One of Calgary's top pinball players, Glenn Romaniuk, is one of many competitive pinball players around the world (Phil Tremblay, cmru.ca)
Pinball machines have been an iconic part of pop-culture for decades, and the games have enjoyed a resurgence in the past few years. Options in Calgary range from sports bars that have one machine to play all the way to spaces with dozens of games. Pinball games typically feature over-the-top, colourful graphics that are often licensed by some of the most recognizable characters and franchises in pop-culture. For example, in the past year Stern (the largest pinball manufacturer in the world) released games based on John Wick and Jaws. Jersey Jack inc. released a game based on musical legend Elton John, and Chicago Gaming Company released a nostalgia-filled, old-school style game based on Pulp Fiction. Each game provides different challenges and game experiences and new machines always create new excitement.
Competition is a part of human nature, and pinball is no exception. All around the world pinball competitions occur daily, and there even exists a Pinball World Championship.
How does a pinball tournament work?
There are many different styles of pinball tournaments, with the main ones being known as match-play and HERB-style play.
In match play, tournament points are awarded based on the results of independent matches. Players compete on randomly assigned machines, against randomly assigned opponents through a pre-set number of rounds. The winner of each match is awarded the highest amount of points, and the player with the most points at the end of the predetermined rounds is the winner. Alternatively, this ranking could also decide which players advance to a final round.
HERB-style tournaments focus on more of a ‘qualifying’ system of play. In this style each competitor is allowed a certain amount of plays on a set selection of machines, over a set amount of time. Each time a competitor uses one of their ‘plays’, their score is recorded and ranked amongst the entire field’s scores. Based on these rankings, tournament points are awarded. Typically the player with the highest recorded score on a singular machine will be awarded 100 points, and an equal distribution of points will be allocated to every player based on rank. The qualifying results are based on the amount of tournament points a player possess among all of the selected machines. Typically this style of tournament will determine which players make ‘playoffs’ in larger tournament settings.
Who runs these things?
The International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) is the governing body for competitive pinball around the world. The majority of pinball tournaments will be recognized by the IFPA. This organization was originally founded in the early 1990s, and has written set rules and regulations for the conduction of pinball tournaments. The IFPA also runs the scoring system which decides the world ranking of competitive players! This ranking system is quite complicated, but world ranking points are calculated and awarded based on finishing positions at tournaments and what other players are in the tournament. These rankings determine who is invited to exclusive events such as the IFPA World Championships.
Leagues exist all over the world! These organizations are often ran by volunteers who simply love the game of pinball. These leagues are the best place to meet others who are also passionate about pinball! The main pinball league here in Calgary is run out of a bar called The Hidden Spot by a dedicated group who do an amazing job!
Do people actually go to these?
The short answer: YES! Pinball has enjoyed a major resurgence. At Calgary’s local league there are usually about 60 people every week! Large pinball tournaments also happen around the world, with one in Edmonton attracting around 300 competitors!
The pinball community is a fantastic, tight-knit group of people who are all passionate about what they do. It is all welcoming and always looking to grow so the next time you feel like playing some games, maybe try finding a machine or even a tournament near you!
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