Biography
Pete Weber is one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in professional bowling history. Born on August 21, 1962, in St. Ann, Missouri, Weber grew up in bowling royalty as the son of PBA legend Dick Weber. From a young age, he was immersed in competitive bowling culture, traveling the tour and absorbing the atmosphere of professional competition.
Unlike his father’s calm and composed demeanor, Pete Weber developed a fiery, emotional personality that made him stand out immediately. He turned professional in 1979 and quickly proved he was not just living off his father’s legacy. Weber captured his first PBA title at age 20, becoming one of the youngest champions at the time.
Throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, Weber remained a central figure in the sport. His intensity, confidence, and sometimes controversial on-lane celebrations made him a television favorite. While critics sometimes focused on his personality, his resume speaks for itself: he consistently performed under the brightest lights.
Weber’s career spans multiple bowling eras, and he successfully adapted as technology evolved from urethane dominance to reactive resin and high-rev power play.
PBA Titles and Achievements
- 37 PBA Tour titles
- 10 Major Championships
- Multiple PBA Player of the Year honors
- PBA Hall of Fame inductee
His 10 major titles place him among the greatest big-stage performers in bowling history. Few players have been as clutch in championship moments as Weber.
Playing Style
Pete Weber is best described as a power stroker / cranker hybrid.
His style includes:
High rev rate
Strong backend motion
Aggressive targeting
Emotional intensity
Unlike pure strokers, Weber generates significant rotation, allowing him to create angle and carry from deeper parts of the lane. However, he still maintains a controlled and fundamentally sound approach.
Ball Speed
Competitive ball speed: 17–18 mph
Combined with above-average revolutions, this speed allowed him to create explosive pin action.
Career Earnings
Pete Weber has earned over $4 million in PBA Tour prize money, placing him among the top earners in professional bowling history.
Best Televised Moments
The most famous moment of Weber’s career came at the 2012 U.S. Open when he shouted:
“Who do you think you are? I am!”
That celebration instantly became one of the most viral moments in bowling history and transcended the sport.
Other iconic moments include:
His 5th U.S. Open title
Numerous major championship victories
Emotional celebrations that energized televised finals
Equipment Used
Weber traditionally favored:
High-performance reactive resin bowling balls
Aggressive asymmetrical cores for strong backend motion
Surface adjustments based on oil breakdown
His equipment choices matched his aggressive lane strategy.