Martin Larsen on the Biggest SLLM Yet: Record Prize Money, Young Guns and Why the Finals Are For Mondays

For many people, August is a time to slow down, take a holiday and to just forget about work - and, perhaps, bowling.

But for Martin Larsen and the team behind the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters, the PBA Tour’s only 2026 stop outside the U.S., it means the exact opposite.

The PBA Tour will return to Olympia Bowling in Helsingborg, Sweden, from August 21-31, bringing many of the best players from around the globe together for the biggest bowling event on this side of the Atlantic.

This year’s Storm Lucky Larsen Masters will feature the largest prize fund in tournament history. Almost $150,000 will be awarded, with nearly $20,000 reserved for the champion.

The field is just as impressive - EJ Tackett, Kyle Troup, PBA Players Championship winner Brandon Bonta and defending champion Sean Rash - to name just a few.

With a big pile of cash and some of the brightest names heading to Swedish Riviera, it is no wonder that most qualifying squads are already full or have only a few places remaining. Some waiting lists have grown to more than 60 players.

That level of interest also brings plenty of responsibility.

Larsen and his team must manage schedules, players, sponsors, side events and countless smaller details needed to turn a bowling tournament into a show worth the PBA Tour stop name.

That's why while many people spend August enjoying time with their loved ones, it is the busiest part of the year for the SLLM crew.

The workload requires plenty of time and sacrifice behind the scenes, but the excitement still outweighs the pressure - especially with this year’s event expected to build momentum ahead of the tournament’s tenth anniversary in 2027.

BowlingLife’s Erikas Jansonas spoke with Martin Larsen about his lighter PBA Tour season, the rise of bowling’s young stars, the upcoming PBA USA vs. PBA World match and the bold decision to move the SLLM finals to Monday evening. He also offered an early clue about what this year’s oil pattern might look like.

Less Bowling, but Still Plenty of Bowling...

Larsen had already planned to spend less time competing on the PBA Tour this year than ever before in his career. He bowled at the season-opening PBA Players Championship, but even that event did not end the way he had hoped.

After just 12 games, the pain in his right elbow made it clear that he needed to step away from bowling - unfortunately, for the rest of the season.

Part of him still misses the daily routine of practice and competing against the best players in the world. However, even away from the lanes, bowling remains a major part of his life.

A new position has kept boling at the center of his working life, but allowed him to enjoy more time with his family.

“I absolutely miss being on the lanes,” Larsen said. “Even if I had been healthy, I hadn’t planned to bowl as much as I had in previous years. With my new position at Bowltech, I’m getting my daily dose of bowling. It also takes me on some trips, so the amount of time I spend at home hasn’t changed that much, but I really enjoy being home with the family.”

Now, with the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters approaching, his full focus is on preparing the stage where many of the world’s best will soon compete.

And this year, that stage will be bigger than ever.

“This time of the year is always really exciting for us SLLM organizers,” Larsen said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun.”

A Record Prize Fund and Another World-Class Field

Following a successful 2025 edition, the SLLM organizers were able to raise the prize fund to its highest level in tournament history.

However, there will be plenty more on offer in Helsingborg than the main competition and money alone.

The traditional golf event will return, while young players will have their own U21 squad and seminar. The Wednesday night Storm Party will also remain part of the schedule.

Another special event will see PBA USA face PBA World in a match played under the Swedish league format. Spectators can watch the action live at Olympia Bowling, while the match will also be streamed on the SLLM YouTube channel with the support of JoPo, the tournament’s new streaming sponsor.

“This year’s edition will be as strong, if not even stronger, than before,” Larsen said.

Young Guns Are No Longer Waiting for Their Turn

One of the defining stories of this PBA Tour season has been the success of its younger players.

Brandon Bonta set the tone early before winning the PBA Players Championship, while Spencer Robarge, Austin Grammar and Alex Horton have also shown that the new generation is already capable of beating the tour’s most experienced names.

The SLLM field could be a perfect seedbed for that trend.

Alongside Bonta, Ryan Barnes, Eric Jones and other U.S. rising stars, Helsingborg will welcome many of Europe’s leading youth bowlers who are as equally talented.

For Larsen, the rise of the new generation worldwide is partly connected to how the modern game is being played.

“I think there are multiple reasons [why this season has been a breakthrough year for so many young players], but power is absolutely one of them,” Larsen said. “The younger players have developed a more aggressive style that seems to work well in today’s playing environment.

“They’ve almost been able to take knowledge about lanes, patterns and balls out of play. I also think the way Brandon Bonta started this season led the way, with multiple young guns feeling that they have a chance to beat the more experienced players.”

SLLM Turns Its Attention to Type 1 Diabetes

The charitable work surrounding the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters has become an important part of the event.

Last year, the tournament helped raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. In 2026, the SLLM will work with Barndiabetesfonden to support the fight against childhood type 1 diabetes.

The decision was shaped by several people close to the tournament, including members of Larsen’s own family.

“This year, we’re running a charity together with Barndiabetesfonden, raising money to fight childhood diabetes,” Larsen said.

“There are multiple reasons for this. One is our collaboration with Scandic Oceanhamnen. Thomas, the hotel director, has a daughter with type 1 diabetes. My nephew has type 1, and many other bowlers have it as well. We felt it was time to bring it to the surface and try to make a small difference this year.”

Why the SLLM Final Is Moving to Monday Night

One of the biggest changes in 2026 will, however, come at the very end of the tournament.

In previous editions, the champion was decided on Sunday. This year, Sunday’s competition will reduce the field to four players, but the semifinals and title match will not take place until Monday evening.

According to Larsen, the Sunday schedule had become too crowded.

Separating the final four from the earlier rounds will give the organizers more time to prepare the Olympia Bowling and produce the kind of show the tournament deserves.

It also means the players will have time to rest and recharge for the biggest battles, while the organizers will have more room to promote the finalists and the show.

“We’ve been debating the pros and cons of moving squads or final steps around. This year, we felt it was time to try pushing the top four to Monday evening. That will give us time to promote the players and the show, Martin said.

"Hopefully, the production will get better as well. The players will now have time to rest instead of being on the lanes all day before the show. They can come in fresh and pumped up. I’m sure that counts for the crowd as well. I’m looking forward to the best SLLM final ever.”

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Oil Pattern Spoiler

One important detail remains under wraps. Players will still have to wait for the complete SLLM oil pattern, but Larsen was willing to offer an early clue.

The pattern will measure 38 feet (+/- 1 feet). The exact pattern will be announced on August 20.