Aspley pinball wizard takes on world’s best

A Brisbane father-of-two is the top ranked pinball player in Australia. Now he’s preparing to take on the world’s best in Italy.

Jason Lambert of Aspley will compete at the IFPA World Pinball Championship in Italy in June.

A 35-YEAR-OLD north Brisbane man is preparing to put his pinball skills to the test at the world championships in Italy.

Jason Lambert — the number 1 ranked pinball player in Australia (and number 48 in the world) — will compete at the IFPA World Pinball Championship, the most prestigious event in competitive pinball, from June 7-9.

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“To be a part of a world championship and effectively represent Australia in doing so is a dream come true,” the Aspley father-of-two said.

Jason Lambert of Aspley playing the pinball machines at Pincadia, Woolloongabba.

“There’s going to be some incredibly tough competition in the field of 64, including some current and former world champions, so it’s not going to be easy.

“Anything can happen in the world of pinball, but I’m really looking to enjoy the experience overall.

“There are only two Australians in the field (the other is from Wollongong) — here’s hoping for an Aussie 1-2.”

Mr Lambert has been competing for about six and a half years, but has been playing pinball machines for a lot longer.

Jason Lambert won the Fair Strikes elimination event at Pincadia, Woolloongabba on May 14.

“My earliest memory is from about four or five years old watching others play, hoping they would leave a free credit for us to play.”

He said he loved the machines because every game was different.

“They tell different stories, and you can go about reaching the goals in different ways.

“Some even have themes that take you back to your childhood, or play the music of your favourite band while you play.

“The game always keeps you on your toes. The best part overall though is that I have got to know and become mates with so many great people, both locally and around the country — doesn’t get any better than that.”

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When asked to chose his favourites he said there were too many to mention.

“In the modern era — Spiderman and Star Trek due to their great flow and story. I also enjoy Guns n Roses because of the music being intertwined with game play.

“In older games I like Eight Ball Deluxe and Strikes N Spares.

“I enjoy kicking back and playing a few games with the mates as well as helping others understand the game too.

“My kids (aged 8 and 4) know I play pinball and enjoy playing it when they get the chance. Maybe one day they will join me in a game or two when they are older.”

Jason Lambert with pinball machines at Pincadia, Woolloongabba.

Mr Lambert runs the Brisbane Pinball Club which holds events once a fortnight at Netherworld, Fortitude Valley.

“There are many other clubs locally at Pincadia, Timezone, and more. They are great social events that anyone and everyone can be a part of and there are no membership fees to join.”

Mr Lambert has competed at the annual Pincade event in New Zealand for the past past years and attends about 60-70 competitions each year.

“We will be hosting a 10-day Pinball and Arcade showcase at the Ekka later this year, culminating in the Brisbane Masters — the largest pinball tournament to be hosted in the Southern Hemisphere,” he said.

Mr Lambert has also been involved with 10 pin bowling for 28 years, and has spent the past six as manager at Aspley 10 Pin Bowl.