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The original DFW Pinball League!
The original DFW Pinball League!
Started and operating since 2015, The DFW Pinball League serves all of North Texas
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)! This includes the predecessor to TPF (year 1), known as APOP Pinball-Rama.
What Eventually became the DFW League actually was started by Marcus Trevino in 2013 at an arcade called Nickelrama 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 time BUT also started hosting events in unique and rare PRIVATE pinball collections, in private homes as well. 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, most of which are private collections in people's homes.
For a long time, the DFW Pinball League was the only IFPA sanctioned, ongoing pinball action in the DFW community....
AND TODAY: partially 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! It's really about growing the DFW Pinball COMMUNITY!
For 2025, The DFW Pinball League has partnered with Carpool Pinball, working together, with the primary goal of bringing MORE pinball to more people. Carpool Pinball both runs tournaments by themselves and in partnership with the DFW League. Carpool Pinball also streams pinball events throughout the DFW area (and sometimes beyond) at https://www.twitch.tv/carpoolpinball.
We ALWAYS encourage family participation and even have events specifically for kids with amazing prizes!
The DFW Pinball League, the oldest continually operating IFPA tournament pinball organizer in the DFW area, 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, with kids 16 and under playing free. We are proud of the fact that we have 10-15 affordable events each year.
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.
** ANNOUNCEMENTS **
** ANNOUNCEMENTS **
1/2/2026 -> DFW PINBALL LEAGUE RULES CHANGES AND UPDATES FOR 2026.
These are all valid for the DFW League events only, not for Carpool Pinball events unless otherwise specifically stated.
1) There is no more KIDZ Finals this year, however we have a new incentive program for kids to play as follows:
a) All kids (ages 16 and under) get up to $20 off the cost of tournament entry (no cash back / cannot discount below $0).
i) This means that they will be FREE for most tournaments.
ii) For the first time, they will get discounts ($20 off) of the larger, more expensive tournaments and still receive discounts on separately priced side tournaments.
b) We will have prizes for the TOP 4 KIDS based on their standings in any regular/main tournaments. Any large event side tournament will not have prizes for the kids.
*** IT DOESN’T GET MUCH BETTER FOR KIDS, FREE TO PLAY AND THEY GET A PRIZE (LIKE GIFT CARDS AND TOYS AND SUCH) !! ***
2) The intent of the B Division is so that everyone has a chance to win. To that end, for 2026, the restriction on B Division has changed. The following player are ineligible to play in the B Division:
a) Players in the IFPA top 1500 as of the day of the tournament
b) Player who placed first, second, or third in the A division in any of the three previous DFW Pinball League EVENTS.
i) An event is different from a tournament
ii) There can be multiple tournaments at one event.
iii) All tournaments will be counted for each of the last three events.
3) Qualifying for the league championship will be more inclusive!
a) A player must play in FIVE or more DFW Pinball League tournaments to be eligible for the league finals. We should have 20 or more tournaments at 15 or more events throughout the year.
b) The IFPA has agreed to make a custom report for the league.
i) Based on this, qualification for the DFW Pinball League Finals will be based on the number of WPPR points you earn, in total, at all DFW Pinball League tournaments during the year.
ii) This favors BOTH, the best players AND players who play in MORE tournaments because they will receive WPPR points every time they play.
iii) We will go down the list of eligible players until the league finals is FULL.
**** I want to thank Marcus Trevino, Ken Kemp, and Garrett Shahan for their consulting services. They all assisted me as I was working through the needed rule changes and updates! ****
2025 and 2026 Event Details:
For all events: see the event page for SPECIFIC cost/pricing details please!2025 and 2026 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) :
(For a Google Calendar page that you can link to, go to the Events Tab on this website) :
2025
CARPOOL: WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 31, 2025 - THURSDAY JANUARY 1, 2026 CARPOOL PINBALL'S MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Event officially counts towards 2026 for WPPR / IFPA purposes based on when the playoffs will occur!
Note that the playoffs start at 12:01 AM - right after we celebrate the arrival of the New Year!
Details can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1522113972432668
2026
EVENT 1: Saturday January 3, 2026 - hosted by Scott Martin in Richardson, Texas
Limited to 20 Players
Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/3194679780701239/
Matchplay Tournament Page: https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/222987
IFPA Site Event Page: https://www.ifpapinball.com/tournaments/view.php?t=106301
Registration opens (to be announced) -- https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/222987/rsvp
EVENT 2: Saturday January 10, 2026 - THE 2025 DFW PINBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
This will be hosted by the Godfather of DFW Pinball: Don Merki in Denton, Texas.
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.
This event is not counted towards the league championship.
Those eligible to play will be contacted so, please make sure Louis Marx has a way to contact you!
REGIONAL: Saturday January 17, 2026 and Sunday January 18, 2026
Texas State Championship Weekend
The Austin Pinball Collective by Invite Only
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
EVENT 3: Saturday January 31, 2026 and Sunday February 1, 2026
The THIRD Annual Polar Plunge at FUN! Billiards and Gameroom Superstore in Mesquite, Texas
Limited to 68 Players Total -- Two Day, Approximately 200% TGP at this Event.
Event Page: https://tinyurl.com/FUN-2026
Matchplay Tournament Page: https://app.matchplay.events/tournaments/225036
IFPA Site Event Page: https://www.ifpapinball.com/tournaments/view.php?t=107566
Registration opens FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM at: https://tinyurl.com/FUN-2026
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
EVENT 4: Thursday February 26, 2026 through Sunday March 1, 2026
4TH ANNUAL ABILENE SHOWDOWN Hosted by The Shahan's and Carpool Pinball - Abilene, Texas
Limited to 100 Players -- THREE tournaments with the Main Event being 250% Value (IFPA Certified)
Event Page: https://tinyurl.com/Abilene2026
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: https://app.matchplay.events/events/411
IFPA Site Event Page (Main Event): https://www.ifpapinball.com/tournaments/view.php?t=109078
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/3325859227572274/
Registration opens TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM -- https://tinyurl.com/Abilene2026
EVENT 5 : Saturday March 7, 2026 - hosted by Daniel Martin in Mansfield, Texas
DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, MARCH 17 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
NATIONAL Friday March 20, 2026 through Sunday March 22, 2026
EVENT: Texas Pinball Festival Wizards Tournament
A STERN PRO CIRCUIT EVENT!
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 October 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM -- https://texaspinball.com/store/
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, APRIL 7 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, APRIL 21 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
EVENT 6: Saturday April 11, 2026 -
Ken Kemp's 14th Annual Toad Suck Shootout Charity Pinball Tournament in Collinsville, Texas
DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
OPEN DATE IN APRIL -- DO YOU WANT IT?? REACH OUT TO LOUIS!!!!
NATIONAL Friday May 1, 2026 through Sunday May 3, 2026
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 (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
EVENT 7: Saturday May 2, 2026 - hosted by Jorge Ramos in Grandview, Texas
DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, MAY 5 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
EVENT 8: Saturday May 16, 2026 - hosted by Stacy and Stephen Wylie in Carrollton, Texas
DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, MAY 19 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, JUNE 2 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, JUNE 16 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
NATIONAL Friday June 26, 2026 through Sunday June 28, 2026
EVENT & The Titan Pinball Championship
EVENT 9: Hop & Sting Brewing Company at 906 Jean St, Grapevine, TX 76051
DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, JULY 7 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, JULY 21 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
EVENT 10: Saturday August 29, 2026 through Sunday August 30, 2026
The 2026 Carpool Pinball Pin-Masters in Southlake, Texas
This is a Two Day, 200% TGP, direct feeder to the 2027 IFPA Pin-Masters Championship!
There may also be IFPA sanctioned side tournaments as well
PLAYER LIMIT: YET TO BE DETERMINED
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
EVENT 11: Sunday September 6, 2026 - The Great and Amazing Pinball ERS Labor Day Blowout!
hosted by Kevin Moore and Pinball ERS in Princeton, Texas
DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
EVENT 12: Friday September 25, 2025 through Sunday September 27, 2026
3RD ANNUAL BOSQUE RIVER BRAWL at The Pinhouse in Stephenville, Texas
Main Event is a Two Day, 200% TGP, IFPA CERTIFIED Event
There will also be IFPA sanctioned side tournaments as well
PLAYER LIMIT: YET TO BE DETERMINED
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
EVENT 13: Sunday October 4, 2026
The 13th Alan Marx Memorial IFPA Pinball Fundraiser in Rowlett, Texas
THERE IS NO PLAYER LIMIT - Come and enjoy!
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration: DAY OF THE EVENT - NO HEAD COUNT LIMIT SO NO PRE-REGISTRATION
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
EVENT 14: Saturday October 10, 2026 - hosted by Ken Kemp in Collinsville, Texas
DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
EVENT 15: Friday October 23, 2026 through Sunday October 25, 2026
IFPA CERTIFIED Unnamed Halloween Tournament and Costume Contest
at the Pinball Collective of Pottsboro (a secret pinball club)
in Pottsboro, Texas
DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
EVENT 16: Saturday December 5, 2026 - hosted by Scott Martin in Richardson, Texas
DETAILS HAVE NOT BEEN ANNOUNCED YET.
Event Page: Coming Soon!
Matchplay Tournament/Event Page: Coming Soon!
IFPA Site Event Page: Coming Soon!
Registration opens (to be announced) --
Link Coming Soon!
CARPOOL: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15 - CARPOOL PINBALL TURBO TUESDAY
Pinball Fun for Everyone!
Change Log - Minimum last 5 changes will always be shown:
Change Log - Minimum last 5 changes will always be shown:
January 19, 2026
Added the Titan Pinball Championship to the LIST calendar on the main page.
January 10, 2026
Added Silverball Showdown, Toad Suck Shootout, Pin-Masters, and another October event to the LIST calendar on the main page.
Updated State Championship details on the LIST calendar on the main page.
Removed outdated announcements from two pages on the website.
Removed a cancelled Carpool event from the LIST calendar on the main page.
Removed announcement about 2025 Finals invitation from two pages on the website.
January 2, 2026
Added the 2026 rule changes and updates to the main page.
Added multiple links on the LIST calendar on the main page.
Added all details of the Abilene Showdown to the LIST calendar on the main page.
December 8-9, 2025
Updated league standings through 12/6/2025 (last event of the year - league standings finalized)
Added "Home" page and "Events" page announcement about final league standings.
Updated the "League Standings and Finals" page to include ALL details for the League Championship
Added IFPA link to the January 3, 2026 event on the LIST calendar on the main page.
Added details and links for the Polar Plunge to the LIST calendar on the main page.
Added the 2026 Bosque River Brawl to the LIST calendar on the main page.
Added registration and event dates to the Google Calendar for the 2025 League Championship and the Polar Plunge
Removed all past 2025 events from the LIST calendar on the main page.
December 6, 2025
Updated league standings through 11/9/2025
December 1, 2025
Added the January 3 event and its December 23 pre-registration date to the Google Calendar
Updated the December 6 event and December 2 pre-registration date on the Google Calendar
November 27, 2025
Moved the December 6, 2025 event to January 3, 2026 since the old host rescheduled - LIST calendar on the main page.
Added the new December 6,2025 event (venue change) to the LIST calendar on the main page.
November 6-8, 2025
Added several more 2026 events to the LIST calendar on the main page.
Updated the "League Standings and Finals" page with results through 10/12/2025.
Added Carpool Pinball 2026 events to the LIST calendar on the main page.
Page updated
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