The World Outdoor Bowls Championship is the pinnacle of lawn bowls competition — the event every professional player builds their career toward. Held every four years, it brings together the world's best players across all four disciplines: men's and women's singles, pairs, triples and fours. This is the complete guide to the championship.
The World Outdoor Bowls Championship is held every four years. The host nation rotates between World Bowls member countries. Previous host nations include Australia, South Africa, Scotland, England and New Zealand.
The most recent World Bowls Championship was held in 2023 in Abu Dhabi, UAE — the first time the event was held in the Middle East. The next championship is scheduled for 2027.
World Bowls currently has over 40 member nations. The strongest competing nations historically include:
The most prestigious individual title. Players compete in a round-robin format followed by knockout rounds. Each player uses four bowls. Singles competition showcases the finest individual drawing and shot-making ability in the world.
Two players per team, each using four bowls. The lead bowls first at both ends; the skip bowls last. Pairs requires excellent communication and complementary playing styles between partners.
Three players per team, each using three bowls. Played over 18 ends. The third player (second) plays a crucial tactical role between the lead's drawing and the skip's shot-making.
Four players per team, each using two bowls. The most complex team format — the skip must manage three other players across 21 ends, read changing conditions and make tactical decisions on almost every delivery.
Separate from the outdoor championship, the World Indoor Bowls Championship is held annually at Potters Resort in Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk, England. It is broadcast live on BBC television and is one of the most watched bowls events globally.
The indoor championship uses the sets format — players compete for sets rather than overall shots — which produces more dramatic finishes and is particularly well-suited to television coverage.
Lawn bowls has been part of the Commonwealth Games since 1930, making it one of the longest-running sports in the Games. The Commonwealth Games bowls competition is held every four years, with men's and women's singles, pairs, triples and fours disciplines. Australia and Scotland have historically dominated the Commonwealth Games bowls competitions.