Minnesota State Qualifier Pinball Tournament

Blainbrook Bowl – Blaine, Minnesota | January 17, 2026

Blainbrook Bowl in Blaine turned into a pinball player’s paradise as more than 75 competitors showed up for the Minnesota State Qualifier Pinball Tournament. Players from around the region gathered to test their skills, all hoping to punch their ticket to the state finals.

If you’ve never been to Blainbrook Bowl, the place is already well known among pinball fans. The bowling center quietly houses one of the largest public collections of pinball machines in Minnesota, with roughly 50 machines spanning multiple eras and themes.

Walking into the room during the tournament was pretty impressive. Machines nestled onto two tiers lined the back room of the bowling alley,, each with its own unique artwork, theme, and gameplay style. From classic designs to modern tables packed with lights and ramps, every machine offered a completely different challenge for the competitors.

What made the event especially fun to photograph was the atmosphere. Players were locked in on their games, watching the ball bounce between bumpers and ramps while the crowd gathered behind them waiting for their turn. Some competitors clearly knew these machines inside and out, while others were learning them on the fly as the tournament progressed.

Personally, it was also a bit of a throwback. I went to Blaine High School and have been to Blainbrook plenty of times over the years, but I honestly don’t remember it having this many pinball machines. Seeing row after row of them all in one place was pretty impressive.

By the end of the day the room had seen countless games played, plenty of dramatic last-second drains, and a lot of players inching closer to a shot at the state championship.

Be sure to check out the photo gallery below for a look at the action, the machines, and some of the competitors from the day.