PAPA 12 World Pinball Championships

Divisions

PAPA 12 features six divisions of play, three of which are skill divisions. There is no official doubles play (except for mini-tournaments), and we do not have a separate Women's division. Women are capable players just like anyone else, and should enter in whichever division they choose!

The three skill divisions are designated A, B, and C. The C division is suitable for casual players, first-time competitors, and other novices. The B division is suitable for players with league or tournament experience, or anyone looking for a greater challenge and potential reward. The A division is for league or tournament champions and other world-class players.

The special divisions may be entered by any player who meets requirements, independent of entries in other divisions. The Juniors division is open to players 16 years of age or younger. The Seniors division is open to players 50 years of age or older. The Classics division is open to all players, and utilizes only pinball machines released at least 20 years before the date of the tournament; Classics will always include some electromechanical models. Note that the Classics division has special rules and schedules which do not apply to other divisions.

Each registered player must choose only one skill division in which to play. A player may choose to move to a higher skill division, automatically voiding all entries in lower divisions (no refunds are provided), but no player may move to a lower division without special permission from tournament officials.

The following restrictions are designed to discourage any player from intentionally competing beneath his or her level of skill:

The guaranteed prize package for each division is as follows.

A B C Classics I + II Juniors Seniors
1st Place $10,000 $3500 $1000 $1000 + $1000 $500 $500 plus trophy!
2nd Place $3500 $2000 $500 $500 + $500 $250 $250 and plaque
3rd Place $2000 $1000 $300 $250 + $250 $125 $125 and plaque
4th Place $1000 $500 $200 $125 + $125 $75 $75 and plaque
5th-8th Place $250 $200 $100
9th-16th Place $125 $100 $50
Top Qualifier $500 $250 $100 $50 $50
Mini-Tournaments Benefits Animal Charities, Donated Prizes will be Available
Total Prize Package: $36,500!

The winner of the A Division will also receive the title "World Pinball Champion".

All competing players are required to register before playing any qualifying rounds. Registration is only $5, and allows each player to purchase as many subsequent entries as he or she likes. Pre-registration is not required. Any player may register at the tournament itself whenever qualifying rounds are open.

Pricing for each entry can be found here. Further details on registration and purchasing entries can be found in the Official Rules.