The Las Vegas High Rollers made history by securing their first PBA Elias Cup title, defeating the Portland Lumberjacks 3-1 in the 2024 PBA Elite League Finals presented by Snickers. The High Rollers completed a thrilling comeback after falling behind in Game 1, dominating the rest of the series at Portland’s Bayside Bowl.
The winning team features Andrew Anderson, AJ Johnson, Matt Ogle, Matt Russo, Sean Rash, and Denmark's Thomas Larsen, with Amleto Monacelli, 20 PBA Tour title holder, serving as the manager.
Anderson, who also competes for IS GÖTA in the Swedish Bowling League, was named the Mark Roth PBA Elite League Playoffs MVP.
Despite losing the opening game 236-183, the High Rollers turned the tide in Game 2. Anderson delivered three clutch strikes in the 10th frame to tie the series. From there, Las Vegas maintained control. Finally, the High Rollers’ relentless strike streak in Game 4 sealed their victory.
“We're here. We've been here, and now the experience paid off,” Anderson said.
The Lumberjacks, led by Wes Malott, showed early promise, but they couldn’t withstand the High Rollers’ onslaught. After Game 2, Las Vegas never looked back, eventually rallying eight consecutive strikes to claim a decisive 277-225 victory in the final game.
This victory marks a sweet ending for the High Rollers, who had finished second or third in previous seasons. The triumph also added another Elias Cup to Storm Lucky Larsen Masters 2023 winner AJ Johnson’s trophy case, following his 2018 win with the Silver Lake Atom Splitters.
Final Scores:
Game 1: 236-183 Portland
Game 2: 235-217 Las Vegas
Game 3: 235-225 Las Vegas
Game 4: 277-225 Las Vegas
