8-time bowling tour champion Jakob Butturff dies at 32

Eight-time PBA Tour champion Jakob Butturff died on Friday, July 31, the Professional Bowlers Association announced. He was 32.

No cause of death was announced. The PBA said Butturff “died unexpectedly.”

“Jakob was one of the most unique players in PBA history,” PBA Commissioner Tom Clark said in a statement. “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.”

The PBA is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Jakob Butturff.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/2m4ZjAgXUM

— PBA Tour (@PBATour) August 1, 2026

Included in Butturff’s eight victories was a major win at the 2019 USBC Masters. He also picked up 27 PBA Regional Tour titles and was a 7-time member of Team USA, per the PBA. He bowled a televised 300 during the 2020 PBA Tour Finals.

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

😥Today, we here at Inside Bowling mourn the passing of Jakob Butturff whose grace and perseverance inspired all of us. 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. pic.twitter.com/oADa4zJ4tx

— InsideBowling (@InsideBowling) August 1, 2026

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 8-time bowling tour champion Jakob Butturff dies at 32