For 17 unforgettable days, Potters Resorts Hopton-on-Sea once again became the beating heart of the bowls world — but as anyone who joined us for the 2026 Ambassador Cruise Line World Indoor Bowls Championships will tell you, this event has always been about so much more than what happens on the blue rink.
From early morning coffees shared between old friends to late-night laughter in the bars, from spontaneous conversations in the corridors to standing ovations in The International Arena, this was a celebration of community as much as competition. Players, supporters, officials, commentators and guests all came together under one roof, creating an atmosphere that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.
Of course, there were tense matches, surprises, emotional victories and unforgettable performances — and we’ve celebrated those moments in their own blog. But alongside the drama on the rink, there was just as much magic happening off it.
World Bowls Tour’s Press Officer, Ceris Hewlings — who many will already know as the editor of Bowls International — and our own MC Jack Jenkins were on hand to capture many of these stories, moments and personalities that made the 2026 Championships so special. And some of the highlights below reflect exactly what this event represents: not just results and rankings, but real lives, real friendships, and real memories being made.
For many, this isn’t simply a world-class sporting event. It’s a reunion. A tradition. A highlight of the year. A place where everyone — whether competitor or spectator — feels they belong.
And as the lights dimmed on another remarkable Championships, one thing was clear: it wasn’t just bowls that made these 17 days so special. It was the people!
A Fresh New Look for 2026
This year saw the WBT introduce new red and green shirts for the players, as well as purple for match officials, and grey for those creating the magic behind the scenes.
Fan of the Day
The wonderful Jo B picks her unsuspecting Fan of the Day for a snap. She picked a good ‘un!
Supporting Guide Dogs
This year’s ‘Guess the Colour of Judy’s Jacket’ competition raised over £2,000 during the Championships — a figure to be matched by the Potters Friends Foundation in memory of Brian Potter MBE.
Judy’s chosen charity in 2026 is Guide Dogs, through whom we’ll be sponsoring and naming a dog ‘Chance’ in memory of Brian & Judy’s own much-loved dog, who many of you may remember fondly.
Congratulations to Michael Henderson, who correctly guessed that Judy would wear a cream jacket to the final, and was picked at random for a free break at Potters Resorts!
Thank you all for your support.
A Tale of Two Mervs
This one has been a long time coming — Two Norfolk boys Mervyn King and Mervyn King finally come head-to-head in a sporting challenge on the rink and at the dartboard.
Let’s Twist Again
With Jack Jenkins taking a day off, Jo B gets the crowd warmed up for the Mixed Pairs.
Looking Cool…
Jack introduces the WBT match officials, who look particularly swish thanks to title sponsor Ambassador Cruise Line.
A Useful Exercise for Bowlers
Calvin Darling — USA’s PBA Qualifier — is also a yoga instructor. So Ceris was quick to understand his bowls journey, while also grabbing some tips for the mat.
The Big Winners
English players dominated the singles events in 2026, with Devon’s Robert Paxton and Suffolk’s Katherine Rednall taking home the Open Singles and Ladies Matchplay titles.
Scotland’s legendary duo of Alex Marshall MBE and Paul Foster MBE won their fifth title together in the Open Pairs, while the new pairing of England’s Jamie Walker and Northern Ireland’s Chloe Wilson won the Mixed Pairs.
Robert Paxton, Katherine Rednall (with Judy Potter), Alex Marshall MBE & Paul Foster MBE, Jamie Walker & Chloe WilsonAnd, as is tradition, every Champion was welcomed to The Garden Restaurant by Jack Jenkins, to the applause of guests staying on Fully Inclusive Breaks.
Behind the Scenes
Jack was also busy with his camera throughout the Championships. And here are just some of the many people involved in putting the event together.
Rinkside with the BBC and BBC Sport presenter Rishi Persad
A stint in the commentary box alongside WBT Director Jason Parkinson
With Marc Jones from Potters Resorts and BBC commentator David Corkill
Enjoying a spot of dinner with the Technical Support Team of Richard Swift and Michael Johnson (left), and WBT Press Officer Ceris Hewlings (right) Whether you were watching the action in the International Arena or on screens around the world, the 2026 Championships once again delivered unforgettable moments, dramatic tie-breaks, nerveless performances and new champions emerging alongside iconic figures whose names continue to define the sport.
But perhaps what makes the Championships what they are is also the magic off the rink. And we can’t wait to see you all again next year!
