The 2025 International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Seniors & Grand Seniors Championships wrapped up at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada, celebrating an exciting week of world-class bowling. Athletes from 37 nations competed in spirited fashion across all events, with European bowlers delivering outstanding performances and securing numerous medals in both the Senior and Grand Senior divisions.
While Team USA led the overall medal tally, Europe demonstrated remarkable consistency and depth, earning podium finishes across nearly every category and reaffirming its strong presence on the global stage.
Senior Division – European Success Stories
Europe made a powerful impression in the Senior Division, with several countries capturing gold and multiple podiums.
- Germany emerged as one of the standout nations:
- Manuela Oing claimed Gold in Women’s Singles as well as Michaela Gobel-Jancka secured Bronze.
- Bodo Konieczny and Michael Kramer took Gold in Men’s Doubles.
- Team Germany added a Bronze in both the Men’s Team event and Women´s Team event as well as another Bronze in the Women’s Doubles by Martina Beckel and Michaela Gobel-Janka.
- Martina Beckel finaly claimed the Bronze in Women´s Masters.
- Italy also delivered an exceptional showing:
- Maurizio Celli and Marco Reviglio earned Silver in Men’s Doubles.
- Maurizio Celli went on to claim Bronze in the Men’s All-Events category.
- Alessandra Morra secured Silver in the Women´s Master.
- Belgium’s legendary Gery Verbruggen captured Bronze in Men’s Singles, while the Belgian men’s team joined Germany on the Men´s Team Bronze podium.
- Netherlands secured Silver in Men´s Teams competition.
- Finland continued its strong bowling tradition with Reija Lunden and Jaana Taavitsainen bringing home Bronze in Women’s Doubles.
Grand Senior Division – European Veterans Dominate
Europe’s Grand Seniors showcased their skill and experience with medal-winning performances across all disciplines:
- England led the European charge with multiple golds:
- Gary Baker and Kim Johnson won Men’s Doubles Gold, and
- Angie Brown and Diane Johnson secured Women’s Doubles Gold.
- Gary Baker won the Men´s All Event Bronze and
- Kim Johnson claimed the Men´s Silver in the Men´s Masters
- Angie Brown also claimed Women’s Masters Gold and Women’s All-Events Bronze, highlighting an extraordinary championship performance.
- France continued its rich tradition in senior bowling:
- Jacqueline Faure struck Gold in Women’s Singles, as well as Pepita Jacques added Bronze
- Yvan Augustin and Serge Frouvelle secured silver in Men´s Doubles.
- Team France earned Silver in the Women’s Team event
- Jacquelin Faure also claimed the Women´s all Events Silver
- Pepita Jacques finaly secured Women´s Masters Bronze.
- Germany’s Peter Knopp collected Silver in Men’s Singles, added another Bronze in Men’s Doubles together with Ralf Graewe and finally had Bronze in Men´s Masters.
- Czech Republic captured a notable Bronze in the Women’s Team event, while Iceland proudly joined them for Bronze in the Women´s Team. — a historic achievement for both nations.
A European Bowling Powerhouse
From Germany’s gold-medal runs to France’s elegant consistency and England’s veteran mastery, European bowlers reaffirmed their elite standing in the international arena. Their achievements underscore Europe’s ongoing commitment to developing excellence and fostering the sport across all age categories.