The 20th to 22nd of February 2026 marked a significant weekend for pinball enthusiasts as the Texas Pinball Festival (TPF) returned to its familiar home at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Frisco, Texas. This annual pilgrimage for pinball aficionados has solidified its reputation as a premier event, drawing participants and industry players from across the globe. This year’s festival, held at 7600 John Q Hammons Drive, promised an immersive experience, featuring an expansive array of new and vintage pinball machines, competitive tournaments, insightful seminars, and a vibrant marketplace.

Pre-Show Preparations and Industry Buzz

The Pinball News team arrived in Texas early in the week, commencing their coverage with visits to key industry players. An initial stop in Houston allowed for an engagement with the team at Barrels of Fun, a prominent manufacturer in the pinball scene. The journey then continued north to Round Rock, the headquarters of Multimorphic, where Gerry Stellenberg and his crew were preparing for the festival. This early immersion provided a glimpse into the industry’s forward momentum and the anticipation building for TPF 2026.

The Texas weather was set to complement the high energy of the event, with temperatures expected to climb to a warm 37°C (98.6°F) for the show weekend, adding a distinctly Texan flair to the proceedings.

Wednesday: Setting the Stage and Innovative Initiatives

As the show floor began to take shape on Wednesday, the commitment to innovation and community engagement was evident. The main hall at the Frisco Convention Center was already abuzz with activity, even though the public opening was still two days away.

A significant new addition to this year’s festival was "TechDay," an initiative designed to empower pinball owners with the knowledge and skills to maintain and repair their machines. Running throughout Wednesday, this hands-on event allowed participants to bring their pinball machines to the venue where dedicated technicians offered diagnostic services and practical repair guidance. Crucially, machine owners were actively involved in the process, fostering a deeper understanding of fault-finding and remedial techniques. The $80 ticket for TechDay, which also included discounted rates on necessary replacement components, proved to be a valuable investment for many, underscoring TPF’s dedication to the longevity and upkeep of the hobby.

Paul McKinney, the event organizer, had implemented numerous enhancements across all facets of the festival, from the strategic layout of the exhibition floor to the meticulously planned schedule of events. His vision for TPF 2026 was clearly focused on elevating the attendee experience. McKinney’s insights into these changes and his forward-looking plans for the festival were further detailed in the February Pinball Industry News PINcast, available on the Pinball News website.

The overarching theme for TPF 2026 was "dragons," a motif that permeated various aspects of the event. The official logo prominently featured a dragon, dragon-themed pinball machines were given a dedicated section, and the show’s merchandise proudly displayed the mythical creature. Decorative dragon sculptures were also strategically placed throughout the venue, adding a whimsical touch that resonated with the theme. This thematic cohesion contributed to a memorable and visually engaging atmosphere.

Thursday: The Show Floor Takes Shape

By Thursday morning, the main exhibition hall was rapidly transforming into a pinball paradise. Exhibitors were busy unloading and setting up their stands, with the air filled with the sounds of machinery being assembled and the vibrant energy of anticipation. Show banners, emblazoned with the "dragon" theme, were hung from the ceiling, adding a festive ambiance.

Leading manufacturers and distributors were already establishing their presence. FUN! was seen meticulously setting up their display, ready to showcase the latest offerings from Stern Pinball. Nearby, Jersey Jack Pinball had a significant presence, featuring a comprehensive selection of their acclaimed titles. Pinball Traders were also in the process of setting up their booth, anticipating a busy weekend of sales and interactions with the pinball community. Warped Pinball was preparing to demonstrate their innovative connected system, highlighting the evolving technological landscape of the hobby.

The logistical efforts were considerable, with the loading doors in constant use as vehicles delivered an array of pinball machines, stand decorations, and promotional materials. The efficient flow of exhibitors ensured that by the time the show officially opened, the venue was primed for a successful event. The floor plan, prominently displayed near the entrance, served as an essential guide for both machine owners and vendors, directing them to their designated areas and facilitating smooth navigation throughout the sprawling venue.

Beyond the main exhibition hall, the TPF experience extended into the surrounding corridors, which were also populated with additional vendor stands and a wide selection of free-play machines. This multi-level approach to the show layout ensured that every corner offered opportunities for engagement and discovery.

Upstairs: The Tournament Hub

A separate, less visible but equally crucial, area of the Texas Pinball Festival was situated upstairs in the Convention Center, dedicated to the numerous pinball tournaments. This space served as the nerve center for competitive play, overseen by Tournament Directors Elizabeth Dronet, Kevin Stone, Louis Marx, and Ken Kemp. On Thursday, as this area was being prepared, the previous years’ winners were prominently displayed outside the tournament room, serving as an inspiring testament to the competitive spirit of the TPF.

Thursday Evening: Pre-Show Competitions

As Thursday evening arrived, the competitive spirit kicked into high gear with the commencement of several tournaments. The "Scrutinizers Tournament," held in the upstairs Tournament Room, served as a vital warm-up event, allowing participants to test the machines slated for the main tournaments and identify any potential issues. Garrett Shahan emerged victorious in this inaugural competition, with Randy Nelson, Jack Revnew, and Austin Trent securing second, third, and fourth places respectively.

Concurrently, on the main show floor, the "Media Mavens Tournament" brought together seventeen prominent media creators. This unique competition employed a strike-based format, where players received a strike for lower scores in rounds, with two strikes leading to elimination. Clark McCoy claimed the top spot, followed by Neil McRae in second and Jamie Burchell in third, setting a spirited tone for the weekend’s competitive events.

Friday: Public Opening and Thematic Immersion

Friday marked the official public opening of the Texas Pinball Festival at 4 PM. However, the day’s activities commenced earlier, with tournaments and seminars starting at midday. The corridors and main hall continued to fill with vendor stands and a vast array of free-play machines, creating a palpable sense of excitement.

A key attraction unveiled at the new show entrance was the grand prize for the raffle: a brand-new Harry Potter Arcade Edition pinball machine. This highly anticipated machine quickly became a focal point for attendees, drawing significant attention for photos and videos. The "dragon" theme was further brought to life with the unveiling of an impressive animatronic dragon, a popular backdrop for selfies and social media sharing.

The seminar schedule on Friday offered a diverse range of topics. Brian Haskell’s midday session, "More Than Just Leaderboards," provided practical insights into creating custom displays using affordable technology, demonstrating the accessibility of advanced pinball customization. This was followed by an "Advanced Class" on troubleshooting pinball machines by Eugene Mosh and Matthew Talley, continuing their popular educational series.

Upstairs, the "Texas Wizards" tournament commenced with early qualifying rounds, signaling the start of the weekend’s major competitive events. The day concluded with three additional seminars: Jersey Jack Pinball presented on their latest offerings, including a detailed look at the making of their Harry Potter title; Barrels of Fun discussed their company’s growth and the development of their popular games; and Multimorphic provided an in-depth look at their innovative P³ pinball platform. The day’s activities were further enhanced by the Scoma Jazz Band, providing live music in the lobby area, creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Saturday: Swap Meets, Seminars, and Industry Insights

Saturday at TPF began with the traditional Swap Meet, held in the parking lot. Organized by the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club, the official start time was moved to 7 AM, but early birds were already browsing for deals by 6 AM. This popular event offered a treasure trove of pinball parts, accessories, and even complete machines, attracting both buyers and sellers eager to find unique items and engage in the hobby’s vibrant secondary market.

The main show floor continued to host a packed schedule of seminars. American Pinball kicked off the day with "Something New," where owner Bryan Vincent introduced the company’s new team and outlined their production plans, including reimagined classics like Cirqus Voltaire. This was followed by a practical session on owning a first pinball machine, led by Imoto Harney of Marco Specialties and Craig Hassell from Fun! Superstore, offering valuable advice for newcomers to the hobby.

The "Ask Us Anything!" tech Q&A panel provided a platform for audience members to pose technical questions to industry experts, fostering a collaborative problem-solving environment. Brad Oldham of Evolution Mods presented on enhancing pinball machines with interactive light shows and servo motors using the Pinnunciator system. The burgeoning homebrew community was also in the spotlight, with FAST Pinball co-founder Aaron Davis inviting several creators to showcase their custom-built games.

The afternoon featured a tutorial on playing the new Pokémon pinball, with insights from software lead Tanio Klyce, co-designer Jack Danger, and competitive player Steve Bowden. The highly anticipated autograph session provided fans with an opportunity to meet industry legends such as Steve Ritchie, Jack Guarnieri, George Gomez, and many others, further solidifying the festival’s appeal. The day’s events were punctuated by lively musical performances from Pinball Rod and The Extra Balls in the lobby, adding to the festival’s energetic atmosphere. The day concluded with a presentation from Stern Pinball, focusing on the development of their latest Pokémon title, featuring insights from George Gomez, Jack Danger, Tanio Klyce, and Jerry Thompson.

Sunday: Tournaments, Awards, and Grand Prize Draws

Sunday, the final day of TPF 2026, was dedicated to the culmination of the major tournaments and the highly anticipated closing ceremony. The "Texas Takedown" women’s tournament saw 72 competitors vying for the top spot, with Emily Cosson ultimately claiming victory after a thrilling final round. The "Texas Wizards" main tournament also reached its conclusion, with Jack Revnew emerging as the overall champion after a closely contested final.

The closing ceremony, commencing at 2 PM, was a focal point for the entire festival. Organizer Paul McKinney took the stage to present the "Best in Show" awards, recognizing outstanding contributions in various categories, from antique machines to the best custom homebrew creations. A distinguished panel of six judges, including Keith Holbrook and Gary Stuart, meticulously evaluated the machines on display.

The awards ceremony was sponsored by Nitro Pinball, and the "Grand Champion: Best in Show" award was presented to Peter Batterton for his exceptional "Tales of the Arabian Nights" machine.

Adding to the excitement, the festival featured two major prize draws. The first was for a Harry Potter Arcade Edition pinball machine from Jersey Jack Pinball, a highly sought-after prize that generated significant buzz. While the initial winner, Chris Engberg, was unfortunately late to accept, American Pinball owner Bryan Vincent generously awarded a second Houdini 100th Anniversary machine to Nicole Schulte, who was present to claim her prize. In a remarkable gesture, Vincent later also awarded a Houdini machine to the initially absent Chris Engberg, showcasing the community spirit of the event. The winning ticket for the Harry Potter machine was drawn by its designer, Eric Meunier, with the prize claimed by a delighted Adam Breakey.

The festival concluded with the packing and loading of machines and stands, signaling the end of another successful year. The dates for the 2027 Texas Pinball Festival were prominently displayed, reaffirming the event’s status as a must-attend gathering for pinball enthusiasts. The coverage from Pinball News, including video walkthroughs and detailed reports, provided a comprehensive look at the event’s highlights. The upcoming Pinball Industry News PINcast was announced to offer further insights and discussions about the festival, reinforcing the continuous engagement with the pinball community.