Who Won the 2020 PBA Players Championship? Complete Results and Highlights

As I sat down to analyze the 2020 PBA Players Championship, I couldn't help but reflect on how this particular tournament perfectly encapsulated the drama and excitement that makes professional bowling so compelling. The championship wasn't just another title in the record books—it represented the culmination of PBA's Season 49 and showcased why this sport continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Having followed professional bowling for over fifteen years, I've witnessed numerous championships, but there was something particularly special about this one that deserves deeper examination.

The road to the championship was anything but straightforward, with qualifying rounds that saw some of the biggest names in bowling struggling to find their rhythm. What struck me most was how the tournament format really tested players' mental fortitude—something I've always believed separates good bowlers from true champions. The match play rounds were particularly brutal, with competitors having to maintain peak performance across multiple games while dealing with changing lane conditions. I remember watching Jason Belmonte during the semifinals and thinking how his unique two-handed style gave him a distinct advantage in maintaining rev rate consistency when the oil patterns started breaking down.

When we reached the championship match, the atmosphere was electric. The final came down to Kyle Troup against EJ Tackett, two players with very different approaches to the game. Troup, with his flamboyant personality and colorful hairstyle, brought an energy that's become his trademark, while Tackett represented the more traditional, focused approach that has defined champions for decades. What impressed me was how both players adapted to the challenging 42-foot oil pattern—a length that typically favors players who can create maximum axis rotation. The final scores reflected this intense battle, with Tackett ultimately prevailing 259-231 in a match that saw both players string together multiple strikes in the crucial final frames.

Looking at the complete results, Tackett earned $30,000 for his victory—a substantial prize that underscores the growing financial viability of professional bowling. Troup's second-place finish netted him $15,000, while the semifinalists, including Belmonte and Dom Barrett, each took home $7,500. These numbers matter because they reflect the sport's continued growth and ability to reward its top performers adequately. From my perspective, what made Tackett's victory particularly impressive was his consistency throughout the entire tournament—he averaged 229.8 over 28 games, a remarkable feat given the challenging conditions.

The championship provided several key takeaways that I believe will influence how players approach future tournaments. The most significant revelation was how equipment selection became increasingly crucial as the lanes transitioned. Players who could properly read the breakdown patterns and make timely ball changes gained significant advantages. I noticed that competitors using urethane equipment early in the matches tended to control the pocket better when the lanes became tricky later on. This strategic element is something I've always found fascinating—it's not just about physical skill but about understanding the science behind lane play.

Another aspect that stood out to me was the mental resilience required at this level. Watching Tackett navigate the pressure-filled final frames reminded me of conversations I've had with sports psychologists about how elite bowlers develop almost meditative focus during critical moments. The way he converted the 2-4-8-10 split in the sixth frame of the championship match was particularly impressive—that's the kind of moment that can make or break a player's confidence, and he handled it with the composure of a true champion.

As PBA's Season 49 concluded with this thrilling championship, it's clear that the sport continues to evolve in exciting ways. The level of competition has never been higher, and the blend of traditional techniques with innovative approaches creates a dynamic viewing experience. Personally, I believe tournaments like this demonstrate why bowling deserves more mainstream sports coverage—the strategic depth and athletic requirements are often underestimated by casual observers. The 2020 Players Championship not only crowned a deserving champion in EJ Tackett but also showcased the very best of what professional bowling has to offer. Looking ahead, I'm excited to see how the lessons from this tournament will shape strategies in future seasons, particularly in how players balance power games with precision and adaptability.