised Butturff's singular style and character in a statement released by the organization.

"Jakob was one of the most unique players in PBA history," Clark said. "Fans marveled at his delivery, as he rode a wave of strikes into becoming a top player in the sport, capable of winning at any time, in any event. Jakob was kind, he was respectful, and he was a champion. He will never be forgotten. Our hearts are with all Butters touched on his one-of-a-kind journey."

A Breakout Career

Butturff's rise to prominence began in 2016, when he captured his first two PBA Tour titles while also setting a PBA Regional Tour record with nine titles that season. That performance earned him Player of the Year honors in both the West and Northwest regions.

He continued to dominate regional competition, adding Northwest Region Player of the Year awards in both 2017 and 2018 and eventually compiling 27 career PBA Regional Tour titles.

Butturff's biggest achievement came in 2019, when he won the USBC Masters, his lone major title. That same season, he claimed three tour titles overall, finished runner-up to Jason Belmonte in the PBA World Championship, and placed second behind Belmonte in season points and earnings. He was also runner-up in voting for the Chris Schenkel PBA Player of the Year award that year.

His resume also includes a rare feat: bowling the 28th televised 300 game in PBA history during the 2020 PBA Tour Finals.

Internationally, Butturff represented his country seven times as a member of Team USA, helping the squad win multiple gold and silver medals, and he won the 2017 QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup.

Tributes Pour In From Fellow Bowlers

News of Butturff's death triggered an outpouring of grief from fellow competitors on social media.

"It ain't supposed to be like this," wrote EJ Tackett. "It's nothing short of soul crushing. Butters was one of the guys that would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need and he showed that time and time again. The bowling world lost today and it will never be the same. We all love you buddy. Until we meet again my friend."

AJ Johnson also shared a tribute. "Butters, I don't even have the words right now, but just know you will be missed, loved, and always remembered!" Johnson wrote. "You had one of the biggest hearts and made everyone laugh! I love you Butters, now go give your mom the biggest hug you always gave us!"

Belmonte, whom Butturff had competed against for major titles, wrote: "The PBA has lost one of its kindest."

The bowling news outlet Inside Bowling also honored Butturff in a social media post, crediting him with inspiring fans through his career achievements. "Today, we here at Inside Bowling mourn the passing of Jakob Butturff whose grace and perseverance inspired all of us," the organization said. "He was a dominant force on the PBA Tour winning 8 titles including one major, the USBC Masters in 2019. May Jakob's spirit live through all those who loved him."

Butturff was born and raised in Las Vegas and had also lived in Phoenix, Arizona, and Binghamton, New York.