The Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Frisco, Texas, once again played host to the highly anticipated Texas Pinball Festival (TPF) from February 20th to 22nd, 2026. This year’s event, held at 7600 John Q Hammons Drive, marked another significant milestone for the renowned festival, showcasing an expansive array of pinball machines, industry innovations, competitive tournaments, and engaging seminars that drew enthusiasts from across the nation and beyond. The festival’s commitment to fostering a vibrant pinball community was evident in its meticulously planned schedule, diverse offerings, and the sheer enthusiasm radiating from attendees.

A Deep Dive into the Pinball Universe

The TPF experience commenced even before the official public opening, with pre-event activities highlighting the organizers’ dedication to providing a comprehensive pinball immersion. The Pinball News team arrived in Texas early in the week, making strategic visits to key players in the pinball manufacturing world, including Barrels of Fun in Houston and Multimorphic’s factory in Round Rock. This precursor journey provided valuable insights into the industry’s latest developments and set the stage for a dynamic festival.

As the week progressed, Frisco experienced a notable shift in temperature, with the forecast for the show weekend predicting a warm peak around 37°C (98.6°F), underscoring the Texan climate that many attendees embraced alongside their passion for pinball.

Pre-Festival Buzz: Setup and Innovation

Wednesday marked the beginning of the physical setup in the main exhibition hall, even as the public awaited Friday’s grand opening. The event’s organizer, Paul McKinney, had implemented numerous enhancements to the festival’s layout and schedule, aiming to elevate the attendee experience. These changes, detailed in a February Pinball Industry News PINcast, signaled a forward-thinking approach to event management.

A significant innovation this year was the introduction of TechDay. Held throughout Wednesday, this unique initiative allowed machine owners to bring their pinball devices to the venue for direct diagnosis and repair by skilled technicians. The collaborative nature of TechDay, involving owners in the fault-finding and repair process, offered an invaluable educational opportunity for the community, empowering them with practical knowledge for maintaining their prized machines. The $80 ticket for TechDay, inclusive of discounted replacement components, represented a strong value proposition for enthusiasts seeking to enhance their technical acumen.

The festival’s overarching theme for 2026 was "dragons," a motif that permeated various aspects of the event. From the official logo and themed merchandise to dedicated sections for dragon-themed pinball machines and decorative dragon sculptures adorning the venue, the theme added a layer of immersive fantasy to the proceedings. This thematic integration not only enhanced the visual appeal but also contributed to a cohesive and memorable atmosphere.

Thursday saw the main show hall transform into a bustling hub of activity. Exhibitors, including prominent names like FUN! showcasing Stern Pinball machines, Jersey Jack Pinball, and Pinball Traders, were actively setting up their displays. Warped Pinball was also present, demonstrating their connected system, hinting at the evolving role of technology in the pinball experience. The constant flow of exhibitors through the loading doors underscored the scale and logistical complexity of organizing such a large-scale event. The floor plan, prominently displayed near the entrance, served as a crucial guide for attendees navigating the extensive layout, which extended beyond the main hall into the surrounding corridors, further maximizing the exhibition space.

A Packed Schedule of Seminars and Tournaments

Friday commenced with an early start for seminars and tournaments, beginning at midday, with the public doors opening at 4 PM. The schedule was thoughtfully curated to cater to a diverse audience, ranging from technical workshops to discussions on game design and industry trends.

The seminar lineup kicked off with Brian Haskell’s insightful session on creating custom leaderboards and displays using accessible technology like the Onn Google TV box and the AbleSign app. This was followed by an advanced technical workshop led by Eugene Mosh and Matthew Talley, continuing their educational series on pinball machine repair and troubleshooting, a testament to the growing demand for technical knowledge within the community.

Meanwhile, the Tournaments Room upstairs buzzed with activity as the Texas Wizards tournament began its qualifying rounds. The Texas Takedown, a women’s-only tournament, also saw its initial qualifying stages, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and the growing participation of women in competitive pinball.

The evening featured two distinct tournaments: the Scrutinizers Tournament in the Tournaments Room, serving as a warm-up for upcoming competitions, and the Media Mavens Tournament on the main show floor. The Scrutinizers Tournament saw Garrett Shahan claim first place, followed by Randy Nelson, Jack Revnew, and Austin Trent. The Media Mavens Tournament, a unique format involving media creators, crowned Clark McCoy as the winner, with Neil McRae and Jamie Burchell securing second and third place, respectively.

The day concluded with a series of engaging seminars. Jersey Jack Pinball’s presentation featured Jack Guarnieri, Eric Meunier, and Dan Lachcik discussing the intricate process behind the making of their Harry Potter pinball machine, offering a behind-the-scenes look at game development. Barrels of Fun’s session, led by David van Es and Brian Savage, traced the company’s growth and highlighted their successful game releases, including the recently announced Winchester Mystery House. The final seminar of the day focused on Multimorphic’s P³ pinball platform, with a panel of industry experts sharing their experiences and insights. The presence of live music, with the Scoma Jazz Band performing in the lobby, added a festive ambiance to the evening.

Saturday: The Heart of the Festival

Saturday began with the traditional Swap Meet, organized by the DFW Pinball & Arcade Club, which officially started at 7 AM but saw vendors and buyers arriving as early as 6 AM to secure the best deals. This popular event offered a treasure trove of pinball parts, accessories, and memorabilia, attracting collectors and restorers alike.

The seminar schedule continued with American Pinball’s presentation, "Something New," where owner Bryan Vincent introduced the new American Pinball team and outlined their production plans, including original designs and reimagined Williams/Bally titles. The much-anticipated announcement of Cirqus Voltaire as their first "reimagined" title generated significant excitement, with details of two models—a modernized remake and a creatively enhanced version—being revealed.

The "Owning Your First Pinball Machine" seminar, featuring Imoto Harney of Marco Specialties and Craig Hassell from Fun! Superstore, provided practical advice for new owners on machine inspection and maintenance. The "Ask Us Anything!" technical Q&A panel offered a valuable platform for attendees to seek solutions to their pinball-related challenges. Brad Oldham of Evolution Mods presented on enhancing pinball machines with interactive light shows and servo motors using the Pinnunciator system, showcasing the creative possibilities for customization.

The burgeoning homebrew pinball community took center stage in Aaron Davis’s "Making Pinball, Making Friends" seminar. Davis, co-founder of FAST Pinball, invited numerous homebrew game creators to share their innovative projects, highlighting the accessibility of game development in the current landscape. The festival featured a dedicated Homebrew & Custom Games area, prominently supported by Marco Specialties and FAST Pinball, where attendees could interact with and play these unique creations.

The afternoon saw a tutorial on playing Stern Pinball’s new Pokémon game, led by its software lead Tanio Klyce, co-designer Jack Danger, and competitive player Steve Bowden, offering tips for maximizing progress and scores. The Autograph Session provided a popular opportunity for fans to meet industry luminaries, including Steve Ritchie, Jack Guarnieri, Brad Albright, Dennis Nordman, Eric Meunier, Christopher Franchi, Jack Danger, Tanio Klyce, George Gomez, Mike Vinikour, Brian Savage, David van Es, and Jerry Thompson.

The much-anticipated "So You Think You Know Pinball?" trivia quiz, hosted by Martin Ayub of Pinball News and Jonathan Joosten of Pinball Magazine, tested attendees’ knowledge with a dynamic format, awarding prizes generously donated by various pinball manufacturers and suppliers. The penultimate seminar featured Todd Tuckey in a "Fireside Chat," reflecting on his extensive career in the coin-op industry and showcasing his extensive video archive. The musical interlude by Pinball Rod and The Extra Balls added to the lively atmosphere. The day concluded with a Stern Pinball presentation on their latest release, Pokémon, featuring George Gomez, Jack Danger, Tanio Klyce, and Jerry Thompson, who discussed the game’s design philosophy, from initial concepts to sound integration.

Sunday: Tournaments, Awards, and the Grand Finale

Sunday was dedicated to the final stages of the tournaments and the concluding events of the festival. The Texas Takedown women’s tournament reached its dramatic conclusion, with Emily Cosson emerging as the champion, showcasing exceptional skill across multiple machines. The Texas Wizards main tournament also saw its final rounds, with Jack Revnew ultimately claiming the top spot after a closely contested series of games.

The festival culminated with the Closing Ceremony at 2 PM, featuring the presentation of the Best in Show awards. These accolades recognized outstanding machine restorations, original creations, and classic arcade displays. The judging committee, comprising Keith Holbrook, Scott Martin, Bill Morrison, Gary Stuart, Rich Wiski, and Michael Lube, meticulously evaluated the entries. The awards, presented by Dan Horne of Nitro Pinball, celebrated the dedication and craftsmanship within the pinball community.

The highly anticipated grand prize raffle, featuring a Jersey Jack Pinball Harry Potter Arcade Edition, drew a massive crowd. The winning ticket was drawn by Harry Potter Pinball designer Eric Meunier, ultimately awarding the machine to Adam Breakey. In a remarkable gesture, American Pinball owner Bryan Vincent also awarded a second Houdini 100th Anniversary machine to Chris Engberg, who arrived moments after his name was initially called.

The festival concluded with the packing and loading of machines and stands, signaling the end of another successful event. The dates for the 2027 Texas Pinball Festival were prominently displayed, confirming its return to the Embassy Suites Frisco Hotel & Conference Center from March 19th to 21st, 2027, with attendees encouraged to arrive early to maximize their experience.

Analysis and Implications

The 2026 Texas Pinball Festival reinforced its position as a premier event in the pinball calendar. The expansion of pre-festival activities like TechDay, the consistent quality of seminars covering technical, design, and historical aspects, and the robust tournament schedules demonstrate a commitment to a holistic pinball experience. The "dragon" theme provided a unifying element, enhancing the festival’s unique identity.

The growing prominence of the homebrew and custom games section, supported by key industry players like Marco Specialties and FAST Pinball, highlights a significant trend in the hobby, making game creation more accessible. The festival’s continued support from manufacturers like Stern Pinball, Jersey Jack Pinball, American Pinball, and Spooky Pinball, coupled with the presence of numerous vendors and accessory providers, underscores the industry’s health and the community’s enthusiastic engagement.

The TPF’s ability to attract a diverse audience, including international visitors and a strong contingent of industry professionals, speaks to its growing reputation and the enduring appeal of pinball. The festival’s continued success serves as a positive indicator for the pinball market, demonstrating sustained interest and investment in the hobby. The event’s progression, from its initial conception to its current expansive format, reflects a dynamic and evolving community that consistently seeks to innovate and engage its passionate fanbase.