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Chris

person22 mentionsFirst seen Jul 18, 2016Last seen Feb 20, 2026

Profile

Chris is a prominent pinball content creator and co-host of the BlahCade Pinball Podcast (also known by pseudonym 'Shut Your Trap'/'Chris Freebus'), spanning from at least 2016 to present. He is also the owner and operator of Gonzo's Flip-O-Rama YouTube channel, known for detailed pinball machine reviews and restoration content. Chris operates High End Pinballs restoration company, owns multiple pinball machines including Target Alpha and 8-Ball Deluxe, and is based in Australia or North America. He is active in the pinball community as a collaborator, tournament attendee, and industry observer with expertise in game restoration, design analysis, and market trends.

Aliases

No aliases

Relationships

  • affiliated_withNetherworldRegular player at venue; plans to attend with family for Little Monsters children's eventsmedium
  • affiliated_withJoePartner associated with Compulsive Pinball; attends trade shows togethermedium
  • affiliated_withKanedaFriend of Kaneda; involved in Winchester pinball machine spot transactionmedium
  • affiliated_withTurner PinballImplied personnel connection; suggested finesse flipper customization settings implementationmedium
  • ownsFirepower

Facts

  • achievementExperienced in pinball restoration and modificationhighfrom 2024
  • attributeUses pseudonym 'Shut Your Trap' or 'Chris Freebus'highfrom 2016
  • attributeOwns 4 pinball machines: Target Alpha, 8-Ball Deluxe, Firepower, and a digital cabhighfrom 2024
  • attributeFashion-forward tournament attendeemediumfrom 2025
  • attributeQuest 3 VR headset user with Bobo M3 Pro headstraphighfrom 2025
  • attributeHas film industry backgroundhighfrom 2025

Claims (42)

  • opinionhigh

    Evil Dead's playfield is magnificently designed with proper integration of lower playfield and upper flipper

    Source: Chris at ~08:00The United Kingdom of Pinball - Xmas special!
  • factualhigh

    Chris has a background in the film industry and recently appeared on the Company Move podcast discussing this career

    Source: ChrisPinball Titles We Love To Suck At
  • predictionhigh

    Host wants to acquire a Dirty Harry machine after playing the Medway example

    Source: Chris (host)Dirty Harry Pinball Review | First Impressions, Gameplay & Hidden Gem from Williams
  • factualhigh

    Host previously restored both a Judge Dread and Star Trek Next Generation machine

Recent Mentions (25)

  • Friend of Kaneda; selling Winchester spot for $20,000; willing to give Kaneda $1,000 referral if price raised to $21,000

    Episode 1190: "Trade You My Pokemon For Your Winchester For Your Beetlejuice!"Feb 20, 2026
  • Co-host of BlahCade Pinball Podcast; owns 4 pinball machines (Target Alpha, 8-Ball Deluxe, Firepower, digital cab) in Australian garage; experienced in restoration and modification

    The pros and cons of real and digital pinball cab ownershipJun 24, 2024
  • Co-host of BlahCade, content creator with film industry background, Lego enthusiast, fashion-forward tournament attendee

    Pinball Titles We Love To Suck AtAug 31, 2025
  • BlahCade podcast host; provides design analysis and market commentary

    Zen brings Apple to a Pinball PartyAug 23, 2021
  • Co-host of BlahCade Podcast, uses pseudonym 'Shut Your Trap' aka Chris Freebus; discusses Farsight pricing philosophy and tournament participation

    Influencing the Back End of the FieldJul 18, 2016
  • Co-host of BlahCade Pinball Podcast (US-based); referred to as 'Shut Your Trap'; handles technical discussion and analysis

Contradictions

  • Existing: Chris is co-host of BlahCade Pinball PodcastvsConflicting: Chris is host of Canada's Pinball Podcast (evidence 5)
    Unresolved
  • Existing: Chris is based in Australia (evidence 23: owns machines in Australian garage)vsConflicting: Chris is based in North America (evidence 18, 19: 'North America' and 'US-based')
    Resolved
    accepted_new · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Chris is Australian-based with a garage containing 4 pinball machines (mention 23)vsConflicting: Chris is referred to as North America-based in BlahCade podcast context (mentions 18, 19)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Chris owns High End Pinballs restoration company (evidence 13)

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Chris owns a 1980 Firepower requiring extensive playfield and backglass restoration
medium
  • attributeLego enthusiasthighfrom 2025
  • locationBased in Australiahighfrom 2024
  • roleContent creatorhighfrom 2025
  • roleCo-host of BlahCade Pinball Podcasthighfrom 2016
  • Source: Chris (host)Dirty Harry Pinball Review | First Impressions, Gameplay & Hidden Gem from Williams
  • factualmedium

    Navy recruiter Chris spent $5,000 at Harry Potter store in London

    Source: Hosts' conversation with ChrisFrontier Flying Hacks 4 Winners- BONUS X
  • factualhigh

    For 10+ years, buying Limited Edition pinball games at release was a reliable strategy to make money or break even.

    Source: Chris (podcast co-host, 10 years covering industry)Episode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • factualhigh

    Stern Pinball lifted MAP pricing restrictions on distributors for the first time in 2023, allowing below-list-price sales.

    Source: Chris, citing industry observationEpisode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • factualhigh

    Stern planned to release Anniversary Editions of Godzilla, Batman, and Jaws that would devalue existing LEs.

    Source: Chris, citing Stern's stated intentEpisode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • factualhigh

    Distributors Cointaker and others successfully pressured Stern to reverse the Anniversary Edition plan.

    Source: Chris, citing Melissa at Cointaker and George Gomez's responseEpisode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • opinionmedium

    $10,000 is a psychological price ceiling for pinball machines that consumers resist.

    Source: Chris, personal belief based on market observationEpisode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • factualhigh

    Scooby-Doo CE with Butter Cabinet lost $3,419 in value (11,169 → 7,750) within 12 months of release.

    Source: Chris, citing Pinside sales dataEpisode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • factualhigh

    James Bond 60th Anniversary was priced at $19,999 on Stern's website but distros received it for ~$15,000 cost.

    Source: Chris, citing pricing historyEpisode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • opinionmedium

    Stern previously lied to the community about production intentions (e.g., claiming no Walking Dead premiums would be made).

    Source: Chris, citing historical precedentEpisode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • opinionmedium

    Jersey Jack makes too many Collector's Editions to legitimately call them 'Limited Editions.'

    Source: Chris, expressing opinion on JJP production strategyEpisode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • predictionmedium

    Distributors will resort to off-the-books discounting ('backdoor deals') to move excess inventory when new-in-box asking prices are too high.

    Source: Chris, predicting market behaviorEpisode 907: "From 'Buy Buy Buy' to Cry Cry Cry'"
  • factualmedium

    Chris is the main figure behind BlamCon with gun enthusiast background

    Source: RetroRalphNew Lightgun Technology for 2024!
  • opinionhigh

    This is my first year at INDISC and it's been my favorite pinball event that I've ever been to

    Source: Chris (visiting commentator)INDISC 2022 Classics II Playoffs
  • opinionhigh

    Chris from Kaneda's Pinball Podcast gave an overly harsh review of Weird Al game

    Source: DrewEpisode 113
  • factualhigh

    Space Jam JX USB encoders cost approximately $40 for a pair on Amazon

    Source: Video demonstration and descriptionArcade1up Nintendo Switch MOD - UPDATE!
  • factualhigh

    Pro Controller Wired Communication setting must be enabled in Switch System Settings for USB encoders to function

    Source: Troubleshooting explanation during videoArcade1up Nintendo Switch MOD - UPDATE!
  • factualhigh

    Space Jam JX encoders use button layout starting with X, A, B, Y (different from standard encoders starting with A)

    Source: Technical specification discussionArcade1up Nintendo Switch MOD - UPDATE!
  • factualhigh

    Super Smash Bros. cannot be played with these USB encoders due to D-pad mapping incompatibility

    Source: Limitation explanation with technical reasoningArcade1up Nintendo Switch MOD - UPDATE!
  • factualhigh

    USB encoders enable Nintendo Switch play on arcade-style games including Mortal Kombat 11, Street Fighter 2 Ultra, Streets of Rage 4, Cuphead, and Double Dragon

    Source: Gameplay demonstrations and game listingArcade1up Nintendo Switch MOD - UPDATE!
  • opinionhigh

    This USB encoder solution is significantly easier to install than previous Switch arcade cabinet workarounds requiring X-Arcade components or wireless controller rewiring

    Source: Comparison and simplicity emphasis in closing remarksArcade1up Nintendo Switch MOD - UPDATE!
  • opinionmedium

    Paragon's gameplay strategy centers on knowing when NOT to flip rather than when to flip, requiring advanced flipper control

    Source: Chris's discussion of Paragon mechanics#28 You’re Out! - The Classic Pinball Podcast
  • factualmedium

    Funhouse was Harry Williams' last pinball using alphanumeric display

    Source: Cabinet feature discussionArcade1up Virtual Pinball MOD!
  • factualmedium

    Ed Boon voiced Rudy in Funhouse

    Source: Funhouse historical factsArcade1up Virtual Pinball MOD!
  • opinionhigh

    Pinball Arcade achieves superior performance and authenticity compared to FX and Future Pinball

    Source: Emulator ranking and comparisonArcade1up Virtual Pinball MOD!
  • factualhigh

    Pinball Arcade has DirectX 11 rendering bug causing bottom-of-screen cutoff hiding flippers

    Source: Technical troubleshooting sectionArcade1up Virtual Pinball MOD!
  • opinionmedium

    Funhouse contains kidnapping narrative symbolism visible in backglass artwork

    Source: Funhouse thematic analysisArcade1up Virtual Pinball MOD!
  • opinionhigh

    Pinball FX 2/3 has cartoony mechanics and corny dialogue compared to other emulators

    Source: Emulator ranking rationaleArcade1up Virtual Pinball MOD!
  • factualmedium

    Walmart is releasing Mortal Kombat 1 compact arcade cabinet with six buttons and block buttons on far right

    Source: Reddit user photo sighting at WalmartGeek out session about Arcade1up, AtGames, Mortal Kombat 2 & More!
  • opinionhigh

    Fish Tales censorship is justified because it's a free bundled table requiring higher content standards than paid tables

    Source: Chris explaining regulatory framework for free vs paid broadcast contentDoes Censoring Pinball Kill the Buzz?
  • factualhigh

    Insert labels on Eldorado don't match the in-game callouts; the airfield insert actually refers to the U-turn shot

    Source: Gameplay experience and rule comparisonZen Through the Ages
  • factualhigh

    Chris didn't discover Tesla had modes for months of play

    Source: Personal recollectionZen Through the Ages
  • factualhigh

    Mars table rules were improved in FX3 compared to FX2, suggesting Zen can fix early tables through iteration

    Source: Observed game comparisonZen Through the Ages
  • observationhigh

    Taxi is an unrewarding game in real play despite good maintenance; most casual players struggle to score over 1 million

    Source: Chris FrebusWork Work
  • factualhigh

    Creature from the Black Lagoon plays significantly different and more difficult in real life versus Pinball Arcade digital version

    Source: Chris FrebusWork Work
  • factualhigh

    Stern pinball machines lack standard headphone port features, making soundtrack audio unavailable to players

    Source: Chris FrebusWork Work
  • factualhigh

    Pinball machine Taxi variant at Netherworld is owned/maintained by a specific private collector who leases it to venue

    Source: Chris FrebusWork Work
  • opinionmedium

    Chris makes notable championship-level saves and demonstrates strong play throughout the tournament

    Source: Tournament commentators2017 It Never Drains in Southern California Playoffs - Finals
  • opinionhigh

    Force Awakens is more fun and playable than Might of the First Order despite less realistic physics

    Source: Chris and Jared (opinion)Zen Studios Star Wars Tables
  • 105 Reasons Why
    Dec 5, 2020
  • Co-host of BlahCade Pinball Podcast; also known as 'Shut Your Trap'; based in North America

    Let's predict 2021Dec 20, 2020
  • BlahCade Pinball Podcast host co-hosting with Jared

    Recap of Mel Interview and MoreJan 20, 2022
  • Co-host of BlahCade Pinball Podcast; primary announcer and discussion lead for Zen license news

    And the WMS License Goes To… Zen Studios!Sep 4, 2018
  • Co-host of BlahCade Pinball Podcast; Quest 3 user with Bobo M3 Pro headstrap; testing Pinball FX VR

    VR Extravaganza! Pinball FX VRApr 7, 2025
  • Co-host of BlahCade; suffered Windows 10 computer failure forcing phone-based participation

    Tech Talk, Bugs, and FeaturesAug 22, 2016
  • Operator of High End Pinballs restoration company; expert on clear coat processes with detailed Pinside thread; maintains immaculate games

    Ep 17: The Power of A License, Clear coat, and Stern HatsSep 10, 2019
  • Partner of Joe; associated with Compulsive Pinball; attends trade shows with Joe

    Throwback Jai-Alai Heroes, Indie Arcade Game with the Creators | Ep 181Jan 18, 2026
  • Guest at birthday celebration

    Dutch and Kevin's Birthday Bash at The Grasley Garage!Aug 20, 2025
  • Person arriving during stream; indicated to take turn streaming next

    [SPOILERS] Portal Pinball Gameplay - Complete Game Run!Jan 27, 2026
  • The original 'Gonzo' from Gonzo's Pinball Flipperama; real channel owner

    How to Fix a Dark Pinball Machine | Pinlights Upgrade Before & AfterOct 30, 2025
  • Co-host of Gonzo's Pinball Flipperama review; provides design and artwork analysis; enthusiast perspective on game quality

    Evil Dead Pinball Machine Review | First Impressions & Gameplay at Pinfest 2025Aug 30, 2025
  • Host of Gonzo's Pinball Flipperama; presenter conducting review; previously owned and restored Judge Dredd and Star Trek: The Next Generation machines

    Dirty Harry Pinball Review | First Impressions, Gameplay & Hidden Gem from WilliamsAug 23, 2025
  • Implied Turner Pinball personnel; Hardy suggests he implement settings for finesse flipper customization

    I Toured 3 Pinball Factories in Texas!Sep 10, 2025
  • Canada's Pinball Podcast host; first to report 80 show games; received confirmation from Spooky Luke

    PNP 650- 5 Reasons Orby Isn't A Spooky Shill+ Is 80 Beetlejuice Show Pins A MAJOR Mistake?Oct 29, 2025
  • Helped set up CJ's games for tournament

    021 - It's HQ Time!!Nov 14, 2025
  • Owner of Gonzo's Flip-O-Rama channel; granted Enzo substantial creative autonomy

    WAP 45 Patreon trailer!Oct 1, 2025
  • Owner of Gonzo's Flip-O-Rama YouTube channel; recruited Enzo as collaborator based on shared interests in football/soccer.

    We Are Pinball #45 with Enzo Slaps!!Oct 5, 2025
  • Hobbyist tech and game owner at collective who works on member machines; brought in classic games

    Dirty Pool Podcast Ep15 – Rebecca Salam on Pinball CollectivesAug 27, 2025
  • Turner Pinball leadership; needs compelling theme licensing for commercial success

    Episode 1166: "Pinball Things I'm Thankful For"Dec 3, 2025
  • vs
    Conflicting: Chris is hobbyist tech/game owner at pinball collective (evidence 1: 'Hobbyist tech and game owner')
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026
  • Existing: Chris is co-host of BlahCade Pinball Podcast (multiple mentions 14-22)vsConflicting: Chris is implied as Turner Pinball personnel in factory tour context (mention 6)
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 3, 2026