Robert Gagno is a world champion pinball player.
At 4 years old, he played his first game at Wally’s Burger (a burger joint their family frequented in Vancouver). When he turned 10, his family got him his first ever pinball machine. Robert felt passionate about pinball, immersing himself in the game. In the beginning, his family was happy to let him play though no one knew how good he was. It wasn’t until he competed in his first tournament in Toronto at The Canadian Pinball Championships that people started taking notice. He placed 12th.
“I CONSIDER MYSELF MORE THAN A LABEL; I CONSIDER MYSELF A PASSIONATE PLAYER WHO HAS WON 50 TOURNAMENTS WORLDWIDE.”
Something else that is interesting about Robert—he’s on the autism spectrum.
Robert shared how pinball has helped him socialize and communicate more openly. He also shared his thoughts on labels, explaining how easily they can contribute to a missed opportunity.
Where is Robert now?
In May 2016, a feature documentary about him debuted at HotDocs in Toronto. Wizard Mode features Robert’s personal perspective on autism, and follows him as he attempts to balance his quest for world pinball champion alongside his growing list of real world responsibilities. The film concludes with his attendance at the largest pinball tournament in the world in Pittsburgh, PA: Pinburg.
In an amazing twist, the same month as the premiere, Robert actually did become the World Pinball Champion, and was later featured in ESPN Magazine. On May 25th 2017, he was featured in season 23, episode 5, of HBO’s ‘Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.’
Robert shared the interesting lesson he’s learned since participating in IV15 which was his ability to do public speaking. Personally and professionally, he shares that IV has opened doors for more public speaking and interview opportunities for him.
He reminds us to always believe in ourselves, and that barriers should not stop us. Instead, climb over them.
Pinball Buzz is a North American manufacturing company producing fresh and unique Pinball machines, as well as a series of Pinball related regalia. Using all original artwork and created to the highest standards, our machines spark the same joy we found as gamers when we rolled our first quarter into that coin slot so many years ago. Stemming from a lifelong passion, Pinball Buzz is created by gamers, for gamers. We strive to bring high quality, innovative, and captivating experiences for all to enjoy.
Visit our website at pinballadventures.com.
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