News
The Jackpot Classic returns to the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nevada March 6–7, 2026, and promises plenty of what bowlers love most: good competition, good company, and a whole lot of side action. Held on EDGE String Lanes, this Bowling String Machine Championship is an exciting new branch of the long-running Jackpot Classic brand, which has hosted its original tournament in Las Vegas for nearly 30 years. The Reno version brings that same energy, adding a modern twist with competition entirely on EDGE String lanes. “The Jackpot Classic was designed to be a fun, social event that highlights how exciting string machine competition can be,” said tournament director Greg Olsen.
Strings Attached And That's a Good Thing
Of course, part of the event’s buzz comes from its format: the entire competition is held on EDGE String machines. For bowlers, it’s something new to experience. For proprietors, it’s a glimpse into where the sport may be headed. “String machines are here to stay,” Olsen said. “We wanted to give bowlers a chance to see for themselves what it’s like to compete on them.”
Why Proprietors Are All In
“The string tournament is a great opportunity for proprietors to connect with their customers in a totally different way,” Olsen said. “You get to travel together, cheer for each other, and share a fun experience that strengthens those relationships.” Last year, many proprietors brought teams made up of their regular league bowlers to the first event, turning it into a social and bonding experience beyond the day-to-day business of running a center.
The Big Picture
Beyond the excitement, the Jackpot Classic helps showcase what’s possible with EDGE String machines. As more centers make the switch, events like this turn curiosity into confidence. “The foundation of the event is to highlight the scoring ability and enjoyment of competing on strings,” Olsen said. “But more than that, it’s about relationships: between centers, proprietors, and bowlers.”
