# SOUTHERN-FRIED GAMING EXPO 2021

**Source:** Pinball News Website  
**Type:** article  
**Published:** 2021-08-27  
**Beat:** Pinball

**URL:** https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/08/27/southern-fried-gaming-expo-2021

---

## Analysis

Southern-Fried Gaming Expo 2021 (August 20-22) was a successful in-person return for the eighth annual event in Atlanta, featuring an estimated 200 pinball machines alongside broader gaming content. Major manufacturers Stern, Spooky, American Pinball, and Chicago Gaming were present with playable machines; Chicago Gaming's Ryan White presented on the delayed Cactus Canyon remake, discussing new organizational structure and future plans including Medieval Madness remakes in 2023. The event also showcased local pinball clubs, vintage computers, arcade cabinets, and entertainment programming.

### Key Claims

- [HIGH] Chicago Gaming delayed the Cactus Canyon remake reveal due to component shipping delays and final licensing approval delay from Scientific Games (WMS owner) on the Monday before the show — _Direct statement in article about pre-show delay announcement_
- [HIGH] Chicago Gaming worked with original Bally/Williams design team to add features to Cactus Canyon remake to make it more like the original designers intended — _Ryan White presentation at SFGE, noted in article as speaker_
- [HIGH] Chicago Gaming has new organizational structure with two full-time project managers allowing concurrent game development — _Ryan White discussed organizational structure at SFGE presentation_
- [HIGH] Chicago Gaming plans another production run of Medieval Madness remakes in 2023 — _Ryan White mentioned at SFGE presentation_
- [HIGH] Chicago Gaming is developing a new pinball operating system software for new titles, allowing mini-game additions using Cactus Canyon remake's interactive topper — _Mentioned in Chicago Gaming presentation at SFGE_
- [HIGH] Spooky Pinball had queues quite long for their Halloween and Ultraman machines at the show — _Direct observation in article_

### Notable Quotes

> "Chicago Gaming worked with some of the original Bally/Williams design team to add features that will make it more like the game the original design team wanted it to be."
> — **Pinball News reporter**, event coverage, SFGE 2021
> _Indicates collaborative approach to remake authenticity and design philosophy_

### Entities

| Name | Type | Context |
|------|------|---------|
| Southern-Fried Gaming Expo (SFGE) | event | Eighth annual gaming expo held August 20-22, 2021 in Atlanta at Renaissance Waverly Hotel; features pinball, arcade, board games, vintage computers, and entertainment |
| Chicago Gaming | company | Pinball manufacturer present at SFGE 2021; announced delays on Cactus Canyon remake reveal; developing new OS software and planning Medieval Madness remake production in 2023 |
| Stern Pinball | company | Major pinball manufacturer with recent releases on display at Marco Specialties booth including The Mandalorian, Led Zeppelin, Avengers: Infinity Quest |
| Spooky Pinball | company | Pinball manufacturer exhibited at SFGE with two examples each of Halloween and Ultraman games; experienced long queues |
| American Pinball | company | Boutique pinball manufacturer featured Hot Wheels as primary game, with Oktoberfest and Houdini available for play |
| Marco Specialties | company | Pinball parts distributor and vendor with large booth at SFGE Hall D featuring recent Stern releases and technical staff |
| Ryan White | person | Chicago Gaming representative who presented on Cactus Canyon remake delays and company's new organizational structure and future plans |
| Scientific Games | company | Owner of Williams/Bally IP (WMS); caused final licensing approval delay on Cactus Canyon remake |
| Cactus Canyon remake | game | Chicago Gaming remake of classic Bally game; reveal delayed due to component shipping and licensing approval; designed with input from original Bally/Williams team |
| Medieval Madness remake | game | Chicago Gaming remake; another production run planned for 2023 |
| Halloween | game | Spooky Pinball title exhibited at SFGE 2021 with high demand from attendees |
| Ultraman | game | Spooky Pinball title exhibited at SFGE 2021 alongside Halloween |
| The Mandalorian | game | Recent Stern Pinball release displayed at Marco Specialties booth at SFGE |
| Led Zeppelin | game | Recent Stern Pinball release displayed at Marco Specialties booth at SFGE |
| Hot Wheels | game | American Pinball game featured as primary title at American Pinball booth at SFGE |
| Preston Burt | person | Co-organizer of SFGE credited for eight years of event organization |
| Shannon DeWitt | person | Co-organizer of SFGE |
| Patrick Wall | person | Co-organizer of SFGE |
| Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center | organization | SFGE 2021 venue location in Atlanta near Cobb Galleria Shopping Center |

### Topics

- **Primary:** Event Coverage - Southern-Fried Gaming Expo 2021, Chicago Gaming - Cactus Canyon Remake Status and Delays, Manufacturer Presence and Product Showcases, Chicago Gaming Organizational Structure and Future Plans
- **Secondary:** Pinball Machine Availability and Condition at Show, Vintage Gaming and Computing Exhibits

### Sentiment

**Positive** (0.82) — Author expresses satisfaction with event quality, machine condition, and diversity of offerings. Positive reception of manufacturer participation. Appreciation for organizers' efforts. Only neutral element is the disappointment about Cactus Canyon reveal delay, which is presented factually rather than critically.

### Signals

- **[business_signal]** Chicago Gaming organizational restructuring with two full-time project managers to enable concurrent game development (confidence: high) — Ryan White presentation mentioned new organizational structure with dedicated project managers
- **[event_signal]** SFGE 2021 successfully held as in-person event after 2020 virtual format; estimated 200 pinball machines displayed with major manufacturer participation (confidence: high) — Event coverage noting return to in-person format and manufacturer booths from Stern, Spooky, American Pinball, and Chicago Gaming
- **[licensing_signal]** Cactus Canyon remake delayed by final licensing approval from Scientific Games (owner of Williams/Bally IP) (confidence: high) — Article states licensing approval delay from 'WMS owner Scientific Games' caused reveal cancellation
- **[product_strategy]** Cactus Canyon remake reveal delayed due to component shipping issues and licensing approval delay from Scientific Games (WMS owner) (confidence: high) — Direct statement: 'Delays in shipping certain components and an unfortunate delay in final licensing approval from WMS owner Scientific Games caused this plan to be scrapped the Monday before the opening of SFGE'
- **[product_strategy]** Chicago Gaming planning another production run of Medieval Madness remakes in 2023 (confidence: high) — Ryan White mentioned Medieval Madness remake production run planned for 2023
- **[product_strategy]** Chicago Gaming developing new pinball operating system software for future titles, enabling mini-game features via interactive toppers (confidence: high) — Presentation notes: 'Chicago Gaming's new pinball operating system software, planned to be included in new pinball titles, was mentioned. Among other things, the new operating system allows the addition of software to incorporate a mini-game using the Cactus Canyon remake's interactive topper'

---

## Transcript

**Date:** 20th-22nd August, 2021
**Location:** Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center, 2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA

After going ‘virtual’ in 2020 due to local government concerns about the spread of COVID 19, the eighth annual [Southern-Fried Gaming Expo](https://gameatl.com/) was held ‘in person’ at the [Marriott Renaissance Waverly Hotel and Convention Center Atlanta](https://gameatl.com/hotel/) near the Cobb Galleria Shopping Center.

The [SFGE 2021 logo](https://gameatl.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/SFGE2021.svg) was inspired by the mythic Phoenix bird rising from the ashes. Supposedly it was based on the Williams *[Phoenix](https://www.ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=1780&picno=19190)* backglass art, but I wasn’t able to see the resemblance. Event T-shirts and other merchandise with this show logo were available for purchase and the t-shirts were printed with glow in the dark ink. Shirts and other merchandise were completely sold out at the show but the organizers plan to make them available in the SFGE online store as soon as they are able to be restocked.

As with similar shows, the SFGE was a 3-day event, opening to the public on Friday, August 20th, and concluding on Sunday, August 22nd. There was a full slate of seminars, tournaments, a film festival, cosplay, vendor presentations, auctions, stand-up comedy, corn hole tournaments, live wrestling, an ’80s prom (with live music), live wrestling matches, and much more.

The SFGE organizers went to considerable effort to ensure that attendees could easily find show events that they wished to attend. Daily schedules were posted outside of each breakout room and the [full schedules](https://gameatl.com/schedule/) were available on the event website and an event app available for iOS and Android. Key event staff were equipped with two-way radios which allowed a quick response to any show technical difficulties.

SFGE covers a broad spectrum of gaming – board games, role-playing games, video games (console as well as arcade), and of course pinball in its many and diverse forms. There were tournaments for all of the above-mentioned gaming types, as well as opportunities for ‘free play’ among the participants.

[![The table-top gaming area](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/042-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/042-sfge-2021.jpg)

The table-top gaming area

[![Some of the table-top games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/043-sfge-2021-1024x730.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/043-sfge-2021.jpg)

Some of the table-top games

[![When it comes to table top games, Do or do not. There is no try.](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/044-sfge-2021-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/044-sfge-2021.jpg)

When it comes to table top games, do or do not. There is no try.

[![Playing some of the table-top games](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/045-sfge-2021-1024x748.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/045-sfge-2021.jpg)

Playing some of the table-top games

I will focus in this report on the arcade and pinball-related events. There are other reports covering board gaming, etc. available on places such as [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=SFGE+2021+board+game).

At the 2021 SFGE, there were an estimated 200 pinball games and commercial video games in the Arcade area as well as pin games provided by the major distributors and game manufacturers.

[![Some of the pinballs at SFGE 2021](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/002-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/002-sfge-2021.jpg)

Some of the pinballs at SFGE 2021

[![More pinballs at SFGE 2021](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/016-sfge-2021-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/016-sfge-2021.jpg)

More pinballs at SFGE 2021

[![Some older pinballs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/029-sfge-2021-808x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/029-sfge-2021.jpg)

Some older pinballs

[![More pinballs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/032-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/032-sfge-2021.jpg)

More pinballs

[![A rare Roy Clarke: The Entertainer pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/036-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/036-sfge-2021.jpg)

A rare Roy Clark: The Entertainer pinball

[![An Atlanta Falcons rethemed Striker Xtreme](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/017-sfge-2021-711x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/017-sfge-2021.jpg)

An Atlanta Falcons rethemed Striker Xtreme

An interesting highlight was the dozen or so Japanese ‘Candy Cab’ video arcade games provided by the [Wedoca company](https://www.facebook.com/wedocagaming/) to the rear and left of the Arcade Hall. I had never seen these titles or the style of cabinet that they were enclosed in so I cannot comment other than they were there and available to play by attendees.

[![The Wedoca stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/019-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/019-sfge-2021.jpg)

The Wedoca stand

[![Some of the Candy Cabs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/022-sfge-2021-816x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/022-sfge-2021.jpg)

Some of the Candy Cabs

[![Blast City from Sega](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/023-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/023-sfge-2021.jpg)

Blast City from Sega

[![More Candy Cabs](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/020-sfge-2021-1024x748.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/020-sfge-2021.jpg)

More Candy Cabs

[Marco Specialties](https://marcospec.com/) was once again on hand occupying a large section of the Hall D floorspace.

[![The Marco Specialties stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/015-sfge-2021-1024x696.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/015-sfge-2021.jpg)

The Marco Specialties stand

Marco had several of the most recent Stern releases available to play including *[The Mandalorian](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/05/11/stern-announces-the-mandalorian/)*, *[Led Zeppelin](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2020/12/15/stern-reveals-led-zeppelin-pinball/)*, [*The Avengers: Infinity Quest,*](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2020/09/02/avengers-infinity-quest-announced/) and so on.

[![Strangely, no "This is the way" signage](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/014-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/014-sfge-2021.jpg)

Strangely, no “This is the way” signage

[![Stern Pinball's The Mandalorian](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/026-sfge-2021-779x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/026-sfge-2021.jpg)

Stern Pinball’s The Mandalorian

[![Some of the latest Stern Pinball titles](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/031-sfge-2021-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/031-sfge-2021.jpg)

Some of the recent Stern Pinball titles

[![Guardians of the Galaxy, Stranger Things and The Avengers](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/028-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/028-sfge-2021.jpg)

Guardians of the Galaxy, Stranger Things and The Avengers

Marco also had technicians on hand to lend assistance to games that might need attention or to answer questions. Marco partnered with [Classic Game Rooms](https://www.classicgamerooms.com/) to provide a great gaming experience for all attendees.

[Spooky Pinball](https://www.spookypinball.com/) was on hand with two current production examples each of [*Halloween* and *Ultraman*](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/07/05/halloween-pinball-revealed/) games available to enjoy. The queues were quite long for a chance to play these titles.

[![The Spooky Pinball stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/030-sfge-2021-1024x697.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/030-sfge-2021.jpg)

The Spooky Pinball stand

[![Spooky Pinball's stand](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/003-sfge-2021-771x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/003-sfge-2021.jpg)

Spooky Pinball’s stand

[![Halloween from Spooky Pinball](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/005-sfge-2021-733x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/005-sfge-2021.jpg)

Halloween from Spooky Pinball

[American Pinball](https://www.american-pinball.com/) was in attendance featuring their *[Hot Wheels](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2020/03/28/hot-wheels-officially-announced/)* title, but singular examples of [*Oktoberfest: Pinball on Tap*](Pinball%20on%20Tap) and [*Houdini*](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2016/09/28/american-pinballs-houdini-reveal/) were also available for free play.

[![American Pinball's Hot Wheels game](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/007-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/007-sfge-2021.jpg)

American Pinball’s Hot Wheels game

Hall D was also the home of the vendor and flea market area with virtually anything and everything gaming-related from wearables, console games, parts, and accessories.

[![Some of the vendor stands in Hall D](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/037-sfge-2021-806x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/037-sfge-2021.jpg)

Some of the vendor stands in Hall D

[![More of the vendor stands in Hall D](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/040-sfge-2021-1024x717.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/040-sfge-2021.jpg)

More of the vendor stands in Hall D

To the rear of Hall D, opposite the Marco ‘Pinball Alley’ was a space dedicated to local gaming clubs and organizations. [Fellowship of the Silver Ball](https://www.facebook.com/fellowshipofthesilverball/), [Paranoia Pinball](https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1845155992337858&id=558982154288588), [Carolina Game Lab](https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaGameLab/), [The Basement Arcade](http://www.thebasementarcade.com/), and others were represented.

[![Some of the local organizations represented at the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/010-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/010-sfge-2021.jpg)

Some of the local organizations represented at the show

[![More of the local organizations represented at the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/013-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/013-sfge-2021.jpg)

More of the local organizations represented at the show

[![More of the local organizations represented at the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/011-sfge-2021-768x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/011-sfge-2021.jpg)

More of the local organizations represented at the show

Grand Ballroom II was host to the Pinball tournaments – at the time that I visited, a tournament was about to begin and the organizers were busy checking in players. We hope that the organizers will publish the winners on their website.

Grand Ballroom III was the location of the [Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment](https://www.atlantawrestlingent.com/) show which I was not able to attend due to covering the Chicago Gaming presentation. Certain attendees who will remain anonymous suggested that there be a tag-team wrestling match among pinball company CEOs. Perhaps this will be added to the program in 2022 with the proceeds going to Project Pinball or another worthy non-profit.

Grand Ballroom IV featured the sprawling Vintage Computer Festival Southeast where nearly all mass-produced personal computers since the Altair 8800 were on display and available for use, along with examples of IBM’s ‘Midrange’ medium-sized multi-user computer line.

Several seldom-seen personal computers such as the Apple Lisa and TI99/4 were available for hands-on exploration. An early magnetic disk drive about the size of a small carry on suitcase and having a whopping 20MB storage capacity was displayed with a clear casing which showed the platters and heads of the device when in operation.

[![One of the vintage computing exhibits at the show](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/038-sfge-2021-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/038-sfge-2021.jpg)

One of the vintage computing exhibits at the show

[![More classic computer gaming](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/047-sfge-2021-1024x768.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/047-sfge-2021.jpg)

More classic computer gaming

[![More classic computer gaming](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/034-sfge-2021-1024x696.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/shows/sfge-2021/034-sfge-2021.jpg)

More classic computer gaming

It was expected that [Chicago Gaming](https://www.chicago-gaming.com/) would reveal their [*Cactus Canyon* remake](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/08/21/cactus-canyon-remake-confirmed/) at the SFGE. Delays in shipping certain components and an unfortunate delay in final licensing approval from WMS owner Scientific Games caused this plan to be scrapped the Monday before the opening of SFGE.

Instead, Chicago Gaming’s Ryan White gave a presentation about what little he was able to reveal about the game without going into detail. I found it interesting that Chicago Gaming worked with some of the original Bally/Williams design team to add features that will make it more like the game the original design team wanted it to be.

[![Ryan White at the Southern-Fried Gaming Expo 2021](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/cactus-canyon-remake/001-cactus-canyon-remake-811x1024.jpg)](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/wp-content/uploads/games/cactus-canyon-remake/001-cactus-canyon-remake.jpg)

Ryan White at the Southern-Fried Gaming Expo 2021

Ryan discussed the new organizational structure at Chicago Gaming with two full-time project managers, which will allow multiple games to be developed concurrently. Ryan also mentioned Chicago Gaming’s plans for another production run of [*Medieval Madness* remakes](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2016/02/10/medieval-madness-remake-in-depth-review/) in 2023. Chicago Gaming’s new pinball operating system software, planned to be included in new pinball titles, was mentioned. Among other things, the new operating system allows the addition of software to incorporate a mini-game using the *Cactus Canyon* remake’s interactive topper.

The complete Chicago Gaming presentation can be viewed on the [Pinball News Website](https://www.pinballnews.com/site/2021/08/21/cactus-canyon-remake-confirmed/), on the [Pinball News YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/user/PinballNewsVideos) or right here.

VIDEO

The SFGE had convenient shops to grab a snack or to quench your thirst. Show partner [Monster Energy](https://www.monsterenergy.com/) had a display set up in a corner of the Garden Court where they handed out complementary samples of their beverage products.

There were a few food vendors in the area to the right of Hall D. A gourmet frozen dessert vendor was set up in the rear of the table gaming area. This was a perfect respite from the 90°F-plus Atlanta Carl Weathers. Of course, the Renaissance Waverly Hotel and the Cobb Galleria had bar, fine dining, and casual dining choices available just off of the hotel lobby.

Adult-oriented entertainment was provided by [1 UP Comedy](https://1upcomedy.com/) and the Super Fantastic Funtime Game Show.

Friday there was a world premiere screening of the short film *[The Ballard of Pinball Petty](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqaSTNziULg)* which can now be viewed on YouTube or right here.

VIDEO

The ever-popular *Sunday Morning Cartoons* were shown at 8 am interestingly enough on Sunday morning.

SFGE again hosted the second annual [HOTlanta Extreme Eating Challenge](https://gameatl.com/2021-hotlanta-extreme-eating-challenge/). The winner would be the person who could consume the most progressively hotter and spicier peppers, chicken wings, and hot sauce until a single contestant remains. The winner received $100 in cash, an SFGE 2022 all-access pass, and a package of SFGE swag and merchandise.

Overall the SFGE was a very pleasurable show to attend – it boasted a diverse array of new as well as classic pinball games spanning decades available to play in the Arcade area. I was impressed by the good condition of the games, and that what I would consider some hard-to-find if not rare games were available for attendees to play.

It is expected that the SFGE organizers have 2022 SFGE ‘all access’ passes available at a discounted price shortly. Check on [the event website](https://gameatl.com/) for [purchase details](https://store.southernfriedgamingexpo.com/).

Sincere thanks to co-organizers Preston Burt, Shannon DeWitt, and Patrick Wall as well as their army of volunteers for their hard work and labor of love putting on the SFGE for the past eight years. Personal thanks to Preston Burt for his assistance in covering the SFGE which was invaluable.

Southern Fried Gaming Expo offers much for a small daily admission price. I would suggest that you put it on your calendar to attend on July 15th-17th, 2022.

_(Acquisition: raw_text, Enrichment: v1)_

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*Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: 8db21c56-e468-42b6-b5b4-c0451d47b68a*