History-Maker and Headline Act for 2026

Jason Banks set to return to Potters after an unprecedented treble earlier this year.

When Jason Banks first stepped onto a bowls rink aged 10, no one could have predicted that 18 years later he’d achieve something the sport had never witnessed. Yet at the 2025 Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships, the young Scot did exactly that — completing an unprecedented treble and securing his place in history.

Now, with the 2026 edition at Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea coming up from the 9th to 25th January, all eyes turn once again to the man some are calling “the future of bowls.”

A Family Affair

Bowls runs deep in the Banks household. Jason learned the game playing “roon the stick,” a short-mat format that sharpened his touch and precision. His parents and grandparents nurtured his early passion, and both his dad Colin and sister Carla have also graced the famous blue rink — and will do so again at the Championships in 2026.

Jason (bottom centre) winning his first bowls trophy at Inverurie Bowls Club in 2006, alongside triples partners Irene Whyte and his grandad, Bruce Middleton.

Even with such pedigree, Jason’s meteoric rise came as a surprise to the family. “It’s still unbelievable that he’s achieved something no one else ever has,” they told us. “We’re proud of him not just for winning, but for how he conducts himself on and off the green.”

A January to Remember

Jason’s performance at Potters was nothing short of extraordinary. Teamed with fellow Scots Michael Stepney in the Open Pairs and Beth Riva in the Mixed Pairs, he had already claimed two world titles by Tuesday afternoon of ‘Finals Week’, broadcast live on BBC.

“It was really special winning with Mike and Beth,” Jason said. “We were all first-timers. They were brilliant partners and made every match enjoyable.”

Jason won the Open Pairs title with Michael Stepney

Seeking the first treble in history, Jason’s Open Singles run took him through one of the toughest routes in bowls, with matches against Alex Marshall MBE, Paul Foster MBE, and Mark Dawes — players who between them hold thirteen World Open Singles titles.

His humility remained untouched throughout. “I tried not to think about the treble,” he explained. “I was just focusing on each game.”

Jason with the Mixed Pairs Championship trophies, alongside playing partner Beth Riva

Securing the Treble

The final against England’s Robert Paxton was a thriller, Jason eventually sealing a 10–4, 11–9 victory. And how did the new triple-champion celebrate? With two long-awaited Murdoch Allan Aberdeen butteries and a cup of tea.

“Potters feels like a blur,” he told us afterwards. “Everyone is so friendly — the staff, the spectators — it’s just a great place to be.”

Jason with the third of his three titles, following his Open Singles win over Robert Paxton

The next morning brought a dose of reality and humour as Jason found himself changing a tyre on the journey home to Scotland, trophies in tow. Back at work as a mechanical design engineer, he returned to find “WORLD CHAMPION” added beneath his name on the clock-in board. His home indoor club, Garioch IBC, went one step further, renaming its venue the Jason Banks Arena in his honour.

Credit: The Press & Journal

With his Scottish Open title win in November 2024 added to the pot, Jason also became the first player ever to hold four World Bowls Tour titles in a single season.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Jason remains humble about his achievements. “It still feels unreal, especially when you think of all the greats who’ve played before.”

Judy Potter and John Potter with 2025’s Treble Winner

Bowls fans are already wondering what’s to come in 2026. Can Jason defend all three titles? Who will stop him? Will new rivals emerge on the sport’s biggest stage?

These are the storylines that make January’s Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships so compelling — and why anticipation is already building. Whatever unfolds at Hopton-on-Sea, one thing is certain: the blue rink at Potters will once again be the stage where legends are made.

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