Florida bowler makes milestone appearance at Open Championships
April 20, 2026
RENO, Nev. – Russell Ryss of Trinity, Florida, reached a significant milestone Wednesday as he made his 50th appearance at the United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
Accompanied by his wife, Ryss marked the occasion with a walk down the center aisle at the National Bowling Stadium, celebrating five decades of participation in one of bowling’s most prestigious events. He was awarded a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to commemorate the achievement.
The 77-year-old’s journey at the Open Championships began in 1972 in Long Beach, California, when he was invited to compete as a substitute. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the tournament in 1977 in Reno, Nevada, and has competed at every edition of the event since.
“Reno is my favorite city to bowl in,” said Ryss, making this year’s milestone appearance in the city especially meaningful. His highest three-game series (727 in singles in 1995) and all-events total (1,934 in 1998) also took place in Reno at the NBS.
Over the course of his career at the Open Championships, Ryss has knocked down an impressive 84,698 pins, maintaining a 188.2 average.
Reflecting on his early experience, Ryss noted that his most cherished memory dates back to his first tournament.
“In 1972, traveling to Long Beach was the first time my wife and I had ever been on an airplane,” he said.
In addition to his accomplishments at the Open Championships, Ryss has recorded 25 300 games and four 800 series. He was inducted in the Sheboygan Area USBC Hall of Fame, too, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Accompanied by his wife, Ryss marked the occasion with a walk down the center aisle at the National Bowling Stadium, celebrating five decades of participation in one of bowling’s most prestigious events. He was awarded a plaque, chevron and diamond lapel pin to commemorate the achievement.
The 77-year-old’s journey at the Open Championships began in 1972 in Long Beach, California, when he was invited to compete as a substitute. After a brief hiatus, he returned to the tournament in 1977 in Reno, Nevada, and has competed at every edition of the event since.
“Reno is my favorite city to bowl in,” said Ryss, making this year’s milestone appearance in the city especially meaningful. His highest three-game series (727 in singles in 1995) and all-events total (1,934 in 1998) also took place in Reno at the NBS.
Over the course of his career at the Open Championships, Ryss has knocked down an impressive 84,698 pins, maintaining a 188.2 average.
Reflecting on his early experience, Ryss noted that his most cherished memory dates back to his first tournament.
“In 1972, traveling to Long Beach was the first time my wife and I had ever been on an airplane,” he said.
In addition to his accomplishments at the Open Championships, Ryss has recorded 25 300 games and four 800 series. He was inducted in the Sheboygan Area USBC Hall of Fame, too, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
The Open Championships is celebrating its 122nd edition in 2026 and making its 15th trip to Reno, Nevada. The 2026 event is scheduled to feature more than 55,000 bowlers and 11,000 five-player teams competing across 128 consecutive days at the National Bowling Stadium.
Follow the action from the tournament’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts.