Competitive Pinball
International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA)
The International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) promotes competitive pinball worldwide. It organises and endorses tournaments and leagues, maintaining a ranking system to recognise the world's top players.
Visit IFPA websiteAustralian Championship Series (ACS)
The IFPA Australian Championship Series is an annual pinball competition with players qualifying throughout the entire calendar year. At the end of each calendar year, the top 16 or 24 ranked players from each state/territory will qualify for the playoffs, where they will play for the title of IFPA State/Territory Champion.
ACS standingsHow WPPR Points Work
At the Tasmanian Association of Pinball Players (TAPP), many of our events are officially sanctioned by the IFPA. This means participants in our events can earn World Pinball Player Rankings (WPPR) points, contributing to their national and international ranking. These points are crucial for those aiming to qualify for the state finals in the ACS.
Even with the changes to the WPPR calculations in 2024, a player's best 20 results will count towards their standing. The top 4 or 6 players in each IFPA State/Territory Championship will be invited to compete in the IFPA Australian Pinball Championship. The remaining places in the field of 64 will be filled using the ACS standings.
- Any IFPA endorsed event within Tasmania adds to the state leaderboard — not just TAPP events.
- Other, non-TAPP, IFPA endorsed events within Tasmania also count towards the state and national leaderboards.
How WPPRs Are Calculated Per Event
Every endorsed event has a WPPR value determined by two things: how many players compete, and how long the tournament runs. The idea is simple — a bigger field and more rounds means we're more likely to find the genuinely best player.
Points Pool — Based on Players
The base points available are proportional to the number of players entered. In general, each player contributes around 0.5 WPPRs to the pool — though higher-ranked players bring additional weight with them, raising the stakes for everyone.
Scaled by Tournament Length (TGP)
That points pool is then multiplied by the Tournament Grading Percentage (TGP) — a measure of how many games are played. More games means a more reliable result. Most events land somewhere between 0–200%, with certified and major events going higher.
The formula
Sum of player ratings × TGP
e.g. 20 relatively new players at 0.5 each, at 70% TGP = 0.5 × 20 × 70% = 7 WPPRs in the pool
The Path to the Top
State Finals
Players accumulate IFPA points through various endorsed events throughout the year. The top-ranked players based on these points are eligible to compete in the state finals.
National Finals
The state finals culminate in the ACS, where state champions and top performers compete for national glory.
World Championship
Winners of the ACS have the opportunity to represent Australia in the IFPA World Pinball Championship, competing against the best from around the globe.
Special Events and Tournaments
TAPP is thrilled to host a series of special events, including state finals and participation in the Australian Championship Series (ACS). Alongside these, we may occasionally organise mid-season big bashes and other one-off events. These gatherings represent the best in competitive pinball, offering our players a chance to shine on bigger stages.
- Mid-Season and Special Events: Watch out for our mid-season events and special tournaments. These not only provide additional excitement but also opportunities to gain valuable points and experience.
- State Finals: The journey to the top begins with earning points during the season, aiming for the state finals in early the following year. Specifics regarding location and date will be announced as the event nears.
- Australian Championship Series (ACS): The state finals are a part of the ACS, where the top players from the state and winners from the finals are then invited to compete at a national event.
- IFPA World Pinball Championship: Points from our events and the ACS finals can qualify you for an invitation to the IFPA world championships!
Qualifying for Elite Competitions
Entry into these prestigious events is earned through dedication and skill. Players accumulate points in IFPA-endorsed events throughout the year, including our regular fortnightly meetups in Hobart and other qualifying competitions across the region.
Keep it Fun and Simple
We understand that the IFPA points system and the details of competitive play can seem complex, especially for newcomers. But don't worry — you don't need to be an expert in the system to participate in our events. The most important thing is to come and have fun!
At TAPP events, all you need to do is focus on enjoying the game of pinball. We'll take care of recording your results and updating your IFPA rankings. Over time, as you participate more, you'll naturally become more familiar with how it all works.
How to Get Started
- Find an Event: Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming TAPP events.
- Attend: Play your best, and have fun.
- Create an IFPA Profile: If you don't have one, create an IFPA profile here. This helps track your points and rankings.
- Stay Updated: Visit our website or follow us on social media for the latest news.
Our special events are more than just competitions; they are celebrations of skill, strategy, and the pinball community. Whether you aim to compete or simply enjoy the spectacle, these events are a highlight for any pinball enthusiast.
Step up to the challenge and join us at TAPP — where Tasmania's pinball talent meets the national stage!