A Look Back at the Top PBA Bowling Moments and Champions of 2019

2025-11-14 12:00

Looking back at the 2019 PBA season, I still get chills remembering how dramatically the landscape of professional bowling shifted that year. As someone who has followed the sport for over two decades, I can confidently say that 2019 delivered some of the most electrifying moments in recent memory—a perfect storm of veteran dominance, breakout performances, and unexpected team dynamics that kept fans like me on the edge of our seats. What stood out wasn’t just the sheer talent on display, but the narratives that unfolded both on and off the lanes. From Jason Belmonte’s relentless pursuit of major titles to the surprising rise of new contenders, last year felt like a turning point for the sport, blending tradition with a fresh wave of energy.

I vividly recall the PBA World Championship, where Belmonte clinched his 11th major title, edging closer to the all-time record. Watching him adapt his unique two-handed style under pressure was nothing short of mesmerizing—he didn’t just win; he dominated, averaging over 229 for the tournament. On the other end of the spectrum, you had newcomers like Kris Prather, whose victory at the PBA Playoffs felt like a changing of the guard. Prather’s consistency, especially in clutch moments, signaled that the next generation was ready to challenge the old guard. And let’s not forget EJ Tackett’s remarkable comeback at the PBA Tournament of Champions, where he fought through a tough field and personal setbacks to secure what many considered the most emotional win of the year. Tackett’s performance was a masterclass in resilience, something I believe every aspiring bowler should study.

But beyond individual brilliance, team dynamics played a huge role in shaping the season. Take, for example, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA Philippine Cup. While they didn’t snag the championship, their mid-season acquisition of Stanley Pringle added an intriguing layer to their campaign. Pringle signed with Rain or Shine in July but only joined the team this week, so he’s still looking to blend in. From my perspective, this kind of roster move highlights how crucial chemistry is in team bowling—it’s not just about stacking talent, but ensuring players sync both on and off the lanes. I remember thinking at the time that Pringle’s late integration might disrupt their rhythm, and honestly, it did take a few matches for the team to find its footing. Still, his presence brought a new strategic depth, even if it didn’t translate into immediate silverware.

Another moment that sticks with me is the PBA League showdown, where the Portland Lumberjabs, led by Kyle Troup, pulled off a stunning upset against the hometown favorites. Troup’s flair and unshakable confidence—paired with that iconic afro—made him a fan favorite, and rightly so. He didn’t just bowl; he performed, bringing a level of showmanship that, in my opinion, the sport desperately needs to attract younger audiences. The Lumberjabs’ victory wasn’t just about strikes and spares; it was a statement that personality and teamwork can coexist at the highest level. And let’s talk numbers for a second: Troup’s team averaged a jaw-dropping 245.6 in the finals, a statistic that still impresses me whenever I look back at the data.

Of course, no reflection on 2019 would be complete without mentioning the women’s division, where Danielle McEwan and Liz Johnson continued to raise the bar. McEwan’s victory at the PWBA Tour Championship was a display of sheer precision—she converted over 92% of her spares throughout the event, a rate that even the top male bowlers would envy. As a longtime admirer of Johnson’s technique, I have to say her consistency in major tournaments is something I wish more players would emulate. She may not have the flashiness of some younger stars, but her fundamentals are nearly flawless, proving that experience often trumps raw power.

Reflecting on all this, what made 2019 special wasn’t just the titles or the statistics—though Belmonte’s 5 titles that year are hard to ignore—but the stories behind each frame. Whether it was a veteran proving they still had it or a rookie making their mark, the season felt like a celebration of bowling’s evolving identity. If I had to pick one takeaway, it’s that adaptability and mental toughness separated the good from the great. And as we move further into the new decade, I’m excited to see how these moments influence the next generation. For now, though, 2019 remains a benchmark—a year that reminded us why we fell in love with this sport in the first place.