A wealth of former champions and teams from across the state will contest the prestigious tournament this weekend, which also boasts a five-figure prize pool and an impressive trophy to boot - although it's no Golden Eagle.

Fifty teams will land at Bathurst City Bowling Club, secretary John Archer confirmed, and all of them will looking to take the title from Orange City's Ian Webb, Mick Stevens, Wayne Carr and skip Ian Carr.

"The $10,000 is one big reason why it's so popular and it's one of the last tournaments of the year for many of these players. They come and let their hair down a bit but when you've got that money up that keeps it pretty serious," Archer said.

"We've got 200 bowlers this year, so that's 50 sides, which is great. It tends to hang around that number. There's tournaments around which are dropping off so to keep our numbers we must be doing something right."

Archer will be bowling in the tournament he said and while conceding it will be tough he said he's hopeful a local side will once again be crowned, or at least one from the bush.

He also highlighted a handful of players to watch, including Orange's Bob Hamilton.

"We have a couple of sides from Wyong and Terrigal coming, and other sides from the Central Coast. There's sides from up there who have been coming to this tournament for years," he said.

"We have a Kiwi international playing, Richard Garvin, and he's one of the top end players. Dylan Skinner, who has family in Bathurst but plays out of Cabramatta now, is another one of the top players coming.

"Bobby Hamilton from Orange is often around the money as well."

Teams will take part in four games across the weekend - two on each day - and are randomly assigned opponents following the conclusion of each match. Wins in all four games are usually required to even secure a podium finish at the event.