Robert, winner of PAPA World Championship 2016, has always enjoyed and loved pinball. At age of ten his interest for pinball was encouraged by his parents when they bought a pinball machine. It helped him with his autism. He became social, learned to carry on a conversation with people and also developed planning and thinking for game strategy. Robert’s talent and dedication has enabled him to get into the top ten of the International Flipper Pinball Association’s world player rankings and he continues to work just as hard to stay in the top ten. To date, Robert has participated in more than 200 tournaments. Robert is the also subject of a crowdfunded documentary called Wizard Mode. We want to congratulate Robert for his world championship and best wishes for his future tournaments.

What do you like about the pinball game? Which pinball game theme is your favorite?R:  I like the motion of the ball, the lights and sounds of the games, and trying to achieve the best score I can. I don't really have a favourite theme but my favourite game is Attack from Mars. I like all eras of pinball.

How many pinball tournaments have you participated in so far? Do you want to share any memorable moments from the tournaments?R:  I have participated in over 200 tournaments. Some of them are very big with hundreds of other players and I have to travel to them. Some of them are smaller like local leagues in Vancouver. I have won about 70 tournaments including the PAPA Pinball World Championship in 2016. Winning that was my most memorable moment. I also love it when I get a very good game or ball and people clap because it is nice to know that even when we are competitors we still cheer each other on.

Do you think playing pinball helps you with Autism? If yes, how did it help?R: Pinball helps with my autism because my social skills get good practice. I have to practice talking to people and knowing when the right time is to talk and to figure out when not to talk. It also helps with my planning like learning to quickly change strategy and think quickly.

You have won numerous championships. Which one is closest to your heart?R: My very biggest win is the PAPA World Championship 2016. That is something most competitive pinball players hope to win. Another tournament I was happy to win is the Novice division at California Extreme in 2009 because that is my very first big trophy.

If you get a chance to play pinball with one of your favorite celebrities, who will be that celebrity and why?R: I have had a chance to play pinball with a couple of celebrities now: Kirk McLean who was a star goalie on the Vancouver Canucks; Alice Cooper, Ed Robertson from The Barenaked Ladies, and Mac DeMarco. I would like to play against any celebrity who would be interested to play pinball with me.

Who is your favorite YouTuber? What is the best thing you like about his/her videos?R:  I don't really have a favourite YouTuber but I like to watch funny videos and so I watch a lot of YouTube.

What are your other hobbies?R: Gymnastics and trampolining, different exercises like some weight lifting at the gym, bike riding on trails in the park, and board games like Settlers of Catan.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?R:  I love Pittsburgh where the two biggest tournaments are. Pittsburgh is beautiful with old buildings and bridges and very good sports teams.

What do you like to do when you are with your friends?R: board games, once a year a water park, ball hockey, bowling, pinball of course

Any special message for our community?R: Thank you very much for asking me questions. Keep on trying and show people you can achieve many things that some people say are impossible.