The excitement is building as the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters (SLLM) approaches, promising to be one of the most thrilling bowling events of the year. As the only Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour event outside the U.S. this season, the SLLM offers a unique and rare opportunity for European bowlers to compete on an international stage against some of the best in the world. This year’s tournament is set to take place in the beautiful city of Helsingborg on the Swedish Riviera, from August 23 to September 1, 2024.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The SLLM will see over 300 players, including dozens of full-time PBA Tour players. Bowling fans can look forward to seeing top athletes like Anthony Simonsen, Kyle Troup, Sean Rash, Francois Lavoie, Danielle McEwan, Verity Crawley, and Stephanie Zavala, among others, as they vie for another prestigious PBA Tour title. The presence of these elite bowlers ensures high-caliber competition and an unforgettable atmosphere at the Olympia Bowling venue.

Understanding the PBA Urethane Rule

One of the unique aspects of this year’s SLLM is the special PBA urethane rule that will be in place. Urethane and urethane-like bowling balls must be manufactured after August 1, 2022, and have a hardness of 78.0 or higher. This rule is in response to the growing concern about the impact of urethane balls on lane conditions. Urethane balls generate more oil carrydown than resin bowling balls because they don’t absorb oil as quickly, leading to more oil being deposited on the lane. This can create challenging conditions for bowlers and affect the fairness of the competition.

The hardness of the ball, measured on a durometer, is crucial in maintaining consistent playing conditions. The number 78.0 indicates the average hardness value, and HD stands for Hardness reading on a type D durometer. This standard ensures that all urethane balls used in the tournament meet a specific threshold, reducing the variability in lane conditions caused by softer urethane balls.

It's important to note that while some popular urethane balls might not meet these new criteria, the Storm !Q Tour 78/U and the Mix are still permitted for use. This ensures that bowlers can still use high-quality equipment that meets the new regulations, maintaining competitive integrity.

Tournament Structure and Qualification

The SLLM’s competition format is designed to test the skill and endurance of all participants. The tournament begins with six qualifying games, after which the field is cut to the top 56 players. The qualification process includes several categories to ensure a diverse and competitive field:

• General Qualification: The top 40 athletes in the general standings qualify.
• Early Bird Competition: The top 4 athletes in a separate standing for Squad 1-10 qualify.
• Senior Competition: The highest and second highest positioned senior athletes (born in 1974 or earlier) qualify.
• U21 Competition: The highest and second highest positioned U21 athletes (born in 2003 or later) qualify.
• Women Competition: The highest and second highest positioned women athletes qualify.
• Turbo-5: The athlete scoring the highest game in game 5 qualifies.
• Turbo-6: The athlete scoring the highest game in game 6 qualifies.

Athletes qualify for the final steps in the order of A-G. The top 22 athletes in the general standing advance directly to Final Step 2, while those positioned 27-40, along with other qualified athletes, move to Final Step 1.

Watch All the Action

All qualifying rounds will be streamed live, and the final will be produced with the quality of a professional TV broadcast. Make sure to subscribe to the Lucky Larsen's YouTube page to stay updated and watch the tournament unfold in real-time. Don't miss a moment of the action!

Secure Your Spot

With such an exciting format and the presence of top PBA athletes, the Lucky Larsen Masters is an event you won’t want to miss. Spots in the squads are filling up quickly, so don’t wait – register now to secure your place in this prestigious tournament.

Helsingborg offers more than just great bowling. The city, located on the Swedish Riviera, is known for its beautiful surroundings and vibrant atmosphere. It's the perfect setting for a memorable bowling experience and a fantastic opportunity to explore a charming European destination.

Compete against the best, enjoy the camaraderie of the bowling community, and make lasting memories in Helsingborg. Register today and be part of the magic at the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters!