DFW Pinball League
Providing low cost and family friendly competitive pinball for Dallas, Fort Worth, and all of North Texas!
The original DFW Pinball League!
Started and operating since 2015, The DFW Pinball League serves all of North Texas
Louis Marx has been buying, selling, trading, playing pinball and involved in the Texas Pinball Festival since 2001.
Louis has been attending and participating in the Texas Pinball Festival every year since 2001 (through all five cities that have hosted the TPF event over the years)!
What Eventually became the DFW League actually was started by Marcus Trevino in 2013 at an arcade called Nicelrama in Garland, Texas. Louis officially started the DFW League in 2015, remaining at Nickelrama and partnering with Marcus while planning for 2016. In 2016 we were still at Nickelrama part of the time BUT also started hosting events in unique and rare PRIVATE pinball collections, in private homes. In 2017 we moved to the current model of having ALL events take place in some of the best North Texas game rooms and private pinball collections.
.... AND NOW: thanks to our efforts, there are now multiple tournament organizers and leagues in North Texas, running at multiple venues. So EVERYONE can have access to pinball tournaments and leagues! We support them all - to grow the game for everyone!
We ALWAYS encourage family participation and even have events specifically for kids with amazing prizes!
This league, the original DFW Pinball League, travels to some of the best North Texas game rooms and private pinball collections. For many events, you might pay as little as $15 for adults, but kids 16 and under play free. We are proud of the fact that we have 10-15 events each year that cost $20 or less per adult to play in (kids are free in most of these cases).
Generally, Louis will not turn anyone away over money at the events hosted at people's homes (private pinball collections). In normal events, if you can't pay, he will pay for you!
Sometimes there's an interesting twist added:
For example, at the "Hotter Than Mother's Pinball" tournament that was held in Keller, Texas in March 2024, the cost was a little higher because the host offered a 'bounty' for the best score on 7 different EM machines. It was a unique twist that had people talking.
Even so, this event was still less than $20 per person to play in.
Occasionally, there will be a charity component (ask) as well. When this happens, you must be able to pay this. Usually the charity asks are small. For example, the Toad Suck Shootout is a charity event that opens out league every year and the ask there has been for an a minimum of $25-30 in past years (which goes towards Education and College Scholarships for kids).
Starting in 2024, we also added some LARGER events, special events, and/or national events. Previously, we did have ONE national event. The change in 2024 is expanding this to allow more opportunity for DFW players to have access to the NACS Texas State Championship race. These events generally cost anywhere from $40-90. I know that's a wide range, because they can vary greatly depending on what's special about that particular event. Many of them pay out prize money and/or special prizes, and have something UNIQUE about them.
These tournaments are for ALL SKILL LEVELS. We have had players as young as 3 years old and as old as 81 in our leagues. So everyone is welcome - Just come, hang out, eat, drink, & play pinball! Its about having fun!
Most events are sanctioned by the International Flipper Pinball Association: https://www.ifpapinball.com/ and, while Louis Marx is the Head Tournament Director and League Official, all events are brought to you by and are the property of DFW Pinball League, LLC.
Find more details on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/164360813769869/ or email marx.pinball@gmail.com for Louis Marx, DFW Pinball League Tournament Director.
2024 & 2025
Local and Regional Event Details:
For all events: see the event page for SPECIFIC cost/pricing details please!Local and Regional Event Details:
*** ALL TIMES ON THIS PAGE ARE QUOTED IN CENTRAL TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED ***
(For a Google Calendar page that you can link to, go to the Events Tab on this website) :
2025
EVENT 1: Saturday January 11, 2025 - THE 2024 DFW PINBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
This will be hosted by Rickie Carson in Carrollton, Texas.
--> the key is that we are requiring a neutral site (owner can't have a home field advantage).
--> so, if Rickie ends up playing in the event, then we will find another site.
THIS IS AN UNSANCTIONED, INVITATION ONLY EVENT - See the "Current League Standings" tab on THIS website for details.
16 - 32 Players depending on how many people accept the invitation.
Those eligible to play will be contacted so, please make sure Louis Marx has a way to contact you!
REGIONAL: Saturday January 18, 2025 and Sunday January 19, 2025
Texas State Championship Weekend
https://www.sacoffeeroasters.com/pinball
EVENT 2: Saturday February 1, 2025 and Sunday February 2, 2025
The SECOND Annual Polar Plunge at FUN! Billiards and Gameroom Superstore in Mesquite, Texas
Limited to 64 Players Total -- Two Day, 180 - 200% TGP Event
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1091867175944046
Matchplay Event Page: https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/166422
IFPA Site Event Page: https://www.ifpapinball.com/tournaments/view.php?t=86500
Registration opens Wednesday 1/8/2025 at 7:00 PM CT --
EVENT 3: Saturday February 22, 2025 - hosted by Hotter than Mother's Pinball in Keller, Texas
Limited to 40 Players
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/953987073466410/
Matchplay Event Page: https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/174771
IFPA Site Event Page: https://www.ifpapinball.com/tournaments/view.php?t=91620
Registration opens Monday February 17 at 7:00 PM CT --
https://next.matchplay.events/tournaments/174771/rsvp
EVENT 4: Thursday February 27, 2025 through Sunday March 2, 2025
3RD ANNUAL ABILENE SHOWDOWN Hosted by The Shahan's and Carpool Pinball - Abilene, Texas
Limited to 88 Players Total -- Two Day, 200% TGP, IFPA CERTIFIED Event
The Main Event is Saturday and Sunday (March 1-2).
There will be 3 IFPA sanctioned side tournaments on Thursday and Friday (February 27-28).
Event Page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-3rd-annual-abilene-showdown-main-event-tickets-1136041222879
Matchplay Event Page: https://app.matchplay.events/events/213
IFPA Site Event Page: https://www.ifpapinball.com/tournaments/view.php?t=90941
Registration opens Thursday February 6 at 7:00 PM CT --
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-3rd-annual-abilene-showdown-main-event-tickets-1136041222879
NATIONAL Friday March 21, 2025 through Sunday March 23, 2025
EVENT: Texas Pinball Festival Wizards Tournament
Frisco, Texas
Note: While Louis Marx is a Tournament Director for this event:
-- this is NOT a DFW Pinball League event.
-- this event is not counted towards the league championship.
Registration opens November 2, 2024 at 12:00 PM (Noon) -- https://texaspinball.com/tpf/store
NATIONAL Friday April 4, 2025 through Sunday April 6, 2025
EVENT: Cactus Jack's Silverball Showdown
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
-- this is NOT a DFW Pinball League event.
-- this event is not counted towards the league championship.
Registration opens January 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM (Noon) --
silverballshowdown@gmail.com
EVENT 5: Sunday April 27, 2025
Ken Kemp's 13th Annual Toad Suck Shootout Charity Pinball Tournament in Collinsville, Texas
Limited to 52 Players
Event Page: https://www.toadsuckshootout.com/
Matchplay Event Page: https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/179065
IFPA Site Event Page: https://www.ifpapinball.com/tournaments/view.php?t=93398
Registration opens Wednesday March 26, 2025 at 07:00pm -- https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/179065/rsvp
EVENT 6: Saturday May 3, 2025 - hosted by Jorge Ramos in Grandview, Texas
Limited to 36 Players
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/645765221744310
Matchplay Event Page: https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/183535
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens Thursday April 17, 2025 at 07:00pm -- https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/183535/rsvp
EVENT 7: Saturday May 17, 2025 - hosted by Stephen Brown in Frisco, Texas
Limited to 36 Players
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Event Page: https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/186559
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 07:00pm -- https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/186559/rsvp
NATIONAL Friday May 30, 2025 through Sunday June 1, 2025
EVENT and Titan Pinball Championship
EVENT 8: Nelson's Fireworks (6000 Square Foot Building) in Azle, Texas.
Note: Giving away THOUSANDS of dollars and two Pinburgh Golden Tickets!
Event Page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2025-titan-pinball-championship-tickets-1257760929799
Matchplay Event Pages -
AM GROUP: https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/183366
PM GROUP: https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/183374
Hotel Discount Link (valid until 4/23): Event rate reservation link for DFW PINBALL LEAGUE MAY 2025
IFPA Site Event Page: https://www.ifpapinball.com/tournaments/view.php?t=93861
Registration opens Tuesday April 1, 2025 at 07:00pm -- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2025-titan-pinball-championship-tickets-1257760929799
NATIONAL Thursday July 23, 2025 through Monday July 27, 2025
EVENT: Pinburgh 2025
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
-- this is NOT a DFW Pinball League event.
-- this event is not counted towards the league championship.
Registration opens February 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM --
https://pinburgh.com/2025/main.html
EVENT 9: Sunday August 31, 2025 - Barry O's BBQ Challenge / Labor Day Blowout
hosted by Kevin Moore and Pinball ERS in Princeton, Texas
Player limit not yet determined
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens TBD -- Coming Soon
EVENT 10: Friday September 12, 2025 through Sunday September 14, 2025
2ND ANNUAL BOSQUE RIVER BRAWL at The Pinhouse in Stephenville, Texas
2024 was --- Limited to 80 Players Total -- Two Day, 200% TGP, IFPA CERTIFIED Event
2025 is TBD (will update when available)
This event also has side tournaments -- more to come when available!
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
2024: Pre-registration is ONLY required for the Main Event - Prepayment required.
2025 is TBD (will update when available)
Registration opens TBD -- Coming Soon
NATIONAL Saturday September 27, 2025 through Sunday September 28, 2025
EVENT and The 2025 Carpool Pinball Pin-Masters in Southlake, Texas
EVENT 11: This will be a direct feeder to the 2026 IFPA Pin-Masters Championship!
More details will be provided when available.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens TBD -- Coming Soon
EVENT 12: Sunday October 5, 2025
The 12th Alan Marx Memorial IFPA Pinball Fundraiser in Rowlett, Texas
THERE IS NO PLAYER LIMIT - Come and enjoy!
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration: DAY OF THE EVENT - NO HEAD COUNT LIMIT SO NO PRE-REGISTRATION
EVENT 13: Sunday October 12, 2025 - hosted by Ken Kemp in Collinsville, Texas
Player limit not yet determined
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens TBD -- Coming Soon
REGIONAL Saturday October 25, 2025 through Sunday October 26, 2025
Bayou Bash at the Wormhole
Houston, Texas
-- this is NOT a DFW Pinball League event.
-- this event is not counted towards the league championship.
Registration opens TBD -- Coming Soon
REGIONAL Friday November 14, 2025 through Sunday November 16, 2025
Space City Open at the Houston Arcade Expo
Houston, Texas
-- this is NOT a DFW Pinball League event.
-- this event is not counted towards the league championship.
Registration opens TBD -- Coming Soon
EVENT 14: Saturday November 22, 2025
The Carpool Pinball Head-To-Head Challenge in Southlake, Texas
More details will be provided when available.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens TBD -- Coming Soon
EVENT 15: Saturday December 6, 2025 - hosted by Scott Martin in Richardson, Texas
Player limit not yet determined
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens TBD -- Coming Soon
Change Log - Minimum last 5 changes will always be shown:
April 5, 2025
Updated home page links for Jorge Ramos' event and Stephen Brown's event.
Updated the Google calendar (within the Events tab) to update 2 events and add 'pre-registration' date for one event
March 15, 2025
Updated home page links for Toad Suck Shootout, Jorge Ramos' event, and the Titan Pinball Championship
Updated the verbiage on the Google calendar tab to reflect 2025 and add a little more clarification
Updated the Google calendar (within the Events tab) to add 'pre-registration' dates for two events
Updated the "League Standings and Finals" page with updated 2025 standings and preliminary detail about the 2025 League Championship
February 16, 2025
Updated home page links for Toad Suck Shootout and Abilene Showdown
Completed update with all events through JULY the Google Calendar that people can link to on the Events page/tab
January 17-18, 2025
Added MANY new events to the home page 'list' style calendar
Added/edited detail for a several events on the home page 'list' style calendar
Changed dates for two events on the calendar list (Toad Suck Shootout and Pin-Masters)
Added one event to the Google Calendar based schedule that people can link to (on the Events page/tab)
December 7-8, 2024
Added the two more events to the calendar list on this page.
Edited one event on the calendar list on this page.
Updated the "League Standings and Finals" page with final 2024 standings and detail about League Championship invitations
November 17, 2024
Added more links to the December 7 event and Polar Plunge (2/2025) events in the calendar list on the home page.
Added the December 7 event and Polar Plunge event to the Google Calendar on the Events Page.
November 9-10, 2024
Updated the league description on the main page to update cost information.
Updated language on the 'Events" page for upcoming Google Calendar updates.
Add detail to the home page for five (5) events including links where available
Corrected state championship location detail
Renamed the Current League Standings tab to "League Standings and Finals"
Posted updated league standings.
Posted the tournament format, updated rules, and updated qualifying info for the league finals.
Posted location for the league finals.
October 21, 2024
Add detail to the home page for the December 7 tournament including links
Added registration date and link for the Texas Pinball Festival Wizards Tournament.
Neither have been updated on the Google Calendar yet.