I was doing a lot of long distance running and wasn’t sure I wanted to keep with it, so I started looking for other hobbies that I could spend my time on. Building a pinball machine seemed like a good idea so I went down the rabbit hole and I stumbled across this article by Jeff Wilser, “How to build your own pinball machine in 4,761 easy steps”.  He compares building a pinball machine to constructing a satellite and, safe to say, I shelved that idea pretty quick. Maybe I’ll revisit it later in life.

Down the rabbit hole though, I discovered the IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association) and competitive pinball. The amount of maths that goes into the World Ranking Points calculations is what first piqued my interest and then seeing competitions in Sydney and across Australia had me sold that this was something I wanted to be a part of. My first major event was the Brisbane Masters 2024. More than 200 players competed and there were two players whose stories really stuck with me.

One had been through a serious gambling addiction, lost a lot along the way, and found pinball as something to replace it. A game with stakes that didn't cost him everything.
The other had lost a partner, retreated from the world to focus on the kids and then spotted a pinball competition nearby. He showed up not knowing anyone and before he knew it, he was back out in the community and had a social life again.

As I attended more events, I realised these stories weren't uncommon. Doesn't matter what city, state, or country you're in. Walk into a pinball arcade or competition and you'll find the same warmth, the same slightly obsessive passion, the same willingness to talk to a stranger for two hours about various strategies and plunge hacks. What began as a fun way to stay involved in the hobby became an opportunity to shine a light on the incredible people who make this community what it is.

So Humans of Pinball was born to celebrate the humans behind every flip, tilt and multiball.

If you would like to share what got you into pinball, what you like about it or just any old story about a great time you’ve had out there in the pinball community, please SUBMIT YOUR STORY.

Thanks for visiting, hopefully I'll see you around for a beer and a game.

Phill