Jesper Svensson Wins 2024 Go Bowling PBA Elite League Strike Derby in Thrilling Fashion

Swedish bowling star Jesper Svensson closed out the 2024 PBA season in spectacular style, securing yet another trophy at the Go Bowling PBA Elite League Strike Derby on Sunday afternoon.

Svensson’s Strong Finish to 2024

Svensson had already made headlines earlier this season by winning the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in his home country of Sweden. However, his latest victory came as a surprise—even to himself.

“I’m not really the best at this thing,” Svensson admitted after landing a clutch last-second strike to defeat Andrew Anderson in the final match. “I feel like I’m not fast enough. I don’t get enough shots in. But I got better as we went.”

Throughout the season, Svensson gained momentum and confidence, which culminated in back-to-back triumphs. He credited his success to staying focused and capitalizing on key opportunities.

How the Strike Derby Unfolded

The Strike Derby, held at Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine, featured a high-energy format where players had two minutes to throw as many strikes as possible across two lanes. The player with the most strikes advanced, with ties being settled in a one-ball roll-off—a challenge that could only be won with a strike.

The tournament featured top PBA stars, including:

• Jesper Svensson (Akron Atom Splitters)
• Andrew Anderson (Las Vegas, MVP of the PBA Elite League)
• Jason Belmonte (Lucky Strike L.A. X)
• EJ Tackett (Motown Muscle)
• Kyle Troup (Portland Lumberjacks)
• Packy Hanrahan (New Jersey’s fan-favorite)
• Chris Via (Defending champion, Akron Atom Splitters)
• Arturo Quintero (Portland, commissioner’s wild card selection)

Key Matches and Highlights

• First Round:

  • Chris Via (1) defeated Arturo Quintero (8), 12-6
  • Andrew Anderson (4) defeated EJ Tackett (5), 13-13 (X-9 in roll-off)
  • Jason Belmonte (3) defeated Kyle Troup (6), 10-6
  • Jesper Svensson (7) defeated Packy Hanrahan (2), 6-4

• Semifinals:

  • Anderson defeated Via, 10-8
  • Svensson defeated Belmonte, 10-9

• Finals:

  • Svensson defeated Anderson, 12-11

A Dramatic Comeback in the Final

In the championship round, Anderson opted to bowl first, giving Svensson a chance to see what he needed to win. With 30 seconds left, Svensson trailed 11-7—a daunting deficit.

Then, in a stunning rally, he threw five consecutive strikes, including a lucky tripped 3-pin with just six seconds remaining, to clinch the title.

Even Svensson himself didn’t immediately realize he had won.

“If the crowd got excited for a strike down the stretch, I kind of knew I might be close,” Svensson said. “I always bowled second, so I knew what I had to do. But if I’m losing count of my own strikes, I still don’t really know what’s going on. At that point, it’s just about getting as many shots off as possible and hoping for strikes.”

A Fitting End to the 2024 PBA Season

The Go Bowling PBA Elite League Strike Derby served as the final event of the 2024 PBA season, closing out an exciting year of competition. Svensson’s thrilling victory capped off an impressive season, proving once again why he remains one of the most formidable players on the PBA Tour.

For more information on the PBA Elite League presented by Snickers, visit the official PBA website.