This Is Why You Should Play in a Pinball Tournament

If you’ve never played in a pinball tournament before, it can sound a bit intimidating.

Sure, people are trying to win. Sure, there are some very good players. But in Wellington, a pinball tournament is also a social night, a good excuse to play a lot of games, and one of the easiest ways to get better at pinball.

You don’t need to be an expert.

You don’t need to know all the rules.

You just need to turn up and play.

You don’t even have to be good

A lot of people think they should practice more before entering a pinball tournament. Fair enough, but you'll find it works the other way round.

Playing in a tournament is one of the best ways to learn. You see how other people play. You play a variety of machines. You start noticing which shots are safer, when to slow down, and when to just take the points and move on.

You’ll play alongside a mix of people. Some have been playing for years. Some are fairly new. Some are still figuring out which button starts a two-player game.

That’s completely fine.

Nobody expects you to know everything on your first night.

It’s an easy way to meet people

One of the best things about tournament pinball is that you don’t need to arrive with a group.

You’ll be matched up with different players during the night, so you naturally end up meeting people. You play a game, cheer on the other players, report the result, then get ready for the next round. Easy as.

It’s a good option if you like pinball but don’t really know anyone else who plays. By the end of your first tournament, there’s a good chance you will.

Competition changes the way you play

Playing casually is great. But tournament pinball changes how you look at the games.

A game you usually walk past now matters. A shot you normally ignore becomes important. It can pay to

watch others play to see a different approach to a machine.

If you see someone put up a huge score, ask them how they did it, most players are happy to share a few tips.

Sometimes you’ll have a great game.

Sometimes you’ll have a shocker.

That’s pinball.

The nice thing is, the next game always gives you another chance.

So where should you start?

If you’re in Wellington and you want to try your first pinball tournament, start with Pōneke Pinballers.

This is our monthly pinball competition at Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe. It’s held on the first Thursday of every month (excluding January), and it’s open to anyone who wants to give tournament pinball a go.

It’s a proper comp, but it’s also friendly, social, and beginner-friendly.

If you’ve been waiting until you’re “good enough”, don’t. This is the kind of night where you come to learn.

How Pōneke Pinballers works

Entry is $25, paid at the door on the day. Cash and EFTPOS are both fine.

Free play starts from 6pm, and the tournament starts at 6:30pm at Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe, Bond Street, Wellington.

Once you’ve entered, the whole arcade is on free play for the rest of the night. No tokens required. You can warm up before the tournament, play between rounds, and keep playing after your tournament games.

Qualifying runs through the evening, with no new qualifying rounds starting after 8:30pm.

After that, the top qualifiers go into finals.

If you don’t make the main finals, there’s also an optional B finals for players who missed out. So even if you’re not near the top of the standings, there’s still something to play for.

What if I have no idea what I’m doing?

That’s fine.

You don’t need to understand the tournament software. You don’t need to memorise the format. You’ll be told who you’re playing, what machine you’re playing on, and when it’s your turn.

If you’re not sure how to start the correct number of players on a machine, just ask someone in your group or ask at the counter. It’s one of those little pinball things that seems obvious once you’ve done it a couple of times.

The most important thing to do is play your ball and have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I’ve never played in a pinball tournament before?

You don’t need tournament experience, and you don’t need to be especially good at pinball. If you enjoy playing and want to try something new, this is for you.

What actually happens at a pinball tournament?

You’ll play each round in a small group, usually with three to four players. The tournament system will tell you who’s in your group and which machine you’re playing.

Once the game is finished, report the result to scorekeeper, then wait for your next group and machine to be assigned.

You don’t need to organise anything yourself or keep track of the standings. We’ll guide you through it, and after the first round it all feels pretty straightforward.

Do I need to know all the rules, bring tokens, or sign up in advance?

Nah. You can learn as you go. For Pōneke Pinballers, no sign-up is needed, just turn up and pay at the door. Entry is $25 by cash or EFTPOS, and the arcade is on free play for the rest of the night. No tokens needed.

When does it happen?

Pōneke Pinballers runs on the first Thursday of every month at Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe (excluding January). Free play starts from 6pm, and the tournament starts at 6:30pm.

Where is Pōneke Pinballers held?

Pōneke Pinballers is held at Ye Olde Pinball Shoppe, Bond Street, Wellington, New Zealand.

What if I’m not good enough to make finals?

That’s completely fine. The point is to have a go, play a lot of pinball, and enjoy the night. There are main finals for the top qualifiers, and an optional B finals as well.

Come and give it a go

Your first pinball tournament doesn’t need to be a big deal.

Come along on the first Thursday of the month, pay at the door, and play some pinball.

Worst case, you get a full night of games.

Best case, you find your new favourite hobby.

Got questions about your first tournament or how the night works? Email Ashley at ash@pinballshoppe.co.nz