Pinball in Utah has grown into a thriving competitive culture

The Utah State Pinball Championships took place Jan. 17–18 in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, and the winners will represent Utah at North American events in March. Utah also surpassed the criteria to be called a pinball “super state,” recording more than 140 sanctioned tournaments and 520 unique players this year.

Pinball tournaments were held in Utah on Jan. 17–18, drawing players to events in Salt Lake City and South Jordan. The state open and women's championships crowned winners who will go on to North American competitions in March. Pinball was once widely restricted in places like New York City, but it has since returned as an organized competitive activity and social hobby. Local organizers and national groups have helped establish rules, rankings and frequent tournaments. Event details: - The Utah State Pinball Championships included an open division and a women's division and were held at venues in Salt Lake City and South Jordan. - Marc Jackson and Paige Peck won their respective divisions and will represent Utah at the North American Championship Series (Chicago) and the Women's North American Championship Series (Colorado) in March. - The open state tournament featured 24 competitors (22 men and 2 women) playing on 19 machines, using a bracket-style format where players select one game from each of three machine eras and advance by winning the best of seven games. - Organizers classify machines into classic, mid, and modern eras, and players and representatives describe competitive play as skill-based, with techniques like timed shots and careful nudging. - Utah met the “super state” benchmark with more than 140 sanctioned tournaments and about 520 unique players in the year, part of a larger rise in organized pinball events nationwide. Summary: The event highlights pinball’s shift from a marginalized pastime to a structured competitive hobby that also fosters local connections. Winners from the Utah championships will compete at regional North American events in March, and the state’s high tournament activity reflects sustained participation and organized play.