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The Pinball Asylum
The Pinball Asylum

About Us

Our Story & Mission

From a casual hangout to hosting the World Pinball Championships. Thirteen years of community, competition, and preservation.

Our Mission

“Raise awareness about pinball in general, and keep the fun, the art and the sport of pinball a vital part of our popular culture.”
501(c)(3)
Tax-Exempt Nonprofit
2011
Year Founded
100%
Volunteer Operated
IFPA17
World Championship Host

Who We Are

A Nonprofit Built on Passion

The Pinball Asylum is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Fort Myers, Florida. Every person involved is a volunteer, from the board of directors to the people who repair and maintain machines. We are a private venue open to pinball enthusiasts, collectors, and players of all experience levels. Whether you've never touched a pinball machine or you're a world-ranked competitor, you're welcome here. Our collection spans over 75 years of pinball history, from a 1950 Knockout to the latest releases from Stern, Jersey Jack, and Spooky. With 150+ machines in the collection and 75–80 set up to play at every event, there is always something new to discover.

IFPA-sanctioned tournament venue since 2012.

150+
Machine Collection
12+
Annual Tournaments
1950
Oldest Machine
2026
Newest Machine
75–80
Machines Per Event
75+
Years of History
Scott Kakavis

1968 – 2024

Board Member · Volunteer

🕯️

In Memoriam

Scott Kakavis

Scott Kakavis was one of the founding pillars of The Pinball Asylum. As a board member, dedicated volunteer, and passionate pinball player, Scott gave years of his time and energy to building the community that makes this place special. He was there for the early days: the cramped 700 square foot room, the first tournaments, the big expansion, and the milestone of hosting the IFPA17 World Pinball Championships. In 2021, he won the Asylum Inmates Pinball League championship, a testament to his skill and love of the game. Scott passed away in 2024. His presence is felt every time the flippers flip. The Asylum is better because of him.
Read His Full Tribute →Donate in His Memory ↗

History

Fifteen Years of Growth

2011

The Beginning

A casual hangout among friends who wanted a place to play and repair pinball machines. The Asylum opened its doors on June 3, 2011 with a grand opening event in Fort Myers, FL.

2013–14

First Expansion

The collection grew and the first Annual Point Monsters Championship Tournament was held. The venue began attracting serious competitors from across Florida.

2016

The Big Expansion & League Launch

A major facility expansion doubled the playing space. The Asylum Inmates Pinball League launched its first monthly competitive season, open to all skill levels.

2012

IFPA Sanctioning

The Asylum became an official IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association) tournament venue, hosting sanctioned events that award WPPR points for state, national, and world rankings.

2022

IFPA17 World Championships

The Pinball Asylum was selected to host IFPA17 — the World Pinball Championships — bringing the world's top competitors to Fort Myers. A landmark moment for the organization and the city.

2024

Pinball Asylum 2.0

A major renovation and expansion brought the venue into its next chapter, with new machines, improved facilities, and continued growth. Now open to all without pre-registration.

Leadership

Board of Directors

All board members are volunteers who give their time and expertise to keep the Asylum running.

D

David

Board Member

M

Mike

Board Member

E

Eric

Board Member

R

Rebecca

Board Member

V

Vince

Board Member

S

Shaun

Board Member

Get Involved

The Pinball Asylum thrives because of its community. Whether you want to play, compete, donate, or volunteer, there's a place for you here.

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