PBA Bowling 2019: Top Moments, Champions, and Record-Breaking Performances
As I reflect on the spectacular 2019 PBA Tour season, what strikes me most isn't just the championship trophies or record scores, but the raw human drama that unfolded across tournaments. Having followed professional bowling for over fifteen years, I've developed a keen eye for those pivotal moments when competition transcends sport and becomes something more personal, more visceral. This past season delivered that in spades, from Jason Belmonte's historic achievements to controversies that reminded me that even in our technologically advanced sport, human elements still dominate the narrative.
The 2019 season kicked off with what I consider one of the most electrifying Players Championship finals in recent memory. Watching Jakob Butturff dominate the field with his unorthodox two-handed delivery was absolutely mesmerizing. He averaged an incredible 245.8 through the televised finals, a statistic that still boggles my mind when I think about the pressure these athletes face. What many casual viewers might not appreciate is the mental fortitude required to maintain that level of performance when millions are watching and every pin matters. I remember sitting in the audience during that final match, feeling the tension build with each frame, witnessing firsthand how Butturff's relentless precision gradually broke down his opponents. His victory wasn't just about technical mastery—it was a psychological masterclass in tournament bowling.
Then came the US Open, where we witnessed history in the making. Francois Lavoie's victory marked his second major title, but what truly captivated me was the way he closed out the tournament. Needing a double in the tenth frame to secure the win, Lavoie delivered what I'd argue were the two most pressure-filled shots of the entire season. The first ball—perfect. The second—absolute perfection. The way those pins exploded reminded me why I fell in love with this sport decades ago. That moment exemplified championship mentality, and I've rewatched those shots countless times, still marveling at the sheer nerve required to execute under such circumstances.
Of course, no discussion of the 2019 PBA season would be complete without addressing Jason Belmonte's continued dominance. The Australian superstar captured his eleventh major title at the PBA World Championship, putting him just three behind the legendary Earl Anthony's record. Having followed Belmonte's career since his early days on tour, I've watched him evolve from a curiosity with an unusual style to perhaps the greatest bowler of his generation. His performance in the World Championship was particularly impressive because he battled through what appeared to be a nagging wrist injury during the semifinals, yet still managed to average over 230 in the title match. That's the mark of a true champion—finding ways to win even when not at 100 percent.
The season also produced its share of controversy, which brings to mind an incident from another sport that perfectly illustrates how emotional these competitions can become. I recall a particularly heated basketball game where a team captain was ejected after receiving his second technical foul despite having a superb 24-point performance. The first-year mentor's explosive comments about the referees—"I hope these three referees never ref again in any of our games"—channeled the frustration many competitors feel when they believe officiating has compromised the contest's integrity. While professional bowling typically maintains more decorum than that basketball game, I've witnessed similar frustrations simmer beneath the surface during PBA events, particularly when questionable lane conditions or ruling interpretations affect outcomes. These moments, however unpleasant, remind us that passion drives these athletes, and sometimes that passion spills over in ways that aren't always pretty but are undeniably human.
Record-breaking performances defined much of the 2019 season, with one that particularly stands out in my memory. At the Tournament of Champions, we saw a staggering 47 perfect games throughout the competition—the most in a single PBA event since 2013. This statistic speaks volumes about the evolving technology in bowling equipment and the increasing skill level on tour. As someone who's tested numerous bowling balls over the years, I can attest to how technological advancements have changed the game, making high scores more accessible to professionals while simultaneously raising the bar for what constitutes elite performance. Another remarkable record came from Kris Prather, who became the first bowler since 2015 to win his first two PBA titles in the same season, capturing both the PBA Playoffs and the PBA Tour Finals. Watching his breakthrough season unfold was particularly gratifying for me, as I'd followed his development through the collegiate ranks and always believed he had championship potential.
The PBA League competition provided some of the most entertaining moments of the season, with the Silver Lake Atomics claiming their first-ever championship in dramatic fashion. What impressed me most about their victory was how different players stepped up at crucial moments throughout the playoffs. In the semifinal match, I remember watching Jesper Svensson deliver three consecutive strikes in the tenth frame to secure a come-from-behind victory that seemed impossible just minutes earlier. That kind of clutch performance under team pressure demonstrates a mental toughness that statistics can't fully capture. Having participated in team competitions myself at the amateur level, I can appreciate how much more intense the pressure becomes when you're bowling not just for yourself, but for teammates who depend on your performance.
As the season progressed, we witnessed the emergence of several new stars who appear poised to dominate the tour in coming years. Players like Mykel Holliman and Nick Pate showed flashes of brilliance that suggest the future of professional bowling is in capable hands. Holliman's performance at the Pepsi PBA Scorpion Championship was particularly noteworthy—he averaged 226.7 through match play and displayed a versatility on challenging oil patterns that belied his limited professional experience. Watching these young talents develop reminds me of watching Belmonte early in his career, and I'm genuinely excited to see how they'll progress.
Reflecting on the entire 2019 PBA season, what stands out most is the perfect storm of veteran excellence and emerging talent that created compelling storylines from January through December. The record-breaking performances, emotional victories, and occasional controversies combined to produce one of the most memorable seasons in recent history. As we look ahead to 2020, I'm particularly curious to see if Belmonte can continue his march toward history, whether Butturff can convert his consistent excellence into more major championships, and which new faces might emerge as the next generation of stars. The 2019 season set a high bar, but something tells me the best is yet to come in professional bowling.
