Graham Fach Wins the 2025 PBA Delaware Classic

The 2025 PBA Delaware Classic concluded in spectacular fashion, with Graham Fach emerging victorious in the first PBA tour show of the year. Held at Mid-County Lanes & Entertainment Center in Middletown, Delaware, the event featured intense competition, standout performances, and exceptional displays of skill on the challenging 35-foot Cheetah oil pattern. Here’s a closer look at Fach’s path to victory, what balls the pros used, and key tournament highlights.

Graham Fach’s Road to Victory

Graham Fach showcased remarkable consistency and adaptability throughout the tournament, culminating in a dominant performance during the stepladder finals. Fach’s ability to read the lanes and make precise adjustments proved critical as he outlasted the field in high-pressure matches. Fach battled through what looked like a busted open finger, causing bleeding and pain throughout his matches. His victory not only earned him the $30,000 top prize but also cemented his reputation as one of the elite bowlers on the PBA Tour. The victory also provides Fach with a renewed PBA exemption.

Key Matchups:

Match 2: Fach beats Davidson 256-242. Davidson stepped up in the 10th looking to strike out to force Fach to show up. Davidson split in the fill allowing Fach to win with just a mark.
Semifinals: Fach wins 249-226, eliminating Nick Pate in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. After Fach showed up in the 10th frame delievering all 3 strikes to put the pressure on, Pate needed to double in the 10th and could not finish.
Championship Match: In the final match, Fach defeated Jakob Butturff 277-200 after making key adjustments to his ball roll in the semifinal and carrying that over.

"I felt confident in my game plan and trusted my adjustments," Fach said during the post-tournament interview.

What Bowling Balls did the bowlers use during the 2025 PBA Delaware Classic

The 35-foot Cheetah oil pattern demanded precise ball motion and control, with bowlers relying on a mix of aggressive reactive resin and urethane options. Each athlete’s choice of equipment showcased their strategic approach to conquering this demanding condition.

Graham Fach: Fach stayed consistent to his game plan and used urethane for the stepladder. Fach used a Hammer Black Pearl Urethane. It looked like he used one with lane shine while also trying out one with more surface as the lane transitioned.
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Jakob Butturff: Butturff was also using a Hammer Black Pearl Urethane.
Nick Pate: Pate was using a pin below middle Brunswick Vaporize. This ball looked great for him and read the spot extremely well.
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AJ Johnson: Johnson used the MOTIV Tank Rampage Pearl. He also used the MOTIV Lethal Venom and Black Venom during match play.
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Michael Davidson: Davidson used the MOTIV Lethal Venom on the show. He also used this bowling ball for the majority of the tournament. The MOTIV Lethal Venom read the short pattern extremely well for a lot of bowlers in the tournament, giving it a new ranking in our top 10.
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Other Tournament Highlights

Michael Davidson’s Dominance in Qualifying: Davidson led the field after 12 games, averaging over 257 and setting the pace for the competition. Davidson also broke the 12 game scoring record on the PBA tour with a score of 3,086, surpassing the previous record, 3,083, set by left-handed PBA Hall of Famer Mike Aulby in 1996.

Rookies Shine Bright: Cam Crowe and Ryan Barnes made headlines with their impressive performances, each earning a bye into the Round of 16.
Match Play Thrills: The best-of-seven match play rounds featured several nail-biting finishes, with bowlers showcasing their ability to thrive under pressure. AJ Johnson won 2 matches that came down to the last game, needing 280 to beat Andrew Anderson in the round of 16.

The Impact of Graham Fach’s Victory

Graham Fach’s win at the 2025 PBA Delaware Classic is a testament to his skill, preparation, and resilience. With this victory, Fach continues to solidify his standing among the PBA’s elite, while inspiring fans and fellow competitors alike. He no longer should view himself as an imposter, as he mentioned during the pregame.

For fans and aspiring bowlers looking to emulate the success of the pros, understanding the importance of lane adjustments, strategic ball selection, and mental fortitude is key. Stay tuned for more coverage of the PBA Tour and in-depth analyses of top players and their equipment choices.