Ryan Ciminelli
A powerful and precise left-hander who stormed the PBA Tour with a unique high-rev style, capturing major titles and earning a reputation as one of bowling's most formidable competitors.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Birthday: March 7·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Ciminelli brought a new kind of power to professional bowling. Hailing from Cheektowaga, New York, the left-hander exploded onto the PBA Tour not just with talent, but with a distinctive, high-revolution throwing style that generated tremendous pin action. His breakthrough came in 2015, a season where he dominated, winning two titles including the prestigious USBC Masters for his first major championship and finishing a close second in Player of the Year voting. Dubbed 'The Ryan Express' for his potent strike ball, Ciminelli's career has been a testament to modern power bowling. While navigating the intense physical demands of the sport, he has remained a constant threat in televised finals, his eight Tour titles a mark of sustained excellence in an era defined by technological advancement and fierce competition.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ryan was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2015 USBC Masters, one of the PBA's major championships.
- Finished as runner-up for the PBA Player of the Year award in the 2015 season.
- Has won eight titles on the PBA Tour through the 2020 season.
- Has rolled 15 certified perfect 300 games in PBA competition.
Did You Know?
He is one of the few left-handed bowlers to have won the USBC Masters major tournament.
His nickname, 'The Ryan Express,' was given to him during TV introductions for the 2012 Tournament of Champions.
He uses a unique, high-backswing delivery that generates an exceptional amount of hook and power.
He grew up bowling at his family's bowling center, Airport Lanes in Cheektowaga, New York.
“I trust my process and my shot; when I'm in rhythm, I feel like I can strike on any lane.”
