‘I can’t think of a more fun way to raise money and support the community’: Pinball with a Purpose

Over 60 players gathered in northeast Calgary to play pinball to raise money for charity.

About 60 pinball players gathered in Calgary Sunday to help raise funds for the United Way of Calgary.

Krywolt Insurance Brokers and Nitro Pinball Alberta hosted the charity event at Hidden Spot Calgary in the northeast.

According to sponsor and participant Darren Krywolt, the players competed on 20 machines dating from the 1960s to 2025.

“I can’t think of a more fun way to raise money and support the community,” Krywolt said.

He said some of the participants in the event were among the best pinball players in the country and maybe even the world.

A fundraising raffle gave away a brand new $11,000 pinball machine -- but the winner, Krywolt said, received little more than the thrill of victory.

“It really is about the fun and camaraderie,” he said.

The tournament sold out within seven days of announcing it, he said, adding that he hopes to grow it in 2026.

The group hopes to raise over $20,000 for the United Way.

“It’s really cool,’ said McKenna Hodgson. ”The vibes are really good. It’s just a really fun event all around."

Krywolt was even upbeat about the winter weather.

“It’s a gorgeous day,” he said. “For pinball!”

With files from CTV’s Tyler Barrow