PBA Bowling 2019: Top Moments, Champions, and Records You Need to Know

As I sit down to reflect on the 2019 PBA season, I can't help but feel this was one of those transitional years where we witnessed both incredible athletic achievements and some genuinely controversial moments that got everyone talking. Let me tell you, the energy throughout the season was absolutely electric, with records being shattered left and right while new champions emerged to claim their place in bowling history. What struck me most was how the season managed to blend traditional excellence with unexpected drama - the kind that keeps fans like myself debating long after the final ball has been thrown.

I've been following professional bowling for over fifteen years now, and what made 2019 particularly memorable was witnessing players push the boundaries of what we thought was physically possible. The technological advancements in bowling balls and lane conditions created this perfect storm where athletes could achieve scores that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago. Jason Belmonte's performance throughout the season was nothing short of spectacular - the man seemed to be operating on a different plane entirely. His unique two-handed technique, which many traditionalists initially dismissed as a gimmick, proved to be revolutionary as he dominated tournament after tournament. I remember watching his perfect game at the PBA Tournament of Champions and thinking, "This is what mastery looks like." The precision, the consistency, the mental fortitude - it was all there in breathtaking display.

The championship landscape in 2019 was particularly fascinating because we saw this interesting mix of established veterans and hungry newcomers making their mark. While Belmonte was undoubtedly the standout performer, what impressed me equally was seeing players like Anthony Simonsen and EJ Tackett consistently delivering under pressure. Simonsen, at just 22 years old, demonstrated a maturity that belied his age, capturing his second major title at the PBA Players Championship. I've had the privilege of watching many young talents come through the ranks, but Simonsen's ability to read lane transitions and make minute adjustments reminded me of bowlers with twice his experience. Meanwhile, Tackett's powerful, aggressive style produced some of the most exciting matches of the season, particularly during the World Series of Bowling where he averaged an incredible 229.47 across 60 games.

Now, let's talk about those records because 2019 was absolutely bonkers in terms of statistical achievements. The season saw an unprecedented 37 perfect games - yes, I counted every single one - which shattered the previous record of 29 set back in 2013. What's even more remarkable is that seven different players contributed to this tally, demonstrating that excellence was spread throughout the tour rather than being concentrated among just a few superstars. The highest series of the season belonged to Kristopher Prather, who posted an eye-watering 857 series during the PBA Playoffs. As someone who's bowled for decades, I can tell you that maintaining that level of performance across three games requires not just skill but incredible mental stamina. The equipment has certainly evolved, but let's not take anything away from these athletes - they're performing at a level that continues to redefine what's possible in our sport.

Of course, no discussion of the 2019 season would be complete without addressing the controversies, particularly those surrounding officiating decisions that occasionally overshadowed the incredible bowling we witnessed. I'm reminded of a situation that, while not from the PBA tour, perfectly illustrates how officiating can impact our sport at the highest levels. There was this particularly heated match where a team captain, already charged with a technical foul, received a second whistle that led to his ejection despite having a superb 24-point game going. The first-year mentor didn't hold back, channeling his frustration toward the three referees with some rather colorful language and expressing his hope that they would never officiate their games again. While I don't condone such outbursts, having been in competitive situations myself, I understand the raw emotion that surfaces when you feel a call has unfairly impacted the contest. These moments, however unfortunate, are part of what makes competitive sports so compelling - they remind us that beyond the statistics and technique, there's genuine passion driving these athletes and coaches.

What made 2019 truly special in my view was how the season balanced these human elements with extraordinary athletic achievements. The records were impressive, no doubt, but what resonated with me as a longtime fan was seeing the personality of the tour evolve. Social media played a huge role in this, allowing fans like myself to connect with players in ways that weren't possible before. I remember following Belmonte's Instagram posts during tournaments and getting this behind-the-scenes look at his preparation and mindset. This accessibility, combined with the high-level competition, created a season that felt both professionally exceptional and personally engaging. The PBA Tour has always been about more than just bowling - it's about stories, rivalries, comebacks, and moments that stick with you. The 2019 season delivered all this in spades while setting new benchmarks for excellence.

Looking back, what I'll remember most about the 2019 PBA season isn't just the records or the championships, but how the sport felt alive with possibility. We witnessed technical innovation, emerging talents proving they belonged, veterans demonstrating why experience matters, and yes, those occasional controversies that remind us everyone involved cares deeply about the outcome. The season set a new standard for what professional bowling could be, blending traditional values with modern athleticism in a way that appealed to both purists like myself and newer fans discovering the sport. As the final tournaments wrapped up, I found myself already anticipating what 2020 might bring, confident that the foundation built during this remarkable season would propel professional bowling to even greater heights. The pins have been reset, the approaches cleared, and based on what we witnessed in 2019, the future of professional bowling looks brighter than ever.