Members of Pinball NQ vie to be last man standing at annual Christmas holiday pinball tournament

Townsville pinball enthusiasts of all ages tested their reflexes at a world standard ranking pinball tournament over the weekend.

FINDING pinball mecca in Alligator Creek is not what you would expect.

But that’s exactly what Rob Milla’s house is.

At the weekend 36 pinball players gathered at Mr Milla’s house in a last man standing showdown at the annual Christmas holiday tournament.

Mr Milla has been collecting pinball machines for 12 years and has the largest private collection in Townsville. Twice a year he holds pinball tournaments at his house.

The tournament is an opportunity for Townsville players to climb the state, national and world ranking scale and to be invited to compete at state and national championships.

Mr Milla said the tournament was a way for Townsville pinballers to shine.

“Even though we are a fair way away from Brisbane, we can still hold some big tournaments for North Queenslanders to give the rest of Australia a run for their money,” he said.

Mr Milla has competed at a state and national level in the past and said the tournament took weeks to plan.

“It is a fair bit of organisation and support from the wife,” he said. “There is quite a few weeks of getting the machines set up correctly and making sure they are playing properly and resurrecting our rumpus room to accommodate 36 people.”

Tournament entrant Jason Lynch said Mr Milla’s tournament was in a league of its own.

“Tournaments are just a great community vibe and a good chance to catch up with your friends and play what we are all into,” he said. Mr Milla won the tournament after playing for six hours.

Originally published as Members of Pinball NQ vie to be last man standing at annual Christmas holiday pinball tournament