World Bowls Events


These are the premier World Bowls Events between national bowls organisations affiliated to World Bowls Ltd and World Bowls Tour.

World Outdoor Bowls Championships

First held in 1966, the World Outdoor Bowls Championships for men and women are held every 4 years. From 2008 the men's and women's events are held together. Qualifying national bowls organisations are represented by a team of 5 players, who play once as a single and a four, then again as a pair and a triple. Gold, silver, and bronze medals are awarded in each of the 4 disciplines, and there is also a trophy for the best overall team — the Leonard Trophy for men and the Taylor Trophy for women.

Commonwealth Games

First held in 1930, the Commonwealth Games Bowls Championships for men and women are held every 4 years. Women's events were added from 1982. Four gold medals are competed for in the singles, pairs, triples and fours.

World Indoor Bowls Championships

First held in 1979, the World Indoor Bowls Championships for men and women are held every year. There are currently five events, the open singles, the open pairs, the women's singles, the mixed pairs and open under-25 singles. It is currently organised by the World Bowls Tour and involves mainly Northern Hemisphere nations.

Asia Pacific Championships

A leading event inaugurated in 1985 and competed for by Asia and Pacific nations.

World Champion of Champions Singles

A leading outdoor event held annually between the winners of the respective National Championships.

World Cup Singles

A leading indoor event between selected players from member national authorities.

National Championships

Other leading events

Calendar