Texas Pinball Festival 2022: Celebrating the Return of Pinball

Experience the excitement of TPF2022, where pinball enthusiasts gathered to celebrate the triumphant return of the beloved arcade game. With hundreds of machines, tournaments, celebrity guests, and a vibrant community atmosphere, this year’s festival proved that pinball is back and better than ever!

A Message from the Organizers: The Road to TPF2022

TPF2022 represented a significant milestone for the pinball community after a challenging period. Despite the obstacles, the festival made a triumphant return, with attendance only slightly below the pre-pandemic levels of TPF2019—an impressive achievement given the circumstances.

This year featured several notable improvements, including moving the tournaments to a larger area upstairs to accommodate more players. The festival also received unprecedented coverage from local news and radio stations, helping to spread the word that “PINBALL IS BACK!” as the organizers proudly declared.

The swap meet was described as “the biggest I’ve seen,” indicating strong participation from vendors and collectors alike. Celebrity guest Sylvester McCoy (known for Doctor Who and The Hobbit) delighted attendees with his charismatic presence.

The organizers expressed particular gratitude to the volunteers who “showed what they were made of” by handling countless details that make the festival possible. Their dedication underscored the strong sense of community investment that powers TPF year after year.

While the organizers playfully lamented missing out on a TWIPy nomination (due to the absence of TPF2020 and TPF2021), they remain optimistic about being “a contender for next year.” Above all, they emphasized that TPF belongs to the community with their closing statement: “This is TPF Community show!”

Best In Show: Celebrating Pinball Artistry

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The Judging Process

Led by “The Mayor” Bill Morrison, the judging team begins their meticulous evaluation when the show opens on Friday. They dedicate most of Saturday and Sunday morning to playing, inspecting, and deliberating on each machine’s merits within its category. As the organizers note, “We do not envy their task” of making such difficult choices among so many exceptional entries.

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The Recognition

While the physical prizes may not be substantial, the recognition from the community proves invaluable to winners. The distinctive ribbons are proudly displayed on winning machines even after they return to their homes, serving as lasting symbols of excellence and community appreciation for the exhibitors’ craftsmanship.

The awards span multiple categories covering the entire history of pinball, from pre-1960s classics to modern marvels, ensuring that machines from every era receive proper recognition for their unique characteristics and historical significance.

Award-Winning Machines: A Journey Through Pinball History

Vintage Era (Pre-1970s)

The earliest machines showcased the mechanical ingenuity that laid the foundation for pinball’s evolution. Becca Posey’s “Airway” claimed Best Pre-60s Pin, while Colin Dowling’s “Ding” took home the Best 60s Pin award, representing the golden age of electromechanical pinball.

Transition Period (1970s)

The 1970s marked a pivotal transition in pinball technology. Ken Head’s “Wizard” earned Best 70s Electro Mechanical, celebrating the peak of that technology, while Jeff Bolich’s “Sharpshooter” won Best 70s Solid State, honoring the early digital revolution that would transform the industry.

Digital Revolution (1980s-2000s)

As technology advanced, so did pinball’s complexity and themes. Bill Stahly’s “Freefall” captured Best 80s, James Alexander’s “Lethal Weapon 3” won Best 90s, and Jason Turcyn’s “Dale, Jr.” secured Best 00s, showcasing the evolution of digital pinball across three decades.

Contemporary Excellence

Modern and custom machines demonstrated pinball’s continued innovation. Bobby Niefer’s “Alien” claimed Best Modern, while Stupid Pinball’s “Billy Madison” won Best Custom Pinball. The Grand Champion award went to Cary Hardy’s “High Speed 2: The Getaway,” recognizing overall excellence.

Special categories highlighted unique achievements in the pinball world. Damon White’s “Spit Fire” earned Best Original for innovative design, Jessica Richardson’s “Batman” won Best Restoration for meticulous craftsmanship, and the video game categories recognized Lonny Payne’s “Target Zero” (Best Classic) and Rodney Black’s “Mortal Kombat 11 Extreme” (Best Custom).

Tournament Action: Competitive Pinball at Its Finest

The competitive spirit of pinball was on full display at TPF2022, with some of the world’s elite players converging on Texas to test their skills. Tournament directors Colin McAlpine, Phil Grimaldi, Liz Dronet, and Dick Curtis, supported by numerous volunteers, orchestrated a series of high-stakes competitions that captivated participants and spectators alike.

This year’s tournament area was relocated to a more spacious upstairs location, providing an improved experience for both competitors and spectators. The expanded space allowed for more machines and better viewing opportunities, enhancing the competitive atmosphere.

Thanks in part to tournament sponsor Quasar, the prize pool was substantial, with several thousand dollars in cash and prizes distributed among the winners. The tournaments spanned multiple divisions and formats, ensuring opportunities for players of all skill levels to compete and showcase their talents.

Tournament Categories

Wizards A Division (elite players)
Wizards B Division (intermediate players)
Classics (focused on vintage machines)
Kids’ Bump ‘n’ Win (youth competition)
Texas Takedown (main tournament)

The tournaments not only showcased individual skill but also fostered community connections, with players from diverse backgrounds uniting through their shared passion for pinball. The organizers extended heartfelt congratulations to all winners, acknowledging their achievements as “well done and well-deserved!”

Charity Raffle: Supporting the National Videogame Museum

The charitable spirit of the pinball community shined brightly at TPF2022 through the festival’s annual raffle. This year, all proceeds were directed to the National Videogame Museum, supporting their mission to preserve gaming history and educate the public about the cultural impact of video games.

The grand prize was a stunning Jersey Jack Pinball Willy Wonka machine, representing one of the most sought-after modern pinball tables. These premium machines are known for their intricate design, immersive gameplay, and high-quality construction, making it an extraordinary prize for any pinball enthusiast.

Lucky winner Gary Walters had the honor of taking home this magnificent machine. The moment was captured in a photo by Martin Ayub of Pinball News, showing Gary alongside his new Willy Wonka machine and special guest Sylvester McCoy, creating a memorable highlight of the festival.

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The organizers extended special recognition to Martin Ayub of Pinball News for his comprehensive coverage of TPF2022. “Martin does an outstanding job of documenting the show from start to finish,” they noted, encouraging attendees to visit Pinball News for additional photos and reporting.

The raffle exemplifies how TPF combines entertainment with purpose, using the community’s passion for pinball to support worthy causes. By directing proceeds to the National Videogame Museum, the festival helps preserve the history of interactive entertainment for future generations while providing one lucky attendee with a premium pinball machine to enjoy for years to come.

Celebrity Spotlight: Sylvester McCoy

Among the many highlights of TPF2022 was the special appearance of Sylvester McCoy, described by organizers as “a hoot.” Best known for his role as the seventh Doctor in the long-running British science fiction series “Doctor Who” and as Radagast the Brown in Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit” trilogy, McCoy brought star power and charisma to the festival.

Fan Interactions

Throughout the weekend, McCoy engaged warmly with fans, signing autographs, posing for photos, and sharing stories from his illustrious career. His approachable demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for the event made him a perfect celebrity guest for the festival’s community-oriented atmosphere.

Media Presence

McCoy’s presence contributed to the increased media coverage noted by organizers. His participation helped attract attention from local news and radio outlets, bringing additional visibility to the festival and the pinball community at large.

Raffle Presentation

As seen in the photo with raffle winner Gary Walters, McCoy participated in the presentation of the Jersey Jack Pinball Willy Wonka machine, adding a touch of celebrity glamour to this highlight moment of the festival.

Celebrity guests like McCoy help bridge the gap between niche hobbies like pinball and broader pop culture, potentially introducing new enthusiasts to the world of pinball. His participation underscores TPF’s growth from a specialized hobbyist gathering to a more mainstream entertainment event with appeal beyond the core pinball community.

Community Spotlight: The Staff & Volunteers Behind TPF2022

While the machines, tournaments, and celebrity guests may capture the headlines, the organizers of TPF2022 made it clear that the TPF organizers appreciates its dedicated staff & volunteers.

The emphasis on community investment highlights how TPF differs from corporate conventions. Rather than being a top-down commercial enterprise, it represents a grassroots celebration created by and for pinball enthusiasts. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and belonging that keeps participants returning year after year, contributing to the festival’s longevity and growth.

Media Coverage: Pinball in the Spotlight

TPF2022 enjoyed unprecedented media attention, with organizers proudly noting they had “a LOT more local news and radio coverage this year.” This increased visibility not only benefited the festival itself but also supported the organizers’ enthusiastic declaration that “PINBALL IS BACK!” The media coverage helped spread awareness of the pinball renaissance to audiences beyond the core community of enthusiasts.

Local News Coverage

Television stations from across the region sent reporters to capture the sights and sounds of TPF2022, introducing viewers to the vibrant world of pinball collecting, competition, and community.

Radio Broadcasts

Radio stations conducted interviews with organizers, exhibitors, and players, helping to build excitement for the event and educate listeners about the enduring appeal of pinball in the digital age.

Specialized Coverage

Dedicated pinball media like Pinball News, led by Martin Ayub, provided comprehensive documentation of the festival “from start to finish,” creating a permanent record of TPF2022 for the community.

The organizers specifically highlighted the contribution of Martin Ayub and Pinball News, directing attendees to visit the site for additional photos and reporting. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of specialized media in nurturing hobby communities, providing in-depth coverage that mainstream outlets typically cannot match.

The increased media presence at TPF2022 reflects the growing mainstream interest in pinball as both a competitive activity and a collectible art form. As the hobby continues to expand beyond its core audience, media coverage plays a crucial role in introducing new enthusiasts to the world of pinball and supporting the community’s growth.

Photo Gallery: Capturing the Magic of TPF2022

While the organizers admitted they were “a little busy” during the festival, resulting in fewer photos than they might have liked, they still managed to capture numerous memorable moments from TPF2022. These images provide a visual record of the event’s atmosphere, activities, and community spirit.

The gallery showcases the diverse aspects of TPF2022, from rows of meticulously maintained pinball machines to intense tournament action, celebrity appearances, and candid moments of joy as attendees reconnect with friends and favorite games. Together, these images tell the story of a community celebration that transcends the machines themselves.

Looking Forward

As TPF2022 concluded successfully despite the challenges, the pinball community already began looking ahead to future festivals. With the organizers’ declaration that “PINBALL IS BACK!” and their optimism about being “a contender for next year” in the TWIPy awards, TPF2022 represented not just a return but a new beginning for this beloved community tradition.

Community Legacy

The photos, awards, and memories from TPF2022 join the rich history of Texas Pinball Festival, which has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the premier pinball events in the country. Each year builds upon this legacy, strengthening the bonds within the community and introducing new generations to the timeless appeal of pinball.

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