The Mega-Xtreme Sofia Open returns to Joy Station in the Bulgarian capital this September with a total prize fund of €20,000, making it one of the most anticipated bowling tournaments in the region. Offering a dynamic, multi-stage finals format and a top prize of €3,100, this tournament is designed to test consistency, mental strength, and shotmaking under pressure.
All players begin with a 6-game qualification, with re-entries allowed. The top 36 players qualify for the finals. The top 8 from the overall standings move directly to Final Step 2, while the remaining 28 athletes enter Final Step 1, where they bowl four games from scratch. The top 20 from this round advance to meet the top 8 in Step 2.
In Final Step 2, all 28 players bowl another 4 games from scratch. The field is then cut down to 16 for Step 3, where players carry forward their Step 2 scores and bowl two additional games. The top 8 continue to Step 4, again carrying scores forward, and bowl another 2 games to determine the final four.
Final Step 5 features a dramatic three-round, one-game elimination format, where bowlers start from scratch in each round. The lowest scorer is eliminated after each game, until just two athletes remain to contest the final one-game match for the title. In this last stage, players must alternate shots — a format that adds both strategy and suspense to the concluding rounds.
Set in the vibrant city of Sofia, the tournament offers not just intense competition but also a chance to experience Bulgarian culture, cuisine, and historic charm. With high stakes and a thrilling elimination format, the Mega-Xtreme Sofia Open 2025 promises an unforgettable week of world-class bowling.
