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PBA Tournament of Champions
View on WikipediaThe PBA Tournament of Champions is one of the five major PBA (Professional Bowlers Association) bowling events. It is an invitational event and the only PBA Tour major that does not have any open field. All participants must meet qualifications to be invited.
History
[edit]The inaugural event, held by the PBA in 1962, featured all 25 PBA Tour title-holders to date, and was won by PBA Hall of Famer Joe Joseph,[1] who had qualified for the tournament only four events prior. In 1965, the tournament featured all champions since the 1962 event, before officially becoming an annual event in 1966 (at that time featuring the most recent 48 tour champions).
From 1965 to 1993, Firestone Tire sponsored the Tournament of Champions. Since 1994, the Tournament of Champions has had a variety of sponsors, including General Tire, Brunswick, Dexter, H&R Block, Barbasol, Fire Lake Casino & Resort, and most recently Kia.
From 1965 until 1994, the tournament was contested at Riviera Lanes (now AMF Riviera Lanes) in Fairlawn, Ohio near the long-time Firestone World Headquarters in Akron, Ohio. From 2002 to 2007, the Tournament of Champions was contested in an arena setting at Mohegan Sun Arena, in Uncasville, Connecticut.[2] The event was moved to Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2007–08 season, and was contested there through the 2011–12 season. The tournament returned to Riviera Lanes again in 2018.[3]
The TOC is the only PBA major that is an "invitational" event. Prior to 2007–08, a bowler qualified for the Tournament of Champions by being one of the 32 most recent title winners on the regular PBA Tour. The list was expanded in 2008 to include some past winners of the TOC itself, even if they were no longer in the Top 32 most recent PBA winners. The 2009–10 TOC saw its first-ever female competitor, as a spot in the 2010 tournament was given to Kelly Kulick, winner of the inaugural PBA Women's World Championship in 2009.[4] Kulick made sports history on January 24, 2010 as she defeated Mika Koivuniemi and Chris Barnes to become the first woman to win a title against men on the PBA Tour.[5]
In 2011–12, the tournament allowed PBA Regional Tour winners for the first time, even if they had no titles on the PBA Tour, as long as they were PBA members at the time of their Regional title. These players participated in the initial "Champions" field qualifying to gain a spot in the "Elite" field. After 20 games of qualifying, a limited number of Champions field players earned entry into the Elite Field, which consisted of 54 bowlers total (a combination of past PBA Tour champions, top players in Champions field qualifying, plus the previous year's TOC champion). All Elite field players cashed a minimum of $2,500. After 16 more games in the Cashers' Round, the Top 24 (based on 36 total games) made the round-robin match play. The Top 4 match play qualifiers then made the live televised finals. Payouts for the TV finals were $250,000 for first, $100,000 for second, $50,000 for third and $40,000 for fourth. (See also: PBA Bowling Tour: 2010–11 season.) This format was retained for the 2011–12 season, albeit with reduced prize money.
For the 2018 season, the TOC format changed again. With a maximum starting field of 80, up to 70 spots are automatically given to entrants with a National PBA Tour title. If the number of entrants tops 70, the list is cut to the most recent title winners, although past winners of the TOC itself retain their automatic entry regardless of when the win occurred. Winners of a PBA Regional, PBA50 Tour, PBA50 Regional or PBA Women's Series title must bowl in an 8-game Pre Tournament Qualifier (PTQ) to earn one of the remaining spots in the opening field. A minimum of 10 spots are filled from the PTQ, but additional spots are made available if the number of automatic entrants is fewer than 70.[6] In 2018, Matt O'Grady became the first player out of the PTQ (with no national PBA Tour titles) to win the Tournament of Champions.[7]
Notable editions
[edit]In a notable opening match at the 1967 Tournament of Champions finals, Jack Biondolillo rolled the first-ever nationally televised 300 game.[8] Biondolillo would only tally a 188 score in his next match (a victory), before being eliminated in his third match with a 172 score.[9] Biondolillo's feat was not matched until 2015, when Sean Rash rolled the TOC's second televised perfect game in the second match of the stepladder finals.[10] The tournament has also seen a pair of televised 299 games, by Don Johnson (1970) and Mika Koivuniemi (2011). The 2011 event also featured the lowest-ever game bowled in a nationally televised PBA event as well as the largest pin differential in a PBA match, when Koivuniemi defeated Tom Daugherty in the semifinals, 299–100.[11]
The TOC is the only PBA major that all-time titles leader Walter Ray Williams Jr. has never won.
The 2010–11 Tournament of Champions took place January 16–22, 2011, and featured a $1 million purse and $250,000 first prize, making it the richest PBA tournament ever.[12] The tournament had an all-new format that included a "Champions Field" and an "Elite Field." The Champions Field (maximum of 180 bowlers) included any past PBA champions with four or fewer titles, plus titlists on the PBA Regional Tour, PBA Women's Series tour, PBA Senior Tour and PBA Senior Regional Tour who were PBA members at the time of the titles. The Top 90 finishers after 14 qualifying games advanced to bowl against the Elite Field. The Elite Field included all 2010–11 exempt PBA players, any PBA Hall of Famer, any player listed in 2008 as one of the "50 Greatest PBA Players of the Last 50 Years," any PBA player with five or more PBA Tour titles or at least one PBA major title, plus the winners of the 2010 USBC Senior Masters, 2010 PBA Senior U.S. Open, 2010 Regional Players Invitational and 2010 Regional Players Championship. All entrants had to be full-fledged PBA members as of October 1, 2010.[13]
Tournament Winners
[edit]2025 Event
[edit]The 2025 PBA Tournament of Champions was held April 15–20 at Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn, Ohio, with a pre-tournament qualifier (PTQ) on April 14 and the televised final round on April 20. The starting field of 72 players included 62 past PBA Tour champions and ten PBA Regional Tour champions who were added out of the PTQ. The total prize fund was $356,800, with the top 32 players cashing and $100,000 going to the winner.[14] A five-player stepladder format was used for the finals. Top seed Jesper Svensson defeated fellow lefty Jakob Butturff in his lone finals match, 221–197, to earn his 13th PBA Tour title and second major championship (both majors coming in this event).[15]
| Match #1 | Match #2 | Match #3 | Title Match | |||||||||||||||
| 1 | Jesper Svensson | 221 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Graham Fach | 182 | 5 | Jakob Butturff | 197 | |||||||||||||
| 3 | E. J. Tackett | 190 | 5 | Jakob Butturff | 234 | |||||||||||||
| 4 | Kevin McCune | 215 | 5 | Jakob Butturff | 196 | |||||||||||||
| 5 | Jakob Butturff | 231 | ||||||||||||||||
Prize Pool:
- 1. Jesper Svensson (Sweden) – $100,000
- 2. Jakob Butturff (Tempe, Arizona) – $50,000
- 3. Graham Fach (Urbana, Ohio) – $30,000
- 4. E. J. Tackett (Bluffton, Indiana) – $20,000
- 5. Kevin McCune (Munster, Indiana) – $15,000
Past winners
[edit]| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Championship match score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | Joe Joseph | Billy Golembiewski | 480–416 |
| 1965 | Billy Hardwick | Dick Weber | 484–468 |
| 1966 | Wayne Zahn | Dick Weber | 203–170 |
| 1967 | Jim Stefanich | Don Johnson | 227–227 (48–36 in two frame roll-off) |
| 1968 | Dave Davis | Don Johnson | 213–205 |
| 1969 | Jim Godman | Jim Stefanich | 266–228 |
| 1970 | Don Johnson | Dick Ritger | 299–268 |
| 1971 | Johnny Petraglia | Don Johnson | 246–169 |
| 1972 | Mike Durbin | Timmy Harahan | 258–187 |
| 1973 | Jim Godman | Barry Asher | 224–200 |
| 1974 | Earl Anthony | Johnny Petraglia | 216–213 |
| 1975 | Dave Davis (2) | Barry Asher | 201–195 |
| 1976 | Marshall Holman | Billy Hardwick | 203–198 |
| 1977 | Mike Berlin | Mike Durbin | 221–205 |
| 1978 | Earl Anthony (2) | Teata Semiz | 237–192 |
| 1979 | George Pappas | Dick Ritger | 224–195 |
| 1980 | Wayne Webb | Gary Dickinson | 219–194 |
| 1981 | Steve Cook | Pete Couture | 287–183 |
| 1982 | Mike Durbin (2) | Steve Cook | 233–203 |
| 1983 | Joe Berardi | Henry Gonzalez | 186–179 |
| 1984 | Mike Durbin (3) | Mike Aulby | 246–163 |
| 1985 | Mark Williams (1) | Bob Handley | 191–140 |
| 1986 | Marshall Holman (2) | Mark Baker | 233–211 |
| 1987 | Pete Weber | Jim Murtishaw | 222–190 |
| 1988 | Mark Williams (2) | Tony Westlake | 237–214 |
| 1989 | Del Ballard Jr. | Walter Ray Williams Jr. | 254–218 |
| 1990 | Dave Ferraro | Tony Westlake | 226–203 |
| 1991 | David Ozio | Amleto Monacelli | 236–203 |
| 1992 | Marc McDowell | Don Genalo | 223–193 |
| 1993 | George Branham III | Parker Bohn III | 227–214 |
| 1994 | Norm Duke | Eric Forkel | 217–194 |
| 1995 | Mike Aulby | Bob Spaulding | 237–232 |
| 1996 | Dave D'Entremont | Dave Arnold | 215–202 |
| 1997 | John Gant | Mike Aulby | 208–187 |
| 1998 | Bryan Goebel | Steve Hoskins | 245–235 |
| 1999 | Jason Couch | Chris Barnes | 197–193 |
| 2000 | Jason Couch (2) | Ryan Shafer | 198–166 |
| 2001 | Tournament not held in 2001 | ||
| 2002 | Jason Couch (3) | Ryan Shafer | 266–224 |
| 2003 | Patrick Healey, Jr | Randy Pedersen | 222–188 |
| 2004 | Tournament not held in 2004 | ||
| 2005 | Steve Jaros | Norm Duke | 248–242 |
| 2006 | Chris Barnes | Steve Jaros | 234–227 |
| 2007 | Tommy Jones | Tony Reyes | 257–222 |
| 2008 | Michael Haugen Jr. | Chris Barnes | 215–214 |
| 2009 | Patrick Allen | Rhino Page | 267–263 |
| 2010 | Kelly Kulick | Chris Barnes | 265–195 |
| 2011 | Mika Koivuniemi | Tom Smallwood | 269–207 |
| 2012 | Sean Rash | Ryan Ciminelli | 239–205 |
| 2013 | Pete Weber (2) | Jason Belmonte | 224–179 |
| 2014 | Jason Belmonte | Wes Malott | 219–218 |
| 2015 | Jason Belmonte (2) | Rhino Page | 232–214 |
| 2016 | Jesper Svensson (1) | Mitch Beasley | 226–177 |
| 2017 | E. J. Tackett | Tommy Jones | 208–203 |
| 2018 | Matt O'Grady | Jesper Svensson]] | 207–193 |
| 2019 | Jason Belmonte (3) | E. J. Tackett | 225–196 |
| 2020 | Kristopher Prather | Bill O'Nell | 280–205 |
| 2021 | François Lavoie | Anthony Simonsen | 233–187 |
| 2022 | Dominic Barrett | Kristopher Prather | 210–189 |
| 2023 | Jason Belmonte (4) | E. J. Tackett | 246–179 |
| 2024 | Marshall Kent | Anthony Simonsen | 205–201 |
| 2025 | Jesper Svensson (2) | Jakob Butturff | 221–197 |
Jason Thomas' "Top 10 Moments in T of C History"
[edit]In 2010, PBA.com writer Jason Thomas listed his Top 10 moments in the 48-year history of the Tournament of Champions.[16]
#10 - Marshall Holman's Million-Dollar Win. Hall of Famer Marshall Holman became the third player in PBA history to top the $1 million mark in career earnings by winning the 1986 event.
#9 - George Branham III Wins Last Firestone. In 1993, George Branham III became the first (and so far only) African American winner in this tournament, as well as the last to win the tournament while it was sponsored by Firestone.
#8 - Weber Becomes Youngest to 10 Titles. With his win in the 1987 T of C, 24-year-old Pete Weber became the youngest PBA player ever to reach the 10-title plateau.
#7 - Earl Gets Title #30. Hall of Fame left-hander Earl Anthony became the first PBA player to reach 30 career titles with his win in the 1978 event. The legendary Dick Weber, who was in the ABC broadcast booth with Chris Schenkel because analyst Nelson Burton Jr. had made the TV finals, proclaimed Anthony the "undisputed King of Bowling" after the victory.
#6 - Bomb Scare. In 1991, the tournament was delayed 40 minutes due to a bomb threat, which turned out to be a hoax. David Ozio eventually won the title on his way to 1991 Player of the Year honors.
#5 - Rhino's 4-Count. Rhino Page, needing a 9-spare to defeat Patrick Allen after striking on the first ball in the 10th frame in the 2009 event, left an inexplicable 4-count. Missing wide left of target, Page's shot cut right between the 1 and 4 pins, leaving a bizarre 1-3-4-7-9-10 washout. Though he surprisingly made the spare, he lost to Allen, 267-263.
#4 - Michael Haugen Jr.'s Comeback. Having just qualified for the 2008 T of C earlier that season, Michael Haugen Jr. trailed Chris Barnes by 53 pins in the 5th frame of the final match, and was still down 41 pins entering the 9th frame. When Barnes missed a 10-pin in the 9th frame, Haugen responded with a strike in the 9th and two strikes plus nine pins in the 10th. Barnes rolled a spare in the 10th, and needed a strike on the fill ball to force extra frames. But Barnes left a 4-pin, giving Haugen a narrow 215-214 victory.
#3 - Couch's Three-Peat. In 2002, Jason Couch became just the second PBA Player to win the T of C three times (joining Mike Durbin) and the only one to do so in consecutive seasons.
#2 - Don Johnson's 299 Game. In perhaps the most iconic moment of the PBA's first 50 years, Hall of Famer Don Johnson had struck on the first nine balls of the final 1970 T of C match, but still needed a mark in the 10th frame to top Dick Ritger's 268 score. With millions watching on TV, Johnson coolly rolled the first two strikes in the 10th to lock up the title. With an additional $10,000 and a Mercury Cougar automobile on the line for a 300-game, Johnson packed his 12th shot but left a ringing 10-pin for a 299 game. The shot of Johnson lying face-down on the approach in disbelief has been replayed dozens of times on PBA telecasts.
#1 - Kelly Kulick's Historic Win. Up against enormous odds to become the first woman ever to win a standard PBA Tour event, it is hard to argue the historic value of Kelly Kulick's 2010 T of C win. Said Thomas, "her inspiring come-from-behind run on Friday evening to qualify for the telecast in second place was probably special enough to make this list. But her performance on Sunday, defeating Mika Koivuniemi and then Chris Barnes with a convincing 265 game in the final with millions watching (the telecast was the PBA's highest-rated show for the year), is a feat that will be remembered for as long as bowling is broadcast on TV."
50th Anniversary "Top Moments" Fan Voting
[edit]To commemorate the 50th Tournament of Champions in 2015, a fan poll was conducted to name their top moment in the tournament's history.[10] The top five vote earners included some historic moments that have occurred since Thomas' list was published:[17]
1. Kelly Kulick's win in 2010. (27%)
2. Pete Weber's 2X Triple Crown Win. (16%) Pete Weber's victory in the 2013 event made him the oldest player (50) to win the T of C, as well as the only player to win each event of the PBA's Triple Crown at least twice in a career.[18]
3. Mika Koivuniemi Cashes a Record Winner's Share. (13%) The 2011 Tournament of Champions featured a $1 million purse and a $250,000 first prize (won by Mika Koivuniemi), making it the richest PBA tournament ever. Koivuniemi also won the most lopsided match in PBA finals history, defeating Tom Daugherty 299-100 in the semifinals.[19]
T4. Don Johnson's 299 game in the 1970 final match. (8%)
T4. Jason Couch's three-peat win in 2002. (8%)
References
[edit]- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-10-06. Retrieved 2010-08-17.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "PBA turns attention to 'Roll to Riches' event," article at www.detroitnews.com, April 4, 2007 (paragraph 4).
- ^ "News-PBA Tournament of Champions Kicks Off 2018 Go Bowling! PBA Tour Season in U.S. Feb. 5-11". PBA.com. Retrieved January 21, 2018.
- ^ "Kulick Wins PBA Women's World Championship, Sullins Takes Senior Title." Article at www.pba.com, October 25, 2009.
- ^ "Kelly Kulick makes sports history as first woman to win a PBA Tour title." Article at www.pba.com on January 24, 2010.
- ^ "PBA Tournament of Champions PTQ". pba.com. Retrieved January 31, 2018.
- ^ "MATT O'GRADY DEFEATS JESPER SVENSSON TO WIN 53RD PBA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS". bowlingdigital.com. February 12, 2018. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
- ^ "PBA turns attention to 'Roll to Riches' event," article at www.detroitnews.com, April 4, 2007 (paragraph 5).
- ^ Archived article on 1967 PBA Tournament of Champions at www.pba.com
- ^ a b Vint, Bill (February 15, 2015). "Belmonte Repeats as Barbasol PBA Tournament of Champions Winner; Rash Rolls Historic 300 Game". pba.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2015. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
- ^ "PBA South Region competitor advances from Champions Round to Elite Field". bowlingdigital.com. April 10, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2016.
- ^ Schneider, Jerry. "Williams Record Seventh PBA Player of the Year Honor 'Unimaginable.'" Article at www.pba.com on April 5, 2010.
- ^ Vint, Bill, "PBA Unveils Plans for 2011 Tournament of Champions." Article at www.pba.com on August 13, 2010.
- ^ "2025 Tournament of Champions - Prize Fund". pba.com. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
- ^ Hughes, Nolan (April 20, 2025). "Jesper Svensson Captures Second Career TOC Title". pba.com. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
- ^ Thomas, Jason. "Top 10 Moments in T of C History." Article at www.pba.com on August 16, 2010.[1] Archived 2015-10-06 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Vint, Bill (February 18, 2015). "PBA Spare Shots: Walter Ray Williams Jr. Fulfills Wish for 14-Year-Old Iowa Bowler". pba.com. Retrieved February 19, 2015.
- ^ Pete Weber Wins Barbasol PBA Tournament of Champions, Ties Anthony with 10th Major, Completes PBA Triple Crown for a Second Time Archived 2013-04-04 at the Wayback Machine Vint, Bill at pba.com on March 31, 2013.
- ^ 'Major Mika' Wins PBA Tournament of Champions, Record $250,000 First Prize Archived 2011-01-25 at the Wayback Machine Vint, Bill at www.pba.com on January 22, 2011.
Sources
[edit]PBA Tournament of Champions
View on GrokipediaOverview
Event Format
The PBA Tournament of Champions employs a multi-stage format designed to identify the top performers among invited champions, beginning with an 18-game qualifying round contested on a challenging 40-foot oil pattern, specifically the Johnson 40 pattern in recent editions.[4][3] These games are typically divided into three blocks of six, with a cut after the full round to the top 24 bowlers based on total pinfall, ensuring only the strongest advance while accommodating the invitational nature of the event.[4] Advancing players then enter a 24-game match-play round, structured in three blocks of eight games each, where bonus pins are awarded for head-to-head victories to heighten competition and reward consistency under pressure.[4] Following this, the field narrows further to the top nine, leading into the signature stepladder finals—a bracket-style elimination unique to this major invitational. In the stepladder, the No. 9 seed faces the No. 8 seed in a single game, with the winner advancing to challenge the No. 7 seed, continuing progressively until the survivor faces the No. 1 seed in the championship match; a preliminary stepladder often handles seeds 5 through 9 before the main bracket for the top four plus the play-in winner.[4][3] The prize structure incentivizes deep runs, with the winner earning $100,000, the runner-up $50,000, third place $30,000, and escalating payouts for earlier finalists, while the top 32 overall receive cash awards starting at $2,500 for 32nd place.[4] Over time, the format has evolved to accommodate growing participation, with field sizes expanding from approximately 48 players in earlier decades to a maximum of 72 in recent years, allowing more past champions to compete without diluting the event's prestige.[4][7]Qualification Criteria
The PBA Tournament of Champions is strictly an invitational event, distinguishing it as the only major on the PBA Tour without an open qualifying field; participation is limited exclusively to proven PBA titleholders to ensure a matchup among elite performers.[4][8] Current qualification criteria emphasize recency and active status, with a maximum field of 72 players drawn primarily from the most recent PBA Tour national title winners who hold Touring 1 or Touring 2 membership status—requiring participation in at least 60% of Tour events in the prior season.[4][8] Priority entry is awarded first to those with the most career PBA Tour titles, followed by the most recent champions, ensuring the field highlights current top talent. International winners are eligible if they are PBA members and meet these standards, as demonstrated by participants like Sweden's Jesper Svensson, a multiple PBA Tour titleholder.[4] Additional spots may be filled via a pre-tournament qualifier (PTQ) for PBA Regional Tour, PBA50 Tour, or other non-exempt titleholders, with at least eight advancing to reach the desired field size.[4] Special provisions include lifetime invitations for past Tournament of Champions winners, allowing them to opt in regardless of current exempt or touring status, which can expand the field beyond the core recent champions.[8] In some seasons, exemptions have been granted to PBA Hall of Famers or recent titleholders outside active touring status, preserving spots for up to five years post-win to accommodate career transitions.[8] Historically, the criteria shifted in 2011 to broaden eligibility for the event at Red Rock Lanes, incorporating all 2010-11 PBA Tour exempt players, PBA Hall of Famers, players from the "50 Greatest PBA Players in the Last 50 Years" list, any prior PBA Tour titleholder, and top 2009-10 points earners—a move that created a larger, more inclusive "Elite Field" alongside a "Champions Field" for those with four or fewer titles.[9] This format was short-lived, reverting by 2013 to the traditional model focused on approximately 48 recent national champions with active touring status, reinforcing the event's emphasis on contemporary excellence.[8]History
Inception and Early Years (1965–1980)
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) launched the Tournament of Champions in 1962 as an invitational event exclusively for that season's title winners, aimed at determining an overall "champion of champions" among the sport's elite. After a two-year absence in 1963 and 1964, the tournament was revived in 1965 with sponsorship from Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, establishing a partnership that lasted nearly three decades. Held at Firestone Bowlarama Lanes in Akron, Ohio, the 1965 edition featured a 43-player field drawn from recent PBA champions and offered a record $100,000 purse. Billy Hardwick claimed the title, defeating Dick Weber and Joe Joseph in a two-game stepladder final with a score of 484, securing the largest first-place prize in bowling history at $25,000—$5,000 more than Jack Nicklaus earned for winning the Masters that year.[10][2] The early format emphasized endurance and head-to-head competition, with players bowling multiple qualifying games—typically around 16 to 24—followed by match play rounds leading to a stepladder final among the top finishers. This structure highlighted the technical prowess and consistency required of past champions, quickly elevating the event's prestige to that of a major alongside the U.S. Open and PBA National Championship. Qualification remained strictly limited to immediate past winners of PBA Tour events, ensuring a high-caliber field that showcased the association's top performers.[11][10] Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, the tournament experienced steady growth, with the field expanding to 48 players by the mid-1970s to reflect the PBA Tour's increasing schedule of events. Key milestones included the first repeat victory by Jim Godman, who won in 1969 and again in 1973, and dramatic moments like Don Johnson's 299 game in the 1970 championship match against Dick Ritger. These developments, coupled with consistent Firestone sponsorship and national television exposure starting in 1965, cemented the Tournament of Champions as a flagship event, drawing larger crowds and underscoring the professionalization of tenpin bowling through 1980. The stepladder format, introduced in 1965, continued to provide exciting televised conclusions.[2][12][13]Evolution and Modern Developments (1981–Present)
In the 1980s, Mike Durbin's victories in 1972, 1982, and 1984 marked his three career TOC titles, drawing substantial media attention and underscoring the event's prestige, contributing to heightened fan engagement during a period when the PBA Tour featured up to 35 events annually. During the 1990s and 2000s, the tournament experienced fluctuations in field size as the PBA experimented with expansions to broaden participation while maintaining its invitational nature, often adjusting from the traditional core of recent champions to include additional qualifiers. Lane oil patterns became more challenging during this era, with sport shots designed to test adaptability and strategy, reflecting broader PBA efforts to standardize conditions across events. The Tournament of Champions has long been one of the PBA's recognized five major championships, alongside the U.S. Open, PBA World Championship, USBC Masters, and PBA Players Championship.[11] The event was not held in 2001 or 2004. The 2010s brought a reversion to the tournament's roots in 2013, when the field was limited to an exclusive group of 48 past PBA champions with active Touring 1 or 2 status, emphasizing its original invitational exclusivity after years of broader entry criteria.[14] This period also saw the rise of two-handed bowling techniques, exemplified by Australian Jason Belmonte's multiple victories, including his record-setting fourth title in 2023, which highlighted how innovative styles were reshaping competitive dynamics and increasing scoring potential on modern patterns.[15] The 2025 edition marked a return to historic AMF Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn, Ohio, for the stepladder finals, with a maximum field of 72 participants limited to PBA champions, blending tradition with contemporary formats like three qualifying rounds and match play cuts to the top nine.[4] Amid broader PBA Tour contractions—from around 34 events in 1980 to as few as 12 title events in the 2010-11 season—the Tournament of Champions adapted by maintaining its major status and high prize purse, often exceeding $100,000 for the winner, to sustain interest during economic challenges. Concurrently, the event benefited from the tour's international growth, with non-U.S. bowlers like Belmonte and Sweden's Jesper Svensson qualifying through global successes, fostering a more diverse field and expanding the PBA's worldwide footprint.[16]Notable Editions
High-Scoring and Record-Setting Events
The PBA Tournament of Champions has featured several standout performances marked by near-perfect games and exceptional scoring, often highlighted by the event's challenging yet rewarding lane conditions that reward precision and power. One of the most iconic moments occurred in 1970, when Don Johnson rolled a 299 in the championship match against Dick Ritger at the Firestone Tournament of Champions, falling just one pin short of perfection after 11 consecutive strikes but clinching the title with a spare on the final frame.[17] This game remains one of the highest single-game scores in TOC finals history, though perfect 300 games have been achieved in later TOC title matches, underscoring the event's capacity for dramatic high-stakes bowling.[18] Decades later, the 2011 edition produced another near-perfect effort in the stepladder semifinals, where Mika Koivuniemi bowled a 299 against Tom Daugherty's 100, creating the largest margin of victory (199 pins) ever recorded in a PBA televised finals match.[17] Koivuniemi's 11 strikes in a row propelled him to the final, where he advanced and won the title, but the performance highlighted the TOC's history of statistical outliers enabled by its invitational format for top performers. These 299 games by Johnson and Koivuniemi stand as notable high single-game scores in TOC championship rounds, each involving a record-tying 11 strikes in a 10-frame match.[18] In 2013, Pete Weber etched his name into the record books by winning the event at age 50, securing his 10th career PBA major title and tying the all-time mark held by Earl Anthony.[17] Weber defeated Jason Belmonte 224-179 in the final, a victory that not only completed his second PBA Triple Crown but also made him the oldest champion in TOC history at the time.[19] This achievement emphasized the tournament's role in milestone performances, as Weber's longevity and consistency under pressure contributed to elevated scoring throughout the stepladder, including multiple 220+ games.[17] The 2023 Tournament of Champions showcased high aggregate scores influenced by the Don Johnson 40-foot oil pattern, which favored power bowlers and led to several 260+ games during the expanded 17-player stepladder finals.[20] Jason Belmonte navigated the conditions to claim his record fourth TOC title, culminating in a 246-179 championship win over EJ Tackett, one of the higher final-round totals in recent editions.[15] Such pattern designs have periodically amplified scoring potential, as seen in Belmonte's earlier 2014 victory over Wes Malott by a narrow 219-218 margin, where strategic adjustments to the oil allowed for sustained high-frame outputs.[21] Overall, these events illustrate the TOC's evolution toward record-setting feats, with perfect 300 games recorded in TOC title matches, such as Mike Aulby's in 1993.[18]Controversial or Dramatic Finishes
The 1987 PBA Tournament of Champions featured an emotional victory for Pete Weber, marking his first major title and a poignant moment as he triumphed in the event his father, Dick Weber, never won. In the championship match at Riviera Lanes in Akron, Ohio, Pete defeated Jim Murtishaw 246-193, securing the $50,000 first-place prize and etching his name into the tournament's legacy amid the shadow of his legendary father's career.[22][23] In 2011, Mika Koivuniemi staged a remarkable comeback from the 17th position in qualifying to claim the title, navigating the expanded field that included former regional and women's series champions for the first time, a change that sparked debate over the event's traditional exclusivity. Koivuniemi, entering the stepladder as the No. 3 seed, first defeated Andres Gomez 267-225, then rolled a dominant 299 in the semifinal against Tom Daugherty (100), before beating top seed Tom Smallwood 269-207 in the final to earn $250,000 as the first international winner. The qualification expansion to up to 180 participants aimed to boost the purse to a record $1 million but drew criticism from some for diluting the invitational prestige.[24][25][26] Sean Rash's 2012 victory highlighted an underdog narrative, as the Illinois native, seeking his first major in five years, topped the standings to earn the No. 1 stepladder seed before defeating challengers amid murmurs from competitors about the challenging oil pattern that favored his adjustable style. In the finals at Red Rock Lanes in Las Vegas, Rash, as the top seed, overcame Ryan Ciminelli 239-205 to secure $40,000 and end a title drought, with the pattern's difficulty noted in post-event discussions as influencing the upsets.[17][27] The 2024 edition featured Marshall Kent capturing his first major title, advancing through the stepladder against Jason Sterner, Matt Ogle, and E.J. Tackett before defeating top seed Anthony Simonsen 205-201 in the final at Riviera Lanes, claiming $100,000. The stepladder format has consistently amplified such dramas by pitting qualifiers in high-pressure elimination matches.[5][28] In 2025, Jesper Svensson claimed his second TOC title as the top seed, defeating Jakob Butturff 221-197 in the championship match at AMF Riviera Lanes to earn $100,000 and his 13th career PBA Tour title, marking a dramatic wire-to-wire performance on the challenging oil pattern.[6]Tournament Winners
Career Statistics and Records
Jason Belmonte holds the record for the most PBA Tournament of Champions titles, with four victories in 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2023.[15] His 2023 win marked a historic comeback from 12th place after qualifying, surpassing previous record-holders for the event.[29] Mike Durbin and Jason Couch share second place with three titles each. Durbin's wins came in 1972, 1982, and 1984, making him the first bowler to reach three TOC championships.[30] Couch achieved a unique streak by winning three consecutive editions held from 1999 to 2002 (the event was not contested in 2001), a feat unmatched in PBA major history.[31] Pete Weber follows with two titles in 1987 and 2013.[19]| Bowler | Titles | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Belmonte | 4 | 2014, 2015, 2019, 2023 |
| Mike Durbin | 3 | 1972, 1982, 1984 |
| Jason Couch | 3 | 1999, 2000, 2002 |
| Pete Weber | 2 | 1987, 2013 |
List of Past Winners
The PBA Tournament of Champions, one of the sport's premier majors, has crowned a champion annually since its revival in 1965 (following the inaugural 1962 edition). Below is a complete chronological list of winners from 1965 through 2025, including final scores, runners-up, and host venues where documented in official records.| Year | Winner | Score | Runner-up | Host Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1965 | Billy Hardwick | N/A | Dick Weber/Joe Joseph (two-game rolloff: 484-463) | Bowlarama Lanes, Akron, OH[2] |
| 1966 | Wayne Zahn | N/A | Billy Hardwick | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1967 | Dave Davis | N/A | Johnny Petraglia | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1968 | Jim Stefanich | N/A | Dave Davis | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1969 | Jim Godman | N/A | Billy Hardwick | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1970 | Don Johnson | N/A | Mike Durbin | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1971 | Johnny Petraglia | N/A | Don Johnson | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1972 | Mike Durbin | N/A | Johnny Petraglia | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1973 | Jim Godman | N/A | Barry Asher | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1974 | Earl Anthony | N/A | Dave Davis | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1975 | Dave Davis | N/A | Earl Anthony | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1976 | Marshall Holman | N/A | Wayne Webb | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1977 | Mike Berlin | N/A | Marshall Holman | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1978 | Earl Anthony | N/A | Wayne Webb | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1979 | George Pappas | N/A | Joe Berardi | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1980 | Wayne Webb | N/A | Earl Anthony | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1981 | Steve Cook | N/A | Johnny Petraglia | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1982 | Mike Durbin | N/A | Steve Cook | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1983 | Joe Berardi | N/A | Mark Williams | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1984 | Mike Durbin | N/A | Mark Roth | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1985 | Mark Williams | N/A | Marshall Holman | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1986 | Marshall Holman | N/A | Pete Weber | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1987 | Pete Weber | N/A | Marshall Holman | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1988 | Mark Williams | N/A | Pete Weber | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1989 | Del Ballard Jr. | N/A | Dave Ferraro | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1990 | Dave Ferraro | N/A | Amleto Monacelli | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1991 | David Ozio | 236-203 | Amleto Monacelli | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1992 | Marc McDowell | N/A | George Branham III | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 1993 | George Branham III | N/A | Norm Duke | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1994 | Norm Duke | N/A | George Branham III | Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[2] |
| 1995 | Mike Aulby | N/A | Dave D'Entremont | Brunswick Zone, Carol Stream, IL (formerly Lake Zurich)[2] |
| 1996 | Dave D'Entremont | N/A | Mike Aulby | Brunswick Zone, Carol Stream, IL[36] |
| 1997 | John Gant | N/A | Walter Ray Williams Jr. | Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, NV[36] |
| 1998 | Bryan Goebel | N/A | Jason Couch | Oak Park Bowl, Overland Park, KS[36] |
| 1999 | Jason Couch | N/A | Bryan Goebel | Oak Park Bowl, Overland Park, KS[2] |
| 2000 | Jason Couch | N/A | Norm Duke | Brunswick Zone, Carol Stream, IL[2] |
| 2001 | Walter Ray Williams Jr. | N/A | Norm Duke | Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT[36] |
| 2002 | Jason Couch | N/A | Parker Bohn III | Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT[2] |
| 2003 | Steve Jaros | N/A | Walter Ray Williams Jr. | Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT[36] |
| 2004 | Mike Fagan | N/A | Steve Jaros | Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT[36] |
| 2005 | Patrick Healey Jr. | N/A | Mike Fagan | Dexter Lanes, Monroe, MI[36] |
| 2006 | Tommy Jones | N/A | Patrick Healey Jr. | Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV[36] |
| 2007 | Doug Kent | N/A | Tommy Jones | Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV[36] |
| 2008 | Michael Haugen Jr. | 245-195 | Norm Duke | Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV[36] |
| 2009 | Patrick Allen | 266-245 | Norm Duke | Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV[36] |
| 2010 | Kelly Kulick | 265-195 | Chris Barnes | Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV[2] |
| 2011 | Mika Koivuniemi | 269-207 | Tom Smallwood | Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV[2] |
| 2012 | Sean Rash | 225-181 | Ryan Ciminelli | Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV[36] |
| 2013 | Pete Weber | 246-225 | Jason Belmonte | Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV[36] |
| 2014 | Jason Belmonte | 249-184 | Wes Malott | Red Rock Lanes, Las Vegas, NV[36] |
| 2015 | Jason Belmonte | 246-179 | Dom Barrett | AMF Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 2016 | Jesper Svensson | 266-239 | E. J. Tackett | AMF Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 2017 | E. J. Tackett | 208-203 | Tommy Jones | FireLake Casino, Shawnee, OK[37] |
| 2018 | Matt O'Grady | 259-225 | Jason Belmonte | AMF Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[36] |
| 2019 | Jason Belmonte | 243-225 | Bill O'Neill | AMF Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[38] |
| 2020 | Kris Prather | 280-205 | Bill O'Neill | AMF Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[39] |
| 2021 | François Lavoie | 233-187 | Anthony Simonsen | Bowlero Jupiter, Jupiter, FL[32] |
| 2022 | Dom Barrett | 210-189 | Kris Prather | AMF Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[40] |
| 2023 | Jason Belmonte | 223-217 | Anthony Simonsen | AMF Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[15] |
| 2024 | Marshall Kent | 205-201 | Anthony Simonsen | AMF Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[41] |
| 2025 | Jesper Svensson | 221-197 | Jakob Butturff | AMF Riviera Lanes, Fairlawn, OH[6] |
2025 Event
The 2025 PBA Tournament of Champions took place from April 14 to 20 at AMF Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn, Ohio, featuring an invitational field of past PBA title winners competing on the challenging 40-foot Don Johnson oil pattern.[4][42] The event followed the standard format with 18 games of qualifying to determine the top 24 advancers to match play, where an additional 24 games were bowled with bonus pins awarded for wins; the top five then proceeded to the stepladder finals.[4] Early qualifying saw strong showings from top performers, including Jesper Svensson, who rolled a perfect game and went 8-0 on the second day to surge into the lead, alongside E.J. Tackett and Graham Fach, who rounded out the early top contenders with consistent high averages on the hold-heavy pattern.[43] After the full qualifying and match play rounds, Svensson secured the No. 1 seed with a 235 average and 16-9 record, followed by Jakob Butturff (No. 2, 227 average), Graham Fach (No. 3), E.J. Tackett (No. 4), and Kevin McCune (No. 5).[4][34] The stepladder finals began with a Saturday play-in among lower seeds to determine final positioning, where Butturff advanced by defeating challengers including A.J. Johnson, Matt Sanders, and Packy Hanrahan to join the Sunday bracket.[34] On Sunday, McCune faced Tackett in the opener, with Tackett winning to advance; Tackett then lost to Butturff 196-190 in the subsequent match, sending Butturff to face third-seeded Fach, whom he defeated to reach the championship.[44] Top seed Svensson waited in the final, defeating Butturff 221-197—sealing the win with a strike in the ninth frame—to claim his second career PBA major title and the $100,000 top prize.[44][6]Memorable Moments
Jason Thomas' Top 10 Moments
As part of the PBA's 60th Anniversary Most Memorable Moments series, a top 10 list of iconic moments from the Tournament of Champions (TOC) was highlighted, emphasizing dramatic finishes, record performances, and milestones that underscored the TOC's prestige as a major championship. These moments, spanning decades, illustrate the tournament's evolution from its Firestone-sponsored era to modern high-stakes broadcasts on networks like FOX Sports.[30] #1: Mike Durbin's Third TOC Victory (1984)In the 1984 Firestone Tournament of Champions at Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn, Ohio, Mike Durbin defeated Mike Aulby 246-163 in the championship match to claim his third TOC title, becoming the first bowler to achieve that feat after previous wins in 1972 and 1982. This victory, broadcast live on ABC, not only solidified Durbin's legacy with 14 career PBA titles but also boosted the TOC's popularity by showcasing intense rivalries among Hall of Famers, contributing to the event's reputation as a pinnacle of competitive drama. Durbin was inducted into the PBA Hall of Fame the same year, amplifying the moment's impact on fan engagement and media coverage.[30] #2: Don Johnson's Near-Perfect 299 (1970)
During the 1970 Firestone Tournament of Champions title match at Riviera Lanes, Don Johnson rolled a stunning 299 game against Dick Ritger, leaving the 10-pin on the final shot after 11 consecutive strikes, securing the win 299-268 and his sole major title. Though often misattributed in some retrospectives, this televised near-perfect game—Johnson's dramatic miss on the 12th strike—remains one of bowling's most replayed broadcast moments, heightening the TOC's allure and demonstrating the sport's high-wire tension to a national audience. The event helped popularize the TOC as a showcase for historic performances, influencing PBA TV production standards for decades.[45][46] #3: Pete Weber's Record-Tying 10th Major (2013)
Pete Weber, at age 50, defeated Jason Belmonte 224-179 in the 2013 Barbasol PBA Tournament of Champions finals at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis, tying Earl Anthony's record for most PBA major titles with his 10th and completing his second career Triple Crown. This emotional broadcast climax on ESPN, featuring Weber's signature fist pumps, resonated widely and reinvigorated interest in veteran bowlers, drawing record viewership and underscoring the TOC's role in crowning legends amid the rise of two-handed styles. The win enhanced the tournament's narrative appeal, bridging generational divides in PBA fandom.[19] #4: Kelly Kulick's Historic Women's Win (2010)
Kelly Kulick became the first woman to win a PBA Tour title by capturing the 2010 Tournament of Champions at Red Rock Lanes in Las Vegas, Nevada, defeating Chris Barnes 265-195 in the final after qualifying through the open field. Aired on ESPN, this breakthrough moment shattered gender barriers in professional bowling, sparking widespread media coverage and increasing female participation in PBA events while solidifying the TOC's image as an inclusive major that transcends traditional boundaries. Kulick's victory remains a cornerstone of PBA diversity efforts, inspiring broadcasts to highlight emerging talents.[47][48] #5: Mika Koivuniemi's Dominant 299-100 Semifinal (2011)
In the 2011 PBA Tournament of Champions semifinals at Red Rock Lanes in Las Vegas, Nevada, Mika Koivuniemi bowled a 299 game against Tom Daugherty's 100, the largest margin in PBA TV history, before winning the title and a then-record $250,000 prize. This lopsided yet mesmerizing ESPN broadcast exemplified the TOC's potential for unforgettable contrasts, captivating viewers and elevating prize structures to attract top talent, thereby enhancing the event's economic impact and global appeal within the PBA Tour.[49] #6: Jason Couch's Consecutive Three-Peat (2002)
Jason Couch completed a rare three-peat by winning his third straight Tournament of Champions in 2002 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, defeating Ryan Shafer 266-224 in the final. The only bowler to accomplish consecutive TOC victories, Couch's streak—broadcast on ESPN—highlighted sustained excellence and rivalries, boosting the event's prestige during a transitional period for PBA sponsorships and helping maintain viewer loyalty through compelling dynasty narratives. This achievement tied with Durbin's non-consecutive three wins in underscoring the TOC's competitive depth.[49] #7: Mike Aulby's Triple Crown and Grand Slam Completion (1995)
Mike Aulby clinched the 1995 Tournament of Champions at Brunswick Deer Park Lanes in Lake Zurich, Illinois, defeating Bob Spaulding 237-232 to complete both the PBA Triple Crown (winning all three majors) and the sport's Grand Slam (all five majors including USBC Masters). Aired on ABC, this rare feat in TOC history amplified the event's major status, inspiring instructional content and increasing PBA membership applications as bowlers aspired to similar milestones, thus reinforcing the tournament's foundational role in career-defining broadcasts.[49][50] #8: Johnny Petraglia's Four Straight TV Wins Culminating in TOC (1971)
Johnny Petraglia swept four consecutive televised PBA events in 1971, capping the streak with a 246-169 TOC victory over Don Johnson at Riviera Lanes, earning $25,000 and his first major. This ABC-televised run showcased Petraglia's versatility across formats, thrilling audiences and establishing the TOC as the ultimate season-ender, which helped expand PBA's TV footprint and fanbase during the sport's early growth phase in the 1970s.[51][49] #9: George Branham III's Barrier-Breaking Win (1993)
George Branham III won the 1993 Firestone Tournament of Champions at Riviera Lanes in Fairlawn, Ohio, defeating Parker Bohn III 227-214 to become the first African-American champion of the event. Broadcast on ESPN, this milestone promoted diversity in bowling, drawing diverse viewership and influencing PBA initiatives for inclusivity, while marking the last Firestone-sponsored TOC and transitioning the tournament to new eras of sponsorship and broadcast innovation.[49] #10: Emmett Shutes' Upset Run to TOC Finals (1974)
In the 1974 Firestone Tournament of Champions, unheralded regional qualifier Emmett Shutes upset top seeds to reach the finals at Riviera Lanes, challenging Earl Anthony before falling 245-204 in the title match. This ABC-televised underdog story from the 1970s highlighted the TOC's open-field format, exciting casual fans and demonstrating the event's unpredictability, which broadened its appeal beyond elite competitors and contributed to sustained TV ratings during bowling's golden era.[52]
50th Anniversary Fan Voting
In celebration of the 50th edition of the PBA Tournament of Champions held in 2015 at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis, the Professional Bowlers Association organized a fan voting campaign to select the greatest televised moments from the tournament's history.[49] The initiative aimed to engage bowling enthusiasts by highlighting iconic performances and dramatic finishes that had aired on national television, with voting open to the public via the PBA website from January 30 to February 9, 2015.[49] The top three moments determined by fan votes were featured during the live ESPN broadcast of the tournament finals on February 15, 2015: 1. Kelly Kulick's win in 2010; 2. Pete Weber's win in 2013; 3. Mika Koivuniemi's performance in 2011.[49] Fans selected from a curated list of 12 historic moments spanning nearly five decades of the event, each representing milestone achievements, records, or groundbreaking occurrences. These nominations were compiled by PBA officials to reflect the tournament's legacy of high-stakes competition and memorable broadcasts.[49] The full list of nominated moments is as follows:- 1967: Jack Biondolillo shoots the first televised 300 game in PBA history during the Tournament of Champions.[49]
- 1970: Don Johnson rolls a 299 in the championship match against Dick Ritger.[49]
- 1971: Johnny Petraglia secures three consecutive PBA titles, including the Tournament of Champions.[49]
- 1984: Mike Durbin claims his third Tournament of Champions victory.[49]
- 1986: Marshall Holman wins his second Tournament of Champions title and becomes the first PBA player to surpass $1 million in career earnings.[49]
- 1991: David Ozio triumphs after a bomb scare interrupts the telecast.[49]
- 1993: George Branham III becomes the first African-American champion of the Tournament of Champions.[49]
- 1995: Mike Aulby completes bowling's Triple Crown and Grand Slam with a Tournament of Champions win.[49]
- 2002: Jason Couch wins his third consecutive Tournament of Champions title.[49]
- 2010: Kelly Kulick becomes the first woman to win a PBA Tour title by capturing the Tournament of Champions.[49]
- 2011: Mika Koivuniemi rolls a 299 in the semifinals against Tom Daugherty's 100 and wins a record $250,000 first-place prize.[49]
- 2013: Pete Weber wins the title at age 50, becoming the oldest champion in Tournament of Champions history.[49]