Pōneke Pinballers

A friendly, social event for all ages, beginners and pros alike.   If you're new to pinball, come and see why it really is more fun to compete, and develop your skills by watching some of the best players in the city flip and nudge to keep the ball alive.

$20 to enter the competition, with the games on freeplay.  When (if?) you're knocked out of the comp you're welcome to stay and keep playing, but you might be asked to drain your balls if the machine is needed for a competition game.

The arcade will be closed to the public for this private event, so you can BYO alcohol.  Usual host responsibilities apply however, so enjoy in moderation.

The format will be three-strikes group knock-out, meaning everyone will play at least three competition games.  You'll be randomly placed in a group of four players to play a randomly selected game.  At the end of the four-player game, the two players with the lowest points each receive a strike, and when all the games are finished the next round begins.  Rounds typically last 15 to 30 minutes.  After receiving three strikes you're out of the competition, and are free to head home or stay around and keep flipping silverball.   The tournament can run for 4 or 5 hours, so the best players should be prepared for a late night.

Limited to 40 players.  Registration open from midday Thursday on this webpage or in person at the Shoppe.  We'll take payment before things kick off at around 6pm, and we may be finishing around 11pm or later!

This will be an on-going monthly event, every first Thursday.  There's no commitment to attend, so come to as many or as few as you like.  After five of these types of tournaments you'll be given a World Pinball Players Ranking position, and you can start tracking your performance against 87,000 of your peers.