Randy Pedersen, a 13-time PBA Tour champion and beloved bowling broadcaster, has died at the age of 64.
Pedersen established himself as one of the sport’s leading competitors during a dominant decade from 1986 to 1995. His greatest achievement came in 1986, when he won the PBA National Championship—the only major title of his career.
The North Carolina native claimed his final title at age 40, winning the 2002 Pepsi Open. That victory made him the PBA’s 24th millionaire before he embarked on a memorable second career in television.
Pedersen joined ESPN in 2001 and quickly became a fan favorite, staying with the network until it ended its PBA coverage in 2018. He moved to Fox Sports with the PBA in 2019 and later worked as an analyst when CBS Sports Network broadcast the sport.
His analyst position was eventually taken by current PBA professional Kyle Sherman after Fox’s broadcast agreement with the PBA ended in 2025 and coverage shifted to The CW and CBS.
Known for his humor, energy and memorable catchphrases, Pedersen had a rare ability to make bowling accessible and engaging for television audiences.
Randy Pedersen, a 13-time PBA Tour winner and bowling legend, has died at the age of 64
Pedersen covered PBA events for ESPN before moving to Fox Sports when the sport shifted to the network
Pedersen once explained his approach to broadcasting: “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 inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in October 2010 and the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in November 2024.
Tributes have poured in since news of his death emerged. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Bowling writer Lucas Wiseman wrote on X: “RIP to 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.”
‘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.’
