The World Bowls Tour

The World Bowls Tour (WBT) was born from a shared vision among the world’s top players in the early 1990s. Determined to bring bowls to a wider audience, they set out to develop the sport for television, giving it a permanent window to the world. What began as the World Bowls Players Association — led by legends including Tony Allcock OBE, David Bryant CBE, Richard Corsie MBE, Andy Thomson MBE and Willie Wood MBE — evolved into the Professional Bowls Association, and in 1997, the World Bowls Tour was officially formed.

Since then, the WBT has become the driving force behind professional bowls, staging major televised tournaments and showcasing the sport’s finest talent to global audiences. From the historic first event — the International Open at Preston — to today’s world-renowned World Indoor Bowls Championships at Potters Resorts, the WBT continues to innovate and inspire. Working closely with the Professional Bowls Association, the World Indoor Bowls Council, and key commercial partners, the WBT remains committed to promoting bowls at every level — from the elite stage to grassroots clubs — ensuring the sport’s future shines brightly on screens and rinks around the world.