Rule #34 of the internet states that if an idea exists, or can be imagined, there is internet porn of it. My follow up to Rule #34, that we can imaginatively call Rule #35, is that if an idea exists, or can be imagined, you can gamble on it. Look no further for obscure things to gamble on than this year’s Pinball Stern Pro Circuit (SPC) Championship.
The event, which will be hosted on March 9 In Chicago, Illinois, is the finale of The Stern Pro Circuit series of 20 high-level pinball tournaments held throughout each season. The top 40 qualifiers will be invited to the championship, and I’ve highlighted a few that I believe are worth taking a look at:
2019 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Odds, Predictions & Picks
Zach Sharpe
- 2019 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Odds: +1000
Coming in as the ninth ranked pinball player in the world, Sharpe is only one year removed from his first place ranking. Having won 77 events out of 355 during his 19 year career, Sharpe has finished with a first place title in just under 22% of his tournaments. Experienced gamblers will note that odds of +1200 have an implied probability of just 7%. Meaning that Sharpe wins tournaments at a clip that is 3 times more likely than Vegas presumes his chances are at SPC. Sharpe is where I believe gamblers can find the most value.
Sharpe also has the second best win percentage against the Top 250 Internationally Ranked Players at 86.37%. I will point out that Sharpe is on a bit of a cold streak, as he hasn’t finished first in his past 12 events. However, he has finished in the top-3 in 5 of them. Bonus: Sharpe is from Chicago and will presumably have the crowd behind him.
Keith Elwin
- 2019 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Odds: +300
Coming in as the second ranked pinball player in the world, Elwin is two years removed from his first place ranking. Elwin has won an incredible 81 out of the 251 tournaments he’s competed in, which is almost one-third of the time. He’s also in great form, having won 4 out of his last 9.
Elwin has a winning head-to-head record against every player that will be competing in the tournament. Most notably, a 60-12-0 record vs. first-place ranked Raymond Davidson, and the best overall win percentage against the Top 250 Internationally Ranked Players at 87.15%.
His value isn’t as appetizing as Sharpe’s, as his implied probability is right on par with his tournament success rate. However, expect the 25 year veteran to look to reclaim his first place ranking at SPC, as I believe he should be the true favorite.
Andy Rosa
- 2019 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Odds: +8000
Coming in as the thirty-second ranked pinball player in the world, Rosa is five years removed from his highest ever ranking of twelfth. In no way do I suggest throwing the house on Rosa, however, I do believe there is some value in this line.
Rosa has won 58 out of the 280 tournaments he’s competed in, averaging a win in 21% of them. He’s also on a two-tournament winning streak dating back to November. At +7500, Rosa’s odds have an implied probability of 1.32%. Given Rosa’s history and being that he is in good form, I would take Rosa at anything up to +3500.
He is a long shot, so it might be worth throwing some money on another player in conjunction with Rosa.
Final 2019 Stern Pro Circuit Championship Betting Analysis
Gambling on pinball might not be for everyone, especially if you’ve never stayed up until 4 in the morning watching the Japanese Women’s Volleyball team you just threw money on. However, since you’ve read this far, I’m guessing it is for you.
If you need any more reason to catch The Stern Pro Circuit Championship, it’ll be hosted by Brian “Q” Quinn of Impractical jokers; so be sure not to miss out.
