Competitive Pinball
Rankings, world points, and the path to state finals
International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA)
The International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA) promotes competitive pinball worldwide. It organises and endorses tournaments and leagues, maintaining a ranking system to recognise the world's top players.
Visit IFPA websiteAustralian Championship Series (ACS)
The IFPA Australian Championship Series is an annual pinball competition with players qualifying throughout the entire calendar year. At the end of each calendar year, the top ranked players from each state/territory will qualify for the playoffs, where they will play for the title of IFPA State/Territory Champion.
ACS standingsHow WPPR Points Work
At the Tasmanian Association of Pinball Players (TAPP), many of our events are officially sanctioned by the IFPA. This means participants in our events can earn World Pinball Player Rankings (WPPR) points, contributing to their national and international ranking. These points are crucial for those aiming to qualify for the state finals in the ACS.
A player's best 20 results will count towards their standing. The top 16 players in Tasmania will qualify for the state finals (24 spots are reserved for states with 200 or more unique players). The remaining places in the field of 64 will be filled using the ACS standings.
- Any IFPA endorsed event within Tasmania adds to the state leaderboard — not just TAPP events.
- Other, non-TAPP, IFPA endorsed events within Tasmania also count towards the state and national leaderboards.
How WPPRs Are Calculated Per Event
Every endorsed event has a WPPR value determined by how many players compete and how long the tournament runs — then that value is distributed across finishing positions.
Points Pool — Based on Players
The base points available are proportional to the number of players entered. In general, each player contributes around 0.5 WPPRs to the pool — though higher-ranked players bring additional weight with them, raising the stakes for everyone.
Scaled by Tournament Length (TGP)
That points pool is then multiplied by the Tournament Grading Percentage (TGP) — a measure of how many games are played. More games means a more reliable result. Most events land somewhere between 0–200%, with certified and major events going higher.
Distributed by Finishing Position
The winner takes the full event value. Every other position earns a declining share based on how they placed relative to the field — with the top half picking up a significant bonus. Points drop off steeply after 1st, but every finishing position earns something.
Worked example
Sum of player ratings × TGP
e.g. 20 relatively new players at 0.5 each, at 70% TGP = 0.5 × 20 × 70% = 7 WPPRs
Points drop steeply — the top half of the field earns a bonus on top of their base share. Every place earns something, but winning pays far more.
For the full methodology, see the IFPA ranking rules.
The Path to the Top
State Finals
Players accumulate IFPA points through various endorsed events throughout the year. The top-ranked players based on these points are eligible to compete in the state finals.
National Finals
The state finals culminate in the ACS, where state champions and top performers compete for national glory.
World Championship
Winners of the ACS have the opportunity to represent Australia in the IFPA World Pinball Championship, competing against the best from around the globe.
How Qualifying Works
Entry into these competitions is earned through dedication and consistency. Players accumulate WPPR points at IFPA-endorsed events throughout the year — including our regular fortnightly meetups in Hobart and other qualifying competitions across the region. Your best 20 results count, and the top 16 Tasmanian players at year's end qualify for the state finals.
If you make the cut, you'll be contacted at the end of the calendar year with an invitation to the state finals. Make sure your IFPA profile has up-to-date contact details so we can reach you.
Special Events
TAPP hosts state finals and flagship tournaments throughout the year — the biggest opportunities to earn ranking points and compete for a spot at the national level.
Keep it Fun and Simple
We understand that the IFPA points system and the details of competitive play can seem complex, especially for newcomers. But don't worry — you don't need to be an expert in the system to participate in our events. The most important thing is to come and have fun!
At TAPP events, all you need to do is focus on enjoying the game of pinball. We'll take care of recording your results and updating your IFPA rankings. Over time, as you participate more, you'll naturally become more familiar with how it all works.
How to Get Started
- Find an Event: Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming TAPP events.
- Attend: Play your best, and have fun.
- (optional) Create an IFPA Profile: If you don't have one, create an IFPA profile here. This helps track your points and rankings.
- Stay Updated: Visit our website or follow us on social media for the latest news.
Step up to the challenge and join us at TAPP — where Tasmania's pinball talent meets the national stage!