Tunisia World Cup
I still remember the first time I watched Anthony Cuevas PBA compete—it was during the 2018 PBA Tour Finals, where he delivered what many now call his signature power strike. That moment wasn't just about knocking down pins; it was a masterclass in focus and execution. You see, what sets Anthony apart isn't just his physical skill but his mental approach, something that reminds me of a quote he once shared in an interview: "I just want to remind myself not to get nervous, to enjoy playing volleyball, and just show you how we play." Though he was referring to volleyball, that mindset perfectly captures how he approaches bowling—staying calm under pressure, embracing the moment, and letting his performance speak for itself.
When you break down Anthony's techniques, there's a beautiful simplicity to his game that many amateur bowlers overlook. His four-step approach, for instance, is deceptively straightforward but packed with subtle refinements. He maintains a consistent starting position with his feet shoulder-width apart, keeps his backswing controlled at around 90 degrees, and releases the ball with a smooth follow-through that minimizes spin variation. I've tried to incorporate elements of his style into my own practice sessions, and let me tell you, it's not as easy as he makes it look. One detail I particularly admire is how he adjusts his wrist position based on lane conditions—something I wish I'd learned earlier in my bowling journey. According to PBA statistics, Anthony's strike percentage hovers around 65% on challenging oil patterns, which is roughly 8-10% higher than the tour average. That's not just talent; it's relentless refinement.
His career highlights read like a bowling enthusiast's dream timeline. Anthony joined the PBA in 2015 and secured his first major title just two years later at the US Open, where he averaged 228.7 over 12 games. Since then, he's accumulated 14 professional victories, including three major championships. I've followed his performances closely, and what stands out to me is his consistency—he's finished in the top 10 in over 70% of the tournaments he's entered since 2019. But numbers only tell part of the story. Watching him comeback from a 35-pin deficit in the 2022 World Championship finals was pure artistry. He didn't just throw harder or change equipment; he adapted his mental game, much like that volleyball mindset he mentioned—staying present and trusting his training.
What really makes Anthony's techniques work, in my opinion, is how he balances power with precision. Many bowlers I've coached tend to overemphasize one or the other, but Anthony's release generates approximately 450-500 RPMs while maintaining an entry angle of 5-6 degrees—that's the sweet spot for maximizing pin carry without sacrificing control. I've noticed he often plays closer to the second arrow on heavier oil conditions, which allows him to create that perfect pocket shot. It's a strategy I've personally tested in league play, and while it requires practice, the results speak for themselves. His ability to read lane transitions mid-game is something I believe every serious bowler should study.
Beyond the technical aspects, Anthony's career teaches us about resilience. He missed nearly six months in 2020 due to a wrist injury that many thought might end his career. Instead, he used that time to develop his mental game further, often visualizing shots and studying lane patterns. When he returned, he won two of his next three tournaments. That comeback story resonates with me because it shows that bowling excellence isn't just about physical repetition—it's about adapting, learning, and sometimes, just enjoying the game despite the pressure. Anthony's approach embodies that balance between fierce competitiveness and genuine love for the sport.
Looking at his legacy so far, I'm convinced Anthony Cuevas PBA has redefined what modern bowling excellence looks like. His techniques combine traditional fundamentals with innovative adjustments, and his career highlights demonstrate what's possible when skill meets mindset. Whether you're a weekend bowler or aspiring professional, there's something to learn from his journey—perhaps starting with that simple but powerful idea: don't get nervous, enjoy the moment, and let your performance do the talking. After all, that philosophy has carried him through championship moments and challenging comebacks alike, proving that in bowling as in life, how you approach the game matters as much as how you play it.
