Redemption in Riviera: Jesper Svensson Captures Second Career TOC Title

■ Introduction

Easter Sunday at AMF Riviera Lanes bore witness to a redemption story nearly a decade in the making. In the heart of Fairlawn, Ohio, under the glow of the iconic pin-deck lights and amidst the roar of a packed house, Sweden’s Jesper Svensson clinched his second PBA Tournament of Champions title—his 13th career PBA Tour win—by defeating Jakob Butturff 221-197 in a performance that blended precision, poise, and the fire of personal history.

■ The Journey Back to the Top

For Svensson, the setting was as symbolic as the victory was sweet. It was here at Riviera in 2018, when the TOC returned after a 24-year hiatus, that he stood as the top seed but fell short in the title match to Matt O’Grady. That memory lingered, not as a scar, but as fuel.

From the onset of this year’s tournament, Svensson radiated confidence. “I felt like I had a chance all week,” he admitted post-match. “It’s always tough coming down to the very last game. Anything can happen. I feel like those are the moments where I haven’t been at my best in the past. I was today.”

His road to the top seed was paved through 42 grueling games of qualifying and match play on the challenging 40-foot Don Johnson oil pattern—a format demanding mental stamina as much as skill. He credited a pivotal piece of advice from Tim Mack, who suggested a subtle adjustment to his physical game. That tweak, Svensson said, made him feel like the dominant young force who won this very title in 2016, then the youngest ever to do so.

Nine years later, the now-veteran southpaw joined elite company—Earl Anthony, Dave Davis, Steve Cook, and Johnny Petraglia—as only the fifth left-hander to win the TOC at Riviera.

■ Butturff’s Stepladder Saga

If Svensson’s win was redemption, Jakob Butturff’s tournament was a showcase of resilience. Entering the finals as the No. 6 seed, Butturff began his stepladder journey with a sense of purpose. His first opponent? Kevin McCune—the very player who bested him in the 2023 PBA Players Championship. This time, Butturff took control early, exacting revenge with a steady 231-215 win.

In Match Two, Butturff faced EJ Tackett, who was on the verge of a historic triple crown season. Tackett’s dreams were dashed as Butturff edged him 196-190 in a tense, low-scoring duel. The semifinal against Canadian star Graham Fach proved to be Butturff’s breakout moment—he fired a commanding 234-182 victory, riding a wave of clean execution and mental calm.

By the time he reached the championship match, Butturff had bowled three intense games in less than 24 hours. The fatigue wasn’t visible on his face, but it subtly showed in the early frames.

■ The Championship Clash

The final match opened with a thunderclap—four consecutive strikes from Svensson. It was a statement. Meanwhile, Butturff struggled to find his footing, unable to register a strike until the fifth frame. His reaction after a single-pin spare conversion—a deep breath, a slight shake of the head—hinted at the mounting pressure.

While Butturff started to piece together a string of decent frames, the early deficit was too much. Svensson remained composed, his delivery mechanical yet fluid, each ball reacting predictably on the well-read lane conditions. The Swede closed out with a score of 221, sealing the win without needing heroics—just consistency and confidence.

■ Aftermath and Implications

Svensson’s win not only secured him the $100,000 top prize and a cherished second TOC title but also elevated Team Storm to the No. 1 seed in the PBA Elite League: Battle of the Brands. Motiv, who had held the top seed since February’s U.S. Open, fell to No. 2, while Brunswick rounded out the top three.

Both Svensson and Butturff punched their tickets to the PBA Playoffs. They’ll join the likes of Tackett, Andrew Anderson, Jason Belmonte, Fach, Tim Foy Jr., Chris Via, Ethan Fiore, Anthony Simonsen, Ryan Barnes, and Kyle Troup in the high-stakes postseason battles to come.

The preliminaries of the Elite League continue on Saturday, April 26, with brands like 900 Global, Roto Grip, Hammer, Ebonite, and DV8 fighting for advancement.

■ Final Standings

• Jesper Svensson – $100,000

• Jakob Butturff – $50,000

• Graham Fach – $30,000

• EJ Tackett – $20,000

• Kevin McCune – $15,000

■ Championship Round Results

• Match One: Jakob Butturff def. Kevin McCune, 231-215

• Match Two: Jakob Butturff def. EJ Tackett, 196-190

• Match Three: Jakob Butturff def. Graham Fach, 234-182

• Championship: Jesper Svensson def. Jakob Butturff, 221-197

■ Conclusion

Jesper Svensson’s triumph at Riviera wasn’t just another title—it was a personal full-circle moment, a testament to growth, experience, and the long game of a champion’s journey. As the crowd rose in applause and Svensson lifted the TOC trophy once more, it was clear: sometimes, the second time means more.