Storm Captures Manufacturer’s Cup in Emotional Victory at PBA Elite League

A Season of Triumph and Tribute

In a season defined by fierce competition and heartfelt motivation, Storm emerged as the inaugural champion of the PBA Elite League: Battle of the Brands, presented by Beatbox. The Manufacturer’s Cup victory was not just a testament to the team’s prowess on the lanes but also an emotional tribute to the legacy of Storm’s late co-founder, Bill Chrisman.

The Path to Glory

Storm secured the top seed during the regular season, culminating in a critical victory over Motiv in the season finale, powered by the stellar performance of Swedish star Jesper Svensson. Carrying that momentum into the championship round, Storm faced Motiv once again in a high-stakes Race-to-Two series under the baker format.

Svensson wasted no time asserting Storm’s dominance. In Game 1, he delivered three crucial strikes in the 10th frame, sealing a hard-fought 189-186 win. The crowd, sensing the momentum shift, roared with approval, their cheers echoing through the arena.

In Game 2, Storm unleashed a near-perfect opening. François Lavoie, Kyle Troup, Chris Via, team captain Jason Belmonte, and Svensson each fired strikes to start the match, quickly building an insurmountable lead. The atmosphere grew electric with every ball that smashed into the pins. Belmonte, known for his composure and fire, delivered a decisive strike in the ninth frame, effectively sealing Storm’s 275-181 victory and clinching the Manufacturer’s Cup.

A Tribute to a Legend

After the final pin fell, Jason Belmonte addressed the audience with a voice tinged with emotion. Reflecting on the deeper meaning behind the victory, he dedicated the triumph to Bill Chrisman, who passed away in September 2023.

“There’s an emotional attachment to this,” Belmonte said. “The founder and owner of this company passed away, and since his passing, everything we do is about living up to what he built. Winning today, he would have been in the front row. This would have been one of the happiest days for him, watching his Storm company and the boys that represent it get out there and throw as many strikes as we did.”

Belmonte’s words resonated deeply, not only with his teammates but with fans and fellow competitors alike. It was a reminder that beyond the scores and the trophies, the heart of bowling lies in the people and the passions that drive them.

Bill Chrisman, alongside his wife Barb, was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame in 2024, further cementing his enduring impact on the sport.

The Battle Behind the Scenes

Before the final, Motiv had earned its place by defeating Brunswick in the semifinal, 213-185. It was a dramatic encounter where Brunswick, initially in control, faltered with costly splits in the eighth and ninth frames, opening the door for Motiv to surge ahead.

Earlier, Brunswick had dispatched 900 Global in the opening match, 233-218, after 900 Global had advanced from the preliminary rounds held on Saturday. Despite a valiant effort, 900 Global could not withstand Brunswick’s consistency in the closing frames.

Final Results

• Championship Round Scores:

  • Match One: No. 3 Brunswick def. No. 4 900 Global, 233-218

  • Match Two: No. 2 Motiv def. No. 3 Brunswick, 213-185

  • Race-to-Two Championship: No. 1 Storm def. No. 2 Motiv, 2-0 (189-186, 275-181)

• Final Standings:

  • 1st Place: Storm – $100,000

  • 2nd Place: Motiv – $75,000

  • 3rd Place: Brunswick – $50,000

  • 4th Place: 900 Global – $45,000

  • 5th Place: Hammer – $40,000

  • 6th Place: Roto Grip – $35,000

  • 7th Place: Ebonite – $30,000

  • 8th Place: DV8 – $25,000

A New Chapter Begins

The first season of the PBA Elite League: Battle of the Brands concluded with more than just a champion crowned. It set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling era of team-based professional bowling, where skill, spirit, and legacy intertwine. For Storm, the victory was not merely about the prize; it was about honoring the past, embracing the present, and inspiring the future.