Two-time World Pinball Champion Escher Lefkoff from the USA . Photo: Supplied.
Wollongong is about to flip into pinball history, with the nation’s top players descending on the city for the prestigious Australian Pinball Championship — and hometown hero Paul Jones is right in the mix.
Hosted by Illawarra Pinball Club founders Rob Rusak and Paul Soutter, the four-day pinnacle of pinball competition will be held at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow from 19-22 March where elite competitors will battle it out on classic and modern machines.
Players qualify throughout the year via points, with the top competitors from each state and territory earning spots in the annual IFPA Australian Championship Series (ACS).
Jones is a two-time former Australian Pinball Champion and a local pinball legend who will add star power to the tournament, alongside other special guests including world-class champion Escher Lefkoff from the USA.
Lefkoff is a two-time World Pinball Champion, renowned for his incredible skill and composure.
Rounding out the big name attractions will be Townsville’s Amelia Applewaite, who is the defending Women’s Division Australian Champion, returning to contest her title.
Soutter said all three champions would be competing and engaging with fans throughout the event, in what promised to be a thrilling spectacle for competitors and the public alike.
“This is a historic moment for Australian pinball,” Soutter said.
“Having talent of this level from all around the country under one roof will be incredible.
“It’s the premier national event and we are so proud to be hosting it in our hometown.”
The Australian Pinball Championship will be played in Wollongong in March. Photo: Supplied.
He said while the main event was for qualified competitors, the public was welcomed and encouraged to be part of the action.
Throughout all four days, lively public side tournaments will run concurrently.
Rusak said this was a unique opportunity for enthusiasts of all skill levels to test their flipper skills on the same floorspace as the celebrated champions, compete for prizes, and soak up the electric atmosphere.
However, he said tickets for these popular side tournaments usually sold out fast, encouraging people to get in quick.
“For us, it’s all about bringing people together and sharing our passion for pinball with the community,” Rusak said.
“We’ve designed the event so everyone, with all skill levels, can come and have a good time.”
The Illawarra Pinball Club is also actively seeking commercial and community sponsorship to help make the event a landmark for the region, with those interested asked to contact Russak or Soutter at [email protected].
The club, located in Kembla Street in Wollongong, includes members from amateurs to state champions, with everything from classics such as Joker Poker, to the latest X-Men.
Tickets are now available for the Australian Pinball Championship 2026 from 19-22 March at The Fraternity Club, Fairy Meadow.
