Jakob Butturff
A powerhouse left-hander whose unorthodox two-handed delivery and relentless accuracy have made him a dominant force in professional bowling.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American ten-pin bowler·Birthday: April 28·Millennials
Biography
Jakob Butturff doesn't bowl like anyone else. With a unique two-handed delivery he developed as a teenager, he generates tremendous power and revs on the ball, sending it crashing into the pins with consistent force. Hailing from Arizona, he turned professional and immediately began collecting titles, his left-handed advantage and pinpoint control making him a nightmare matchup on the PBA Tour. His success isn't limited to domestic competition; as a mainstay on Team USA, he has claimed multiple gold medals in world championships, proving his style translates on any lane condition. Butturff's career is a testament to the idea that innovation can trump tradition in sports; by refining his distinctive technique, he didn't just join the tour—he reshaped expectations for what a modern power player can achieve.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jakob was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jakob Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Jakob's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Has won eight PBA Tour titles, establishing himself as one of the sport's premier left-handed players.
- Rolled the 28th televised perfect 300 game in PBA Tour history.
- Has earned multiple gold medals as a member of Team USA in World Bowling Championships.
Did You Know?
He is a certified journeyman electrician and worked in the trade before bowling full-time.
He uses a two-handed delivery style, similar to but developed independently of Australian star Jason Belmonte.
He bowls left-handed but writes with his right hand.
“I developed my two-handed style because it felt natural and gave me the power I wanted.”
