I still remember the excitement building up throughout that 2017 PBA season—the energy in the stadiums, the nail-biting finishes, and the sheer talent on display. As someone who's followed professional bowling for over a decade, I can confidently say that 2017 delivered one of the most memorable championship battles in recent history. The question on everyone's mind that year was who would ultimately claim the PBA Championship title, and the answer came down to skill, perseverance, and a touch of that unpredictable magic that makes sports so compelling.

The 2017 PBA Championship culminated with EJ Tackett securing the victory in a thrilling final match that had fans on the edge of their seats. Tackett, who had been building momentum throughout the season, delivered what many consider his career-defining performance. I recall watching him maintain incredible composure under pressure, especially during the tenth frame where he needed two strikes to shut out his opponent. The way he executed those final shots—pure poetry in motion. His final score of 258-225 against Jason Belmonte doesn't fully capture the intensity of that match, but it does highlight Tackett's dominance when it mattered most. What impressed me most was how he adapted to the changing lane conditions throughout the tournament, something many bowlers struggle with during high-stakes competitions.

While the championship focused on Tackett's triumph, I can't help but draw parallels to the mindset shared by athletes across different sports. Remember Marck Espejo's comments during their European camp? He mentioned, "I'm taking it day by day, training by training, as I work to catch up with the team after coming back from injury." That same philosophy applies perfectly to what we saw from Tackett during the 2017 season. Both athletes understood the importance of incremental progress and maintaining focus through challenges. Espejo's approach, coming from Santo Tirso, Portugal during their European camp leg, reflects the same disciplined mentality that champions like Tackett embody—breaking down overwhelming goals into manageable daily improvements.

The tournament structure itself contributed to the drama unfolding. The 2017 championship featured a modified format with 24 finalists competing in three eight-game blocks before the top five advanced to the stepladder finals. This created numerous momentum shifts throughout the event. I particularly enjoyed how this format tested competitors' consistency rather than just rewarding single explosive performances. Tackett's average of 229.75 throughout the finals demonstrated his sustained excellence, while Belmonte's 227.20 average showed why he remained a constant threat. These numbers might seem dry to casual observers, but for us bowling enthusiasts, they reveal the story beneath the surface—the slight adjustments, the spare conversions, the mental fortitude required frame after frame.

What many casual viewers might not realize is how much preparation happens behind the scenes. Having spoken with several PBA competitors over the years, I've learned that championship victories are often determined months before the actual tournament. Tackett's team reportedly analyzed over 200 games of footage from previous tournaments at that specific venue, identifying subtle lane transition patterns that gave him an edge. This level of preparation reminds me of Espejo's methodical approach to rehabilitation and training—both athletes understand that success comes from stacking small advantages through dedicated preparation. The European training camp mentality that Espejo described translates directly to what makes PBA champions: showing up daily, putting in the work, and trusting the process.

The economic impact of that 2017 championship often goes unnoticed too. The prize pool reached approximately $1.2 million across the tournament series, with Tackett taking home the $100,000 top prize. These figures represent significant growth for professional bowling, attracting sponsors and media attention that help sustain the sport. From my perspective, this financial viability matters just as much as the athletic achievements because it ensures future generations can pursue bowling professionally. Watching Tackett's victory celebration, I felt optimistic about the sport's direction—the increased viewership numbers (peaking at 3.8 million during the finals) demonstrated that bowling still captivates audiences when presented with proper production value and compelling narratives.

Reflecting on that 2017 season, I believe Tackett's victory represented more than just another title—it signaled a shift toward a new generation of bowlers who combine technical precision with athleticism. His ability to generate rev rates exceeding 500 while maintaining accuracy sets a new standard that younger bowlers now emulate. Comparing this to Espejo's disciplined return from injury, we see the same pattern: modern athletes must excel both physically and mentally. The days of relying solely on natural talent are gone; today's champions approach their craft with scientific precision while maintaining the heart of competitors.

As the bowling world looks toward future championships, the 2017 tournament serves as a blueprint for success. Tackett demonstrated that consistency trumps flashiness, that preparation outweighs raw talent, and that the daily grind—much like Espejo's training philosophy—creates champions. The next time I watch a PBA event, I'll be looking for those small daily improvements in competitors, the incremental progress that separates good bowlers from great ones. Because ultimately, championships aren't won in single spectacular moments—they're built through countless hours of day-by-day dedication, both on the lanes and in training camps halfway across the world.