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Play Mechanix is excited to announce a rewards program for IFPA players to purchase one Pulp Fiction SE pinball machine at a special IFPA discounted price. This program is currently available to anyone within the United States currently ranked in the top 1000 of the World Pinball Player Rankings. Only a limited number of machines are currently available through this program, so reach out to ifpapinball@gmail.com for more details if you are interested.

WPPR Rules includes new content at the end of the Basic Rules section. This clarifies our policies for players who choose to opt-out and players who choose to suppress their profile.

• Please note the following rules for the inclusion of suppressed players in results, along with tournaments that allow players to opt-out of being included in the results submitted to IFPA:
  • Suppressed players –> TD’s should include these players in the results they submit to the IFPA, using their full name and IFPA number. That player contributes in every way to the value of the tournament (both Ranking and Rating value), still earns WPPR points, and is still responsible for having the $1 fee paid on their behalf. The only thing that happens is their profile is not publicly accessible. Suppressed players impact the TGP of the event just as if they were not suppressed. For example, a 42 player, 3-strike event, with 22 suppressed players will be graded as a 42 player, 3-strike event.
  • Players that opt-out –> Since the launch of the IFPA sanctioning fee, we have given TD’s the option to allow players to not be included in the results submitted into IFPA. This was done to accommodate players that were against the sanctioning fee, but is available regardless of reason. This includes top 250 players currently ranked in the WPPR PRO system. Please note that TD’s are not forced to give this option to the players attending their event. This is done at the discretion of the TD. It is recommended that the TD confirm if players want to opt-out before the event starts so other players are aware. Players that opt-out do not contribute to the value of the tournament, they do not earn WPPR points, they are not responsible for having the $1 fee paid on their behalf. For IFPA purposes it is as if they did not participate. For example, a 42 player, 3-strike event, with 22 players that opt-out of IFPA inclusion will be graded as a 20 player, 3-strike event. The “winner” of the event will be the highest finisher of those 20 players, even if that player finished in 23rd place in the actual standings of the event. TD’s should make sure any opted out players are removed from the results before they are submitted to the IFPA. TD’s allowing players to opt-out should keep in mind when determining if tiebreakers are needed that IFPA results require there is no tie for 1st place in the reported results.
    For group matchplay events, a player opting out does not affect the “mostly 4-player group 2X multiplier” rule, 22 players with one player opting out still gets the 2X multiplier. The opposite is also true, an event with 21 players with one player opting out still does only gets the 1.5X multiplier.
    Players opting out do not affect the 50% or 10% rules for finals player counts; a 16-player qualifying with 1 player opting out can have 8 players in finals.
    For certified events, an event with 130 rated players where 5 rated players opt out will not be qualified for the Certified+ event booster.
  • Process and impacts to suppressed players –> A player can request suppression at any time by emailing the IFPA at ifpapinball@gmail.com. A player who is suppressed at any point in time during the qualifying period or the time leading up to the championship event will not be eligible to participate in that year’s SCS, NACS, WNACS, Country, SPC, Worlds, etc. IFPA championships. You can request suppression removal at any time by emailing the IFPA at ifpapinball@gmail.com Players who are not suppressed at the start of the championships qualifying period and through to the time of the championship event are automatically eligible to participate in those championships after meeting the other qualifying criteria specific to that event.

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Hello IFPA community! AtGames has put together a quick survey just for you—share your pinball playing preferences to help us refine our plans for the coming months. We’re thrilled to hear from this amazing and expanding community. Thanks for joining in! Link below : https://forms.gle/fj7tZPMUL55S4tKc8

Following IFPA mismanagement of the OBX tournament and subsequent response, there are many issues that we need to address going forward. We have had active internal discussions on best next steps for the past two weeks but we have not posted much publicly after Josh’s statement on November 14th. We apologize for that lack of communication.

We acknowledge the substantial feedback from the community and are listening to the numerous suggestions we received. IFPA is working on new policies and organization changes to provide a better framework for our staff, better support for our TDs, and a safer and more inclusive environment for all players wishing to participate in IFPA events.

There is a lot to do, some actions will take longer than others. Our first priority is to make changes to the tournament and results submission process to reinforce that IFPA sanctioned events cannot discriminate against any group of players. We have added a “Diversity and Inclusion Code” to our site HERE and to our tournament submission email confirmation to make our position clear. It currently includes our “Inclusive Restroom and Bathroom Policy” and we are working to add other sections covering more general requirements for venue, TD, and player behavior that are expected and necessary to receive and maintain IFPA sanctioning.

Finally, we want to express our appreciation for all the hard work and improvements the Women’s Advisory Board provided the IFPA and the hobby as a whole throughout the years. We are working on a transition plan to continue bringing diverse and inclusive perspectives to the IFPA.

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In light of recent events, several Tournament Directors have reached out for clarification on IFPA’s position regarding bathroom access at sanctioned events, particularly in states with restrictive laws governing which bathrooms individuals may use.

We want to provide clear guidance for all Tournament Directors, which are announcing here and have included on our site’s Diversity and Inclusion Code page:

Inclusive Restroom and Bathroom Policy

At all IFPA sanctioned tournaments and leagues, every player must be allowed to use the bathroom that aligns with their identity. This requirement applies regardless of any state or local regulations to the contrary.

Please ensure that any venue you select is able to provide safe and accessible bathroom options for all players. Whenever possible, we encourage choosing locations that offer gender-neutral restrooms, as they help ensure comfort and inclusion for everyone.

To be absolutely clear: If a player is prevented from using the bathroom at an event, the event will lose its sanction, without debate.

Our goal is to support TDs in making the best choices for their players and to ensure that all participants feel welcome, respected, and safe.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at ifpapinball@gmail.com

– IFPA

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HYUGA PINBALL brings you colorful LED bulbs, this upgrade kit will completely change your game experience! The upgraded pinball machine is illuminated by vibrant, saturated light. What may have been a dim machine, after using these specialized LED bulbs, immediately presents a dreamy light and shadow effect where blue and purple hues interweave. Every detail and scoring point becomes brilliantly clear, greatly enhancing the game’s visual impact and immersion. HYUGA PINBALL provides a variety of LED bulbs, allowing you to find the perfect color and model for your beloved machine, easily achieving “EXPERIENCE THE GLOW.”✨

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International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) – Official Update

The competitive flippers were on fire this week as players across the community battled for rank, reputation, and the race toward Player of the Year. Season 1, Week 1 delivered one of the most exciting openings in recent IFPA history—packed with newcomers, leaderboard earthquakes, and a stunning performance from the reigning king himself.

 Participation Hits New Heights

This week’s event brought 320 unique players to the leaderboard—each submitting at least one score and helping fuel some of the tightest competition we’ve seen so far.

Even more exciting, we welcomed 156 brand-new players to the official IFPA ranking board! Whether you’re a long-time pinball diehard or a first-time competitor, the IFPA community is absolutely thrilled to see the growth and energy pouring into Season 1.

 Biggest Rank Risers: The Players Who Climbed the Mountain

These competitors didn’t just play—they ascended. These are the players who improved their standings the most this week:

 Top Rank Improvements

• Speegle – skyrocketed up 8 positions (49th ➜ 41st)

• Wizard626 – jumped 3 positions (11th ➜ 8th)

• MeximusPrime – climbed 2 positions (29th ➜ 27th)

• Rjm-25 – climbed 2 positions (36th ➜ 34th)

• Rob-A-Dob64 – climbed 2 positions (39th ➜ 37th)

• N3CR0P57 – climbed 2 positions (50th ➜ 48th)

Speegle’s surge was the clear standout—an 8-spot leap that set the tone for the week.

 Biggest Rank Drops: The Tough-Luck Week

Every competition has its heartbreak stories. These players took the hardest hits on the leaderboard:

 Top Rank Drops

• briguy3133 – down 3 positions (35th ➜ 38th)

• kaoticBPR – down 3 positions (44th ➜ 47th)

• Davelb – down 2 positions (8th ➜ 10th)

• LegendsPinball4K – down 2 positions (23rd ➜ 25th)

• B_Jezz – down 2 positions (26th ➜ 28th)

• bruno1171 – down 2 positions (33rd ➜ 35th)

• StopNudgingMe – down 2 positions (42nd ➜ 44th)

• rizzo1722 – down 2 positions (47th ➜ 49th)

• joemiller6packkiller – down 2 positions (48th ➜ 50th)

But don’t count anyone out—there’s a lot of season left, and this community is known for dramatic comebacks.

 King of the Hill: MadBenHen Dominates Week 1

The spotlight belongs to MadBenHen, who not only took the crown for Top Player of Season 1 Week 1, but currently sits proudly at overall rank #1.

He’s now the early favorite in the race for Player of the Year, and if this momentum keeps up, challengers will need their A-game to dethrone him.

 What a Start to Season 1!

Between expanded participation, huge rank swings, and a competitive fire that shows no signs of slowing down, Week 1 proved that this season could be one of the most electrifying in IFPA’s history.

Stay tuned for next week’s breakdown—new scores and new leaderboard surprises are guaranteed! Until then…Keep flipping. Keep climbing. And chase that #1 spot!

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 Legends players, it’s tournament time! 

This week is packed with color, combat, and classic Dr. Seuss™ fun! Fight your way through fierce battles, climb rainbow-filled worlds, and flip through a whimsical rhyming adventure! No matter if you’re on a Legends 4K™, HDP™, or HD device, everyone competes together!

Play one or all three featured tables, rise up the leaderboards, and compete for a chance to win an AtGames Gift Card!

This Week’s Tables:
 Killer Instinct™ – included in Rare Pinball Pack
 RAINBOW ISLANDS™ – included in Taito Pinball Pack 3
 Green Eggs and Ham – included in Dr. Seuss™ Pinball Pack 2

Tournament Dates:
Starts: Friday, November 21 at 3:00 p.m. PT
Ends: Thursday, November 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT

Prizes For General FF (17 Winners Total):
 10 Winners – $15 AtGames Gift Card
 7 Winners – $10 AtGames Gift Card

Prizes For DPWR (3 Winners Total):
 $30 AtGames Gift Card – 1 randomly selected from the top 100
 $20 AtGames Gift Card – 1 randomly selected from ranked 101–500
 $10 AtGames Gift Card – 1 randomly selected from ranked 501 and above

 ATGAMES GIFT CARD NOTICE:
AtGames Gift Cards can currently be used only on the AtGames eStore. Support for using Gift Cards directly on-device will be added in a future update. Gift Cards can be applied to any items available on the eStore and do not expire.

HOW TO JOIN:
 Launch and play one of the selected weekly tables.
 Play until the last ball is lost.
 Enter your initials in the fields provided.
 Upon exiting the game, your score will be automatically uploaded to the tournament leaderboards.

Check your standings and the Top 100 leaderboard at:
https://www.atgames.net/leaderboards/schedule

Over the past week, the remaining members of the IFPA Women’s Advisory Board have recognized that our working relationship with IFPA Leadership cannot be repaired. On November 19, we notified Josh Sharpe of our collective resignation.Our intention is to finish the Women’s North American Championship Series/Women’s World Championship cycle for 2026 before fully stepping down, though our duties until then will be limited to those events.

We want to be clear that while we are incredibly disappointed with how the OBX decision was handled, we do not view the IFPA as a bigoted organization. What we do see is an organization that urgently needs to update its leadership structure and make space for a more diverse set of voices that can truly reflect the community it serves. A global player base deserves leadership that includes people from marginalized groups in meaningful and empowered roles.

We remain proud of what the Women’s Advisory Board has accomplished in the six years since our founding, and we hope that the IFPA continues to build on that progress. In our resignation letter, we outlined concrete recommendations to support that transition, and we leave it in the hands of IFPA Leadership to provide future staff with clarity, structure, and a true seat at the table.

There is still important work to be done in this space, but seeing so much recent support for trans and nonbinary players gives us hope for the future of competitive pinball. As ever, pinball is for everyone.

With gratitude,
Crystal, Karyn, Kim, and Zoe

Here are the October 2025 IFPA winners for Player of the Month and Biggest Movers:

Player of the Month:
Viggo Löwgren from Sweden (911.41 WPPR’s – MAIN)
Jackie Olson from San Francisco, CA (278.46 WPPR’s – WOMEN’S)

Biggest Movers:
Wilson Casanova from Chile (+52,457 spots)
Corey Anco from Cody, WY (+46,211 spots)
Kim Westfall from Champaign, IL (+43,915 spots)

These players have now all qualified for the Stern Rewards Program for 2025. Congrats to everyone!