# PINBALL AT THE BEACH **Source:** Pinball News Website **Type:** article **Published:** 2026-02-06 **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2026/02/06/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/ --- ## Analysis Pinball at the Beach 2026, held February 6-9 at TradeWinds Island Grand in St. Pete Beach, Florida, was a relaxed, three-day community event featuring 200+ playable pinball machines from major manufacturers (Spooky, Stern, Jersey Jack, Barrels of Fun). The event emphasized socializing and gameplay over formal seminars, with a tournament component, autograph sessions, and beach activities. Spooky's Beetlejuice machines were highly popular and reported near-zero technical issues. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Spooky Pinball brought twelve Beetlejuice machines (eight with Dante's Inferno topper, four with Beetlesnake animatronic topper) — _Direct observation from event coverage; confirmed in multiple photos and descriptions_ - [HIGH] Shannon Stafford won the A Division tournament, repeating his 2025 victory — _Tournament results explicitly stated with photo confirmation_ - [HIGH] Malik Berger won the B Division tournament — _Tournament results explicitly stated with photo confirmation_ - [HIGH] Beetlejuice machines experienced near-zero technical issues during the show — _Stated directly: 'With near-zero technical issues for their new title, it was a good show for the Spooky Pinball team'_ - [HIGH] Hotel rooms for Island Grand sold out soon after becoming available; RumFish Beach still had availability — _Direct statement in event coverage_ ### Notable Quotes > "With near-zero technical issues for their new title, it was a good show for the Spooky Pinball team" > — **Pinball News**, Sunday coverage > _Confirms Beetlejuice stability and positive reception at major event_ > "Seems like everyone wants to get some Beetlejuice" > — **Pinball News**, Friday evening > _Documents high player demand for newly released Spooky title_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Pinball at the Beach | event | Annual pinball tournament and expo held February 6-9, 2026 at TradeWinds Island Grand in St. Pete Beach, Florida; second year of event; features 200+ playable machines, relaxed community format, and tournament component | | Spooky Pinball | company | Manufacturer present at event with twelve Beetlejuice machines; reported near-zero technical issues | | Beetlejuice | game | Spooky Pinball's recently released game; highly popular at event; twelve machines present with two different toppers (Dante's Inferno, Beetlesnake animatronic) | | Jersey Jack Pinball | company | Manufacturer present at event with Harry Potter machines in multiple editions | | Barrels of Fun | company | Manufacturer present at event with three titles: Winchester Mystery House (two units), Dune (two units), Labyrinth (one unit) | | Stern Pinball | company | Major manufacturer present at event with multiple machine titles on display | | Winchester Mystery House | game | Barrels of Fun title; limited presence (two machines) at event, causing long wait lines | | Marshall Dickson | person | Co-organizer of Pinball at the Beach (with Edward VanderVeen); founder of Little Shop of Games | | Edward VanderVeen | person | Co-organizer of Pinball at the Beach; formerly of Texas Pinball Festival; met Marshall at FreePlay Florida | | Shannon Stafford | person | Tournament champion; won A Division at Pinball at the Beach 2026, repeating 2025 victory | | Malik Berger | person | Tournament champion; won B Division at Pinball at the Beach 2026 | | Roger Sharpe | person | Pinball legend; attended event to introduce screening of 'Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game' biopic and discuss Sharpshooter machine | | Jack Danger | person | VIP guest at event; participated in autograph session | | George Gomez | person | Stern Pinball representative at event; photographed socializing with Seth Davis, David van Es, and Brian Savage | | David van Es | person | Barrels of Fun representative at event; photographed with Stern team members | | Brian Savage | person | Barrels of Fun representative at event; directed shutdown of machines at show closing | | Colin MacAlpine | person | Co-organizer of tournament; finished fourth in A Division | | Phil Grimaldi | person | Co-organizer of tournament | | TradeWinds Island Grand | event_venue | Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida hosting Pinball at the Beach 2026; features hotel rooms, conference facilities, pools, miniature golf, beaches, and The Pavilion tent for machines | | The Pavilion | event_venue | Large tent structure at TradeWinds Island Grand housing 200+ playable pinball machines | ### Topics - **Primary:** Event organization and venue, Beetlejuice game reception and performance, Tournament results, Manufacturer presence and gameplay availability - **Secondary:** Community engagement and social activities, Attendance and ticket structure ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.85) — Event coverage consistently positive; strong attendance, high demand for games (especially Beetlejuice), successful tournament execution, technical reliability praised, community sentiment reflected in continued play through closing hours. Only minor note: limited availability of certain titles (Winchester Mystery House with only two units) created longer wait times. ### Signals - **[community_signal]** Event format prioritizing play, socializing, and community activities over vendor/seminar model successfully attracted 200+ attendees with three-day engagement (confidence: high) — Consistent throughout coverage: beach activities, karaoke, drinks, autograph sessions, movie screening all documented with active participation - **[community_signal]** High demand for Beetlejuice gameplay (12 machines with continuous queues) demonstrates strong community acceptance of new Spooky title (confidence: high) — Multiple photo captions noting 'everyone wants to get some Beetlejuice' and machines remaining busy through final day - **[event_signal]** Pinball at the Beach 2026 successfully executed as second annual event with 200+ machines, maintained high community engagement through relaxed format emphasizing play over vendor sales (confidence: high) — Extensive on-site coverage documenting full three-day event with consistent machine availability and participation through closing hours - **[market_signal]** Winchester Mystery House limited availability (two units) generated longer wait lines, while machines with multiple copies had shorter waits, indicating scarcity-driven demand (confidence: high) — Direct observation: 'Inside The Pavilion, lines quickly formed for games such as Winchester Mystery House where there were only two machines. Where there were multiple copies of a game it didn't take long for the opportunity to play.' - **[community_signal]** George Gomez confirmed at event socializing with Stern and Barrels of Fun teams, maintaining active industry presence (confidence: high) — Photo caption: 'Seth Davis, David van Es, Brian Savage and George Gomez' with context of event socializing - **[product_concern]** Beetlejuice machines reported near-zero technical issues during intense play period at major event, indicating solid production quality for new Spooky release (confidence: high) — Explicit statement: 'With near-zero technical issues for their new title, it was a good show for the Spooky Pinball team' with visual confirmation of sustained play demand --- ## Transcript HomeSHOWSPINBALL AT THE BEACH Date: 6th - 9th February 2026 Location: TradeWinds Island Grand 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA Welcome to our live coverage of the second Pinball at the Beach which is being held, as it was last year, at the TradeWinds Island Grand resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida. ![The entrance to the TradeWinds Island Grand resort](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/017-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The entrance to the TradeWinds Island Grand resort Pinball at the Beach is a very different style of show, designed to be much more relaxed and enjoyable for everyone attending. Although there are many special guests from across the pinball world, there are no seminars and very few vendors. The emphasis is on socialising, playing the machines and hanging out in the resort with friends old and new. With that in mind, there are no single day tickets sold, only tickets for all three days which cost $199. The event is organised by Little Shop of Games’ Marshall Jeff Dickson and Edward VanderVeen, formerly of the Texas Pinball Festival. They met at the FreePlay Florida show and conceived this unique type of pinball show, with the inaugural PatB taking place in February 2025. We’ll be updating this report across all three days of the show to bring you a feel for the machines, the atmosphere and the many attractions of a Floridian beach location. So, let’s start with the resort. The Island Grand is a large complex of hotel rooms, conference facilities and leisure spots. Within the grounds are numerous pools, miniature golf, tennis courts, a boating lake along several bars and catering outlets, all located on the beach. ![Two of the accommodation blocks facing the Gulf](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/002-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Two of the accommodation blocks facing the Gulf ![St Pete Beach](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/019-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) St Pete Beach ![St Pete Beach](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/020-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) St Pete Beach ![One of several pools at TradeWinds Island Grand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/023-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) One of several pools at Island Grand ![The boating lake compete with an island](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/022-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The boating lake compete with an island ![Plenty of places to relax](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/024-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Plenty of places to relax You may notice the scarcity of people in the pictures above. While the sun is shining and the skies are blue, the heatwave experienced at last year’s event hasn’t yet come to Florida. So temperatures up until Friday have generally peaking at around 60F/16C. However, things are warming up as we head into the weekend, with 68F/20C expected on Saturday. While the Island Grand resort is large, it has a sister property next door called RumFish Beach. ![RumFish Beach on the far left of the two TradeWinds Island Grand blocks](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/021-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) RumFish Beach on the far left of the two Island Grand blocks ![The RumFish Beach resort next door](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/016-pinball-at-the-beach-2026-1024x767.jpg) The RumFish Beach resort next door Island Grand and RumFish Beach together form the TradeWinds resort. Pinball at the Beach guests can stay at either resort hotel and use all the facilities of both. ![A map of the TradeWinds resort](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/003-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) A map of the TradeWinds resort Hotel rooms for Island Grand sold out soon after becoming available at the show rate, but RumFish Beach still had availability at the time of writing. So, let’s move on to Pinball at the Beach itself. The show opens to guests at 5pm on Friday, but we arrived at midday on Thursday to get a preview of the machines available and see how the show was being set up. Thursday Pinball at the Beach’s machines are housed in a large tent in the Island Grand complex, called The Pavilion. ![The Pavilion - home to Pinball at the Beach's machines and vendors](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/015-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The Pavilion – home to Pinball at the Beach’s machines and vendors ![The entrance to The Pavilion](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/014-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The entrance to The Pavilion By Thursday lunchtime there were quite a few machines already inside, but many more would be arriving later in the day and on Friday. ![Inside The Pavilion at midday Thursday](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/005-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Inside The Pavilion at midday Thursday The first manufacturer to set up was Spooky Pinball. Their recent Beetlejuice machine was quickly sold out, but they also made a batch of games for shows such as this. ![Spooky Pinball are here and set up](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/029-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Spooky Pinball are here and set up For Pinball at the Beach they brought twelve Beetlejuice machines, split into a row of eight with the Dante’s Inferno topper, and an island of four fitted with the Beetlesnake animatronic topper. ![The row of eight Beetlejuice machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/006-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The row of eight Beetlejuice machines ![An island of four more](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/007-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) An island of four more ![Some pre-show checks and updates](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/008-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Some pre-show checks and updates Elsewhere in the hall, the latest games from Jersey Jack Pinball and Barrels of Fun had arrived. ![Some of Jersey Jack Pinball's Harry Potter games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/010-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Some of Jersey Jack Pinball’s Harry Potter games ![Machines from Barrels of Fun](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/011-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Machines from Barrels of Fun On the other side of The Pavilion, Stern Pinball machines were being set up. ![Some of the many Stern Pinball titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/012-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Some of the many Stern Pinball titles While the machines are prepared, room dividers, drapes and electrical feeds were being installed. ![Installing the power cables and outlets](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/013-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Installing the power cables and outlets As the sun started to set over the water, we left the team for the evening and returned Friday morning to check on their progress. Friday Although there was still plenty to do, the show hall was starting to take shape. ![Inside The Pavilion on Friday morning](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/026-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Inside The Pavilion on Friday morning ![More of the Stern Pinball machines plus a guest Bally Dungeons & Dragons](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/028-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) More of the Stern Pinball machines plus a guest Bally Dungeons & Dragons Although most attention has been on Beetlejuice, there is a row of previous Spooky Pinball titles set up as well. ![A line-up of earlier Spooky Pinball titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/030-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) A line-up of earlier Spooky Pinball titles Likewise, the full catalogue of Jersey Jack Pinball machines is set up along with multiple editions of Harry Potter. ![All the Jersey Jack Pinball titles are here too](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/031-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) All the Jersey Jack Pinball titles are here too Not to be outdone, all three Barrels of Fun titles are available too. Two of their newest Winchester Mystery House, two Dune s and a Labyrinth. ![The row of Barrels of Fun machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/032-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The row of Barrels of Fun machines Although the doors don’t open until 5pm today, registration was available for guests in a building opposite the entrance to The Pavilion. ![The Pinball at the Beach registration team](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/025-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The Pinball at the Beach registration team As opening time of 5pm came around, the queue to get in grew. Along them, three rather special vehicles arrived. ![It's the Batmobile](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/043-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) It’s the Batmobile ![It's the Jurassic Park jeep](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/044-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) It’s the Jurassic Park jeep ![We have no idea why this Tuk-Tuk is here, but it's super cool](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/045-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) We have no idea why this Tuk-Tuk is here, but it’s super cool So, as 5pm approached, the first in line got excited to have the whole hall of games at their disposal. ![The front of the line](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/036-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The front of the line Finally, 5pm came around and the show hall opened. Pinball at the Beach 2026 was officially open. ![The doors are open, so the show begins](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/039-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The doors are open, so the show begins Although there were plenty of amazing games, many guests made their way to the back of The Pavillion for some Beetlejuice. ![Lots of lovely new Stern titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/037-pinball-at-the-beach-2026-1024x767.jpg) Lots of lovely new Stern titles ![More great new Stern pinballs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/038-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) More great new Stern pinballs ![Seems like everyone wants to get some Beetlejuice](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/040-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Seems like everyone wants to get some Beetlejuice However, there was still a strong demand for show merchandise. ![The line for show merch](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/034-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The line for show merch ![Some of the many T-shirts available to purchase](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/042-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Some of the many T-shirts available to purchase A little later in the evening, the number of players increased and, while there were still plenty of opportunities to play, many of the more modern machines were occupied. ![Players on the newer Stern Pinball titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/046-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Players on the newer Stern Pinball titles The 5pm opening time for The Pavilion was also the start time for the Pinball at the Beach tournament, run by Colin Colin MacAlpine and Phil Grimaldi. This was located in the Tarpon Key room which is near the Island Grand’s reception lobby. ![The location of the tournament](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/052-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The location of the tournament The schedule is far more laid back than a more formal tournament, with qualifying split into four three-hour slots over the first two days of the show. ![The tournament schedule](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/051-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The tournament schedule ![Inside the tournament room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/047-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Inside the tournament room Tournament machines were positioned along the back and side walls, providing plenty of space and a limited amount of seating. ![Some of the tournament machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/048-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Some of the tournament machines ![More tournament machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/049-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) More tournament machines ![More tournament machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/050-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) More tournament machines ![Awards for the top four in the tournament](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/069-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Awards for the top four in the tournament A little later in the evening there were opportunities to watch a movie or relax in the sands as the sun went down. The movie screening took place in the room next door to the tournaments. ![The movie screening room](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/057-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The movie screening room The movie in question was Roger Sharpe’s biopic, Pinball: The Man Who Saved The Game, and Roger was present to give an introduction and also answer some questions from the audience after the showing. ![Roger Sharpe introduces the movie](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/056-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Roger Sharpe introduces the movie Roger also talked about the Sharpshooter game which he co-designed and which bears his likeness on the backglass. ![Pinball at the Beach organiser, Marshall,with Roger and the owner of the Sharpshooter machine, Tucker](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/055-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Pinball at the Beach organiser, Marshall, with Roger and the owner of the Sharpshooter machine, Tucker On the hotel’s beachfront, drinks were served as the sun set and music was provided as guest sat around the fire pits to enjoy the evening. ![Enjoying the cool evening sea breeze](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/053-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Enjoying the cool evening sea breeze ![Music was provided by Casey Allen](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/054-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Music was provided by Casey Allen Saturday The show opened at 10am and it quickly looked and felt as though it would be a warmer day than Friday. ![Saturday morning in one of the hotel's courtyards](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/058-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Saturday morning in one of the hotel’s courtyards ![It could be a decent beach day](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/076-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) It could be a decent beach day ![Members of the Stern team enjoying the sun](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/077-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Members of the Stern team enjoying the sun Inside The Pavilion, lines quickly formed for games such as Winchester Mystery House where there were only two machines. Where there were multiple copies of a game it didn’t take long for the opportunity to play. ![Lines to play at Barrels of Fun's machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/059-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Lines to play at Barrels of Fun’s machines ![More machines means shorter waits](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/061-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) More machines means shorter waits ![The Spooky Pinball area with their twelve Beetlejuices](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/062-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The Spooky Pinball area with their twelve Beetlejuices ![Elsewhere in The Pavilion there was no problem finding a machine to play](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/060-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Elsewhere in The Pavilion there was no problem finding a machine to play Let’s take a look around The Pavilion and the games available at this year’s Pinball at the Beach. Pinball at the Beach 2026 - Walkthrough - Pinball News - YouTube Pinball News Pinball at the Beach 2026 - Walkthrough - Pinball News Pinball News Search Info Shopping 0:00 / •Live • Outside The Pavilion, another vehicle had joined the three we saw earlier. ![In anticipation of the warmth returning, the Ice Cream Hearse was on hand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/063-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) In anticipation of the warmth returning, the Ice Cream Hearse was on hand At 3pm an autograph session was held in the Breckenridge building, opposite the entrance to The Pavilion. A long line of guests with items to sign soon formed. ![The start of the line for the autograph session](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/064-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The start of the line for the autograph session Nearly all the VIP guests at the show were in attendance (including Pinball News), armed with Sharpies to sign whatever poster, banner, jacket, flyer, backglass, translite, playfield or other item was presented to them. ![The autograph session](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/065-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The autograph session The length of the queue exceeded everyone’s expectations. After two hours, the doors to the room had to be closed, and it took another thirty minutes for those already in to get all their items signed. ![Jack Danger and Dwight Sullivan were amongst the VIPs signing items](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/066-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Jack Danger and Dwight Sullivan were amongst the VIPs signing items As the sun went down, there was another Drinks on the Beach event, with free drinks and hot snacks served. ![Saturday's Drinks of the Beach](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/067-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Saturday’s Drinks of the Beach Although the day had been warmer, the evening became quite chilly, with groups huddled around the firepits. ![Keeping warm](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/071-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Keeping warm ![Definitely not T-shirt Carl Weathers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/068-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Definitely not T-shirt Carl Weathers However, the chill didn’t stop the ever-popular karaoke session from taking place. ![Saturday night karaoke](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/070-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Saturday night karaoke We braved the cold for as long as we could, before returning to the warmth of The Pavilion to socialise and play some more games. The first group we found hanging out together were from Stern Pinball and Barrels of Fun. ![Seth Davis, David David Van Es, Brian Savage and George Gomez](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/072-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Seth Davis, David David Van Es, Brian Savage and George Gomez ![Lots of machines to play on Saturday evening](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/073-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Lots of machines to play on Saturday evening ![More guests enjoying the machines](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/074-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) More guests enjoying the machines ![Still a good number of available machines to play](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/075-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Still a good number of available machines to play Over in the Tarpon Key room, the tournament was heading towards a result. Both the Early and Late qualifying groups played the first six of their twelve rounds on Friday, with the remaining six taking place on Saturday. Once those were over, the top 16 from both groups went into the play-offs where they competed in groups of 4 on three machines, with the top two players from each group progressing. There were two divisions, A & B, with each having their own play-offs. In the A Division, it was a win for Shannon Stafford, who repeated his win from 2025’s event. In second place was Donovan Stepp, while Eric Stone was third and co-organiser, Colin Colin MacAlpine, was fourth. ![A Division top four: Shannon Stafford (1st), Donovan Stepp (2nd), Eric Stone (3rd) & Colin Colin MacAlpine (4th)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/100-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) A Division top four: Shannon Stafford (1st), Donovan Stepp (2nd), Eric Stone (3rd) and Colin Colin MacAlpine (4th) In the B Division, first place was claimed by Malik Berger. JT Thomas came second, Cody Hilliard was in third and Tony Pierce was fourth. ![B Division top four: Tony Pierce (4th), Cody Hilliard (3rd), JT Thomas (2nd) and Malik Berger (1st)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/101-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) B Division top four: Tony Pierce (4th), Cody Hilliard (3rd), JT Thomas (2nd) and Malik Berger (1st) Sunday Pinball at the Beach opened at 9am on its final day, with vouchers handed out for a free Mimosa or Bloody Mary cocktail from the bar in The Pavilion. After that, show guests had the opportunity to play some of the titles they either never got to play before, or would like to play once again. ![The row of Beetlejiuces was still busy on the show's third day](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/079-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The row of Beetlejiuces was still busy on the show’s third day ![With near-zero technical issues for the new title, it was a good show for the Spooky Pinball team](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/080-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) With near-zero technical issues for their new title, it was a good show for the Spooky Pinball team ![It's a long row of Stern titles, but they are all being played](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/081-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) It’s a long row of Stern titles, but they are all being played ![There were still plenty of machines with which to reacquaint yourself or to experience for the first time](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/082-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) There were still plenty of machines with which to reacquaint yourself or to experience for the first time ![It was also a good time to find a friend and play some of the head-to-head games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/083-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) It was also a good time to find a friend and play some of the head-to-head games The clock reached the closing time of 2pm all too soon. There was no public address announcement, but machines were gradually switched off until just the last few remained powered, while the stands were torn down and packed away. ![Packing away the show merchandise stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/086-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Packing away the show merchandise stand Even then, there was a line for the Barrel of Fun games until Brian Savage told everyone not to start any new games once their current game was completed. ![The line to play continued even though the show had officially closed](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/085-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) The line to play continued even though the show had officially closed ![Eventually all the games had ended, well, almost all...](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/084-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Eventually all the games had ended and the machines switched off, well, almost all… That concludes our coverage of the second Pinball at the Beach. To congratulate the organisers, Marshall and Ed, for putting together another great show, Pinball News presented them with a couple of small gifts of appreciation. ![Pinball News Editor, Martin Ayub, presents the gifts to Marshall and Ed](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/pinball-at-the-beach-2026/078-pinball-at-the-beach-2026.jpg) Pinball News Editor, Martin Ayub, presents the gifts to Marshall and Ed We hope you have enjoyed our coverage from Pinball at the Beach 2026. The show, the guests and the games will all be discussed in the next edition of the Pinball News and Pinball Magazine PINcast, released at the start of March and available from your favourite podcast supplier or right here on Pinball News. - Related Articles - More By Pinball News - More In SHOWS - ![Melvin Brouwer-Williams has joined American Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2026/02/17/melvin-joins-american-pinball/) MELVIN JOINS AMERICAN PINBALL Two of our recent news stories have come together with the announcement that Melvin Brouwe… 7 hours ago - ![Reboot in Dunedin, Florida](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2026/02/16/pinspotting-february-2026/) PINSPOTTING FEBRUARY 2026 Reboot Arcade and Bar was opened in July 2018 in Dunedin FL by George Courtney. … 1 day ago - ![Stern Pinball's new Pokémon game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2026/02/13/pokemon-revealed/) POKÉMON REVEALED After a delay while awaiting licensor approval, Stern Pinball today finally launched their… 4 days ago Load More Related Articles - ![Melvin Brouwer-Williams has joined American Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2026/02/17/melvin-joins-american-pinball/) MELVIN JOINS AMERICAN PINBALL Two of our recent news stories have come together with the announcement that Melvin Brouwe… 7 hours ago - ![Stern Pinball's new Pokémon game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2026/02/13/pokemon-revealed/) POKÉMON REVEALED After a delay while awaiting licensor approval, Stern Pinball today finally launched their… 4 days ago - ![Melvin Brouwer-Williams has parted company with Dutch Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2026/02/09/melvin-splits-with-dutch-pinball/) MELVIN SPLITS WITH DUTCH PINBALL Co-founder of Dutch Pinball Exclusive (DPX), Melvin Brouwer-Williams, has parted company w… 1 week ago Load More By Pinball News - ![EAG Expo in London](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2026/01/15/eag-expo-2026/) EAG EXPO 2026 It’s the middle of January, which means we’re heading off to ExCel London for … 15th January, 2026 - ![The Dutch Pinball Open Expo 2025](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2025/11/30/dutch-pinball-open-expo-2025/) DUTCH PINBALL OPEN EXPO 2025 We’re back in the Netherlands for the annual Dutch Pinball Open Expo (DPO Expo) held… 30th November, 2025 - ![Pinball Expo 2025 in Schaumburg, Illinois](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2025/10/21/pinball-expo-2025-part-two/) PINBALL EXPO 2025 – PART TWO Welcome to the continuation of our extensive coverage of this year’s 41st Pinball Ex… 21st October, 2025 Load More In SHOWS Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked \ Comment \ Name \ Email \ Website Δ Check Also EAG EXPO 2026 It’s the middle of January, which means we’re heading off to ExCel London for … © Text, images and other media are copyright of Pinball News and may not be used without written permission. 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