Mika Koivuniemi Captures PBA50 Petraglia Championship Title

Mika Koivuniemi | Picture credit: bowlinglife.eu

The 2025 PBA50 Petraglia Championship concluded on Tuesday in Jackson, Michigan, with Finland’s Mika Koivuniemi winning his first PBA50 title since 2018.

In the title match, Koivuniemi, the No. 2 seed, started strong with a strike and spare, then built momentum with seven consecutive strikes from the fourth to the tenth frame - a pace his opponent just couldn't hande, securing the win 258-224.

Previously, in the semifinal, Koivuniemi defeated No. 5 seed Liz Johnson, who had advanced through two earlier matches by defeating Brian LeClair in the opening match, 215-199 and then defeating Tom Daugherty 225-197.

Johnson and Koivuniemi were even early in the game, but a split in the fourth frame gave Koivuniemi the lead. He remained clean through the match and finished strong to win 227-202.

Koivuniemi earned $5,000 for the win. This win was crucial for Major Mika as he moves closer to qualifying for the PBA50 World Championship match play. All qualifying scores from this tournament, along with those from the Ballard, Monacelli, and Holman Championships, will determine the top 18 players advancing to the World Championship.

Koivuniemi currently stands in 19th place and will need strong results in the upcoming Holman Championship to move up.

All matches of the PBA50 are available to watch live on BowlTV.

PBA50 Petraglia Championship Stepladder Finals – Match Results

Match 1: Liz Johnson def. Brian LeClair, 215 – 199

Match 2: Liz Johnson def. Tom Daugherty, 225 – 197

Semifinal: Mika Koivuniemi def. Liz Johnson, 227 – 202

Final: Mika Koivuniemi def. Bo Goergen, 258 – 224