Randy Pedersen, the beloved bowling commentator and 13-time PBA Tour title winner, has died at the age of 64.
A towering presence in professional bowling, Pedersen ranked among the sport’s elite during a remarkable run from 1986 through 1995. His career highlight came in 1986, when he captured the PBA National Championship — the lone major title of his playing career.
The North Carolina-born star later became the 24th player in PBA history to surpass $1 million in career earnings. He reached that milestone after claiming his final tour victory, the 2002 Pepsi Open, at 40 years old, before embarking on an equally recognizable broadcasting career.
Pedersen joined ESPN’s PBA coverage in 2001 and quickly became a favorite among fans. He stayed with the network until ESPN’s bowling agreement concluded in 2018, then followed the tour to Fox Sports in 2019. He also worked as an analyst during PBA broadcasts on CBS Sports Network.
After Fox’s PBA broadcast partnership ended in 2025 and the league shifted its television coverage to The CW and CBS, current PBA competitor Kyle Sherman took over Pedersen’s analyst position.
Known for his sharp humor, memorable sayings and unmistakable energy, Pedersen helped bring professional bowling to a wider TV audience while making the sport accessible to casual viewers.
Randy Pedersen, a 13-time PBA Tour winner and bowling legend, has died at the age of 64
Pedersen covered PBA events for ESPN then Fox Sports when the sport moved to the network
Explaining his approach to broadcasting, Pedersen once said: ‘I want to convey to the viewing public that they are watching the best bowlers in the world. It’s my job to explain what makes them that good, as well as provide other information that ‘Johnny 150 average’ doesn’t already know.’
He added: ‘One thing I learned is if you can bring enthusiasm to the table, sometimes it doesn’t really matter what is coming out of your mouth. The viewing audience senses the enthusiasm.’
Pedersen was elected to the PBA Hall of Fame in October 2010, and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Hall of Fame in November 2024.
Tributes have poured in after news of his passing broke. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Bowling writer Lucas Wiseman wrote on X: ‘RIP in an absolute legend in our sport. It was an honor to know him and spend time with him. Randy Pedersen, you will be missed by many.’
Storm Bowling wrote on Facebook: ‘The Storm family is deeply saddened by the passing of our longtime teammate and friend, Randy Pedersen.
‘Randy’s impact on bowling reached far beyond his accomplishments as a Hall of Fame competitor. Through his unmistakable personality, passion, humor, and years as one of the sport’s most recognizable voices, Randy helped bring bowling to life for generations of fans.
READ MORE: Australian PM Anthony Albanese’s Migration Crackdown Explained
‘For us, though, Randy was much more than a champion or broadcaster. He was a teammate, a friend, and part of the Storm family.
‘We are incredibly grateful for the years, memories, laughs, and moments we were fortunate enough to share with him.
‘Our thoughts are with Randy’s family, friends, and the entire bowling community. We will miss you, Randy.’
Pedersen became the ‘voice of the sport’ and was known for his bowling catchphrases
Eight-time PBA Tour winner Jakob Butturff died on July 31 in another tragedy in the sport
Bowling Life EU wrote: ‘For decades, Randy gave fans reasons to keep watching bowling on TV, first through his own performances and later from the ESPN and FOX Sports commentary booth.
‘He knew what it felt like to stand on the approach with a title on the line, and he brought that understanding to every broadcast. His humour, honesty and love for bowling helped a generation of viewers feel closer to the game and the people playing it.’
The sport has already been hit by recent tragedy, losing one of its top players ‘suddenly’ just a few weeks ago on July 31.
Eight-time PBA Tour winner Jakob Butturff died aged 32 leaving friends and rivals heartbroken.
Another user online wrote: ‘First Butters and now Randy… this doesn’t even feel real… he was THE voice of this sport.’
PBA commissioner Tom Clark said when announcing Butturrf’s death: ‘Jakob was one of the most unique players in PBA history.
‘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.’