I remember watching the 2022 PBA season unfold with particular interest, partly because I've been following professional bowling for over fifteen years now, and partly because this season felt different right from the start. The energy was electric, and you could tell something special was brewing. When we talk about the 2022 PBA Champion, we're talking about a remarkable athlete who didn't just win—they dominated in ways that reminded me of the great Earl Anthony's precision combined with Walter Ray Williams Jr.'s competitive fire.
The championship victory went to Anthony Simonsen, who claimed his second PBA Players Championship title in spectacular fashion. At just 25 years old, Simonsen became the youngest player ever to win 10 PBA Tour titles, breaking a record previously held by the legendary Marshall Holman. What impressed me most wasn't just the victory itself, but how he achieved it. Throughout the tournament, Simonsen maintained an astonishing average of 245.6—the highest in the entire competition—and his semifinal performance against EJ Tackett was nothing short of masterful. He converted 92% of his single-pin spares, a statistic that might sound boring to casual fans but represents absolute elite-level consistency to those of us who understand the game's nuances.
Watching Simonsen's approach reminded me of something I've noticed about championship athletes across different sports—they often share this unique quality of making incredibly difficult tasks look effortless. His ball speed consistently hovered around 18.5 miles per hour with a rev rate of approximately 475 RPM, creating the perfect storm of power and precision that modern bowling demands. But what really separated him from the competition was his mental game. During critical moments, particularly in the championship match against Jason Belmonte, Simonsen displayed a calmness that belied his age. I've seen veteran bowlers crumble under less pressure than what he faced in those final frames.
The victory didn't come easy, and that's what made it so compelling to witness. Simonsen had to navigate a field of 64 of the world's best bowlers through multiple rounds of grueling competition. The format itself was brutal—best-of-seven matches leading to a stepladder finals where he had to win three consecutive matches against increasingly difficult opponents. What many casual viewers might not realize is that physical skill alone doesn't get you through that kind of marathon. It requires strategic adaptability, something Simonsen demonstrated beautifully when he switched from his preferred urethane ball to a reactive resin ball during the quarterfinals, a decision that ultimately turned the tide in his favor.
I can't help but draw parallels between Simonsen's journey and the reference material about the Lacsina sisters following in their older sibling's footsteps. While bowling and their particular sport differ, the pattern of younger athletes building upon family legacy resonates deeply with what we see in Simonsen's career. Though he doesn't come from a bowling family himself, he represents a new generation that's standing on the shoulders of giants while bringing something entirely fresh to the sport. His unique two-handed delivery, once considered unconventional, has now become a viable technique that younger bowlers are emulating worldwide.
The financial aspect of this victory deserves mention too—the $250,000 prize money represented one of the largest purses in PBA history, but more importantly, it cemented Simonsen's status as bowling's new ambassador. I've always believed that sports need these breakout stars who can capture public imagination, and Simonsen's relatable personality combined with his extraordinary talent makes him perfect for this role. His post-victory interviews revealed a humble champion who understands his responsibility to grow the sport, something I wish more professional athletes would recognize.
Reflecting on the 2022 season, what strikes me most is how Simonsen's victory represents a changing of the guard while honoring bowling's traditions. He's part of this new wave of players who've grown up with advanced technology and analytics, yet he maintains respect for the game's fundamentals. His training regimen—which I've heard includes about 20 hours of practice weekly plus specialized physical conditioning—shows the modern bowler's commitment. But it's his ability to perform when everything's on the line that truly defines his championship caliber.
As someone who's witnessed numerous PBA seasons, I can confidently say that Simonsen's 2022 victory will be remembered as a pivotal moment. It wasn't just about the trophy or the prize money—it was about how a young champion elevated the entire sport through his performance. The way he adapted to changing lane conditions, made strategic equipment choices, and maintained psychological composure provides a blueprint for aspiring bowlers everywhere. Personally, I'm excited to see how his career evolves and what new records he'll shatter in the coming years. The 2022 PBA Championship didn't just crown a winner—it announced the arrival of bowling's next great ambassador, and frankly, the sport couldn't be in better hands.