Cambridge Credit Counseling Invitational
Bowlero Chicopee – December 21, 2025
94 Entries | 24 Match Play Finalists
Pattern: 2025 USBC Open Championships – D/S (43’, 2.03:1)
The 2025 NEBA season came to a powerful close at Bowlero Chicopee with the Cambridge Credit Counseling Invitational, a season-ending showcase that blended a demanding lane condition with a unique Super Match Play finals format. With 94 entries and a deep, talented field, consistency and adaptability were at a premium all day.
The 2025 USBC Masters Champion, Gary Haines, led qualifying. When the final pins were counted, Jesse Gibson delivered under pressure, posting the highest combined total across Super Match Play to earn his first career NEBA title, a fitting conclusion to the 2025 season.
After qualifying across the 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. squads, the top 24 advanced to finals, including automatic finals spots awarded to the top 16 in season points. Unlike traditional bracket match play, all finalists bowled five additional games in Super Match Play, competing directly against the other two bowlers on their pair each game.
Scoring Format
20 bonus pins for each opponent outscored on the pair
40 bonus pins for outscoring both opponents on the pair
Final standings determined by total pinfall plus bonus pins after five games
From the opening game, Gibson’s ability to stay clean and win games on the pair steadily separated him from the field.
The championship finals featured a marquee pairing led by the 2025 PBA East Region Player of the Year and four-time NEBA Champion, Aaron Major. Joining him as the No. 2 seed was fellow champion Peter Fox, who earned his spot with an impressive 8–1 record during match play. Rounding out the championship trio was Jesse Gibson, the lone non-champion in the field.
Totals remained tightly packed heading into the final game, with bonus pins proving decisive. Major led with 2,239, followed closely by Fox at 2,224, while Gibson trailed at 2,202.
Gibson opened with three strikes to apply early pressure. Major and Fox countered with a spare and a double. Major continued with a four-bagger through the front half. Gibson broke up a split, filled the frame, and converted a 3–6–10 to stay in contention. Fox missed a single-pin spare but rebounded with a strike.
Beginning in the sixth frame, all three competitors struck repeatedly. After a packed strike in the eighth frame, Gibson encouraged the field to “keep striking,” keeping the energy high.
In the tenth frame, Major suffered a costly break, leaving a 3–7 split. Gibson followed with a fortunate strike, rolling the 2-pin. Major showed resilience by converting the spare and striking. Gibson, needing a strike to control his destiny, flushed the pocket. Needing just nine pins for the win, he calmly delivered to secure his first NEBA title and his first major championship.
Jesse Gibson – Champion
Highest total with bonus pins
1st – Jesse Gibson: $2,000 plus $125 TOC Entry
2nd – Peter M. Fox: $1,500
3rd – Aaron P. Major: $1,200
NEBA events are humbling. My first title comes much later than I or many anticipated, but that speaks to the talent level that exists in NEBA. I am grateful to be surrounded by amazing bowlers who continue to push me.
I am thankful for an organization willing to challenge competitors and provide an environment not found elsewhere. I encourage everyone to come out, compete, and help grow this organization.
Thank you to NEBA staff and sponsors, to Chris Forry and Buddies Pro Shop, to my coach Gary Sparks, and to my wife Emily for her support. Thank you to everyone who believed in me and celebrated this moment. I look forward to competing in the 2026 season.
Gary Haines led qualifying with 1,198 (239.6 average)
Max Macklin led the afternoon squad with 1,178 (235.6 average)
Chris Viale posted the high scratch match play score with 1,225 (245 average)
Hall of Famers in Match Play
Chris Forry
Joey Transue
Greg Flamand
Bill Webb
Dennis Bissonnette secured the 2025 NEBA Bowler of the Year title based on season-long performance. A full recap will be released soon.
Thank you to Cambridge Credit Counseling for adding $4,000 to the prize fund, along with NEBA’s $1 per entry contribution throughout the 2025 season, totaling approximately $6,500 added.
Thank you to Bowlero Chicopee and its staff for hosting an outstanding season finale. Appreciation is also extended to Storm, Roto Grip, 900 Global, and all NEBA sponsors, volunteers, and members.
As we conclude the 2025 NEBA season, we thank every competitor, sponsor, and volunteer. From innovative formats to unforgettable finishes, the strength of NEBA bowling continues to grow. Please watch for the official 2026 schedule.
Full Calendar: bowlneba.com/tournaments
Stats and Records: bowlneba.com/stats
Hall of Fame: bowlneba.com/hall-of-fame
Champions History: bowlneba.com/history/champions
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