The high-stakes pursuit of a place on Team Bermuda has officially reached its climax following the conclusion of the 2026 National Championship and Selection Trials. The island’s elite bowlers endured a grueling test of skill and nerve, with the final day of competition delivering a dramatic shift at the top of the leaderboard.
LeVinc Samuels, who entered the final session trailing in second place, produced a clinical performance when it mattered most to leapfrog his rivals and claim the title of 2026 National Champion. Over the course of 30 demanding games, Samuels amassed a total of 6,059 pins to secure the Gold Medal. David Maycock, who had led the field into the final day, was unable to stave off the charge and finished in the Silver Medal position with 5,953 pins. The podium was completed by Lamar Richardson, who claimed Bronze with a total of 5,893 pins.
The competition for the remaining spots in the top tier was equally fierce. Damien Mathews secured fourth place with 5,645 pins, while Carl Reid finished fifth with a total of 5,476 pins. Michael Honore rounded out the top six performers, ending the trials with a score of 5,363 pins.
While domestic silverware and monetary awards were on the line, the true magnitude of this year's trials lay in the international opportunities awaiting the top performers. These trials serve as the primary gateway for representing Bermuda at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which are set to take place between July 24th and August 8th, with the top six finishers earning a spot.
Furthermore, the results carry significant weight for the upcoming autumn international circuit. The top four finishers have secured their invitations to the prestigious IBF World Cup in Munich, Germany, this October. Meanwhile, the top two bowlers from the trials earned the right to compete at the Pan American Champion of Champions in Costa Rica, scheduled for October 25th through 29th.
For Samuels and his teammates, the focus now shifts from domestic rivalry to international preparation as they look to carry this momentum onto the world stage in the coming months.
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