Inside the Extraordinary Mind of a Pinball World Champion

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Inside the Extraordinary Mind of a Pinball World Champion | Short Film Showcase

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National Geographic

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 299

@jn6305 6 жыл бұрын

Needs way more footage of him playing. I want to see this dude go ham on a pinball machine

@craigmanning2439 4 жыл бұрын

If you are still interested you can see some of the best players in the world on the youtube channel 'PAPA pinball'

@quasarulas3968 4 ай бұрын

more for anyone interested since (this comment is so old at this point) but there's videos of him blowing up attack from mars on his personal channel.

@ryanm4319 7 жыл бұрын

I envy anyone that can follow a single passion so completely and honestly..I wish I was as decisive. In mental chaos, comes complete direction and calm..fascinating.

@reynolds5422 7 жыл бұрын

Well worded, kudos to this man, it takes courage to take the off beaten path

@yoshi314 7 жыл бұрын

i guess autism is the key to happiness.

@ryanm4319 7 жыл бұрын

yoshi314 I believe the key to happiness is largely based on following your dreams and taking that risk or at least having the opportunity to..and that much of that willpower and direction is given up after childhood and replaced by "becoming an adult". Autism does interestingly enough seem to preserve that character and energy and honesty with yourself..but really anyone is capable of following their dreams at any age, fear is the greatest evil.

@yoshi314 7 жыл бұрын

still, autism might have the right mindset for it. those people are usually focused on few things they care about. maybe we should as well, instead of worrying about everything.

@snavisTM 5 жыл бұрын

@@yoshi314 kinda not how the real world works bro.

@JoySynthesis 6 жыл бұрын

Robert Gagno is a hero of mine. Such a great guy and an amazing player! Excellent little doc.

@albertoalbertoni9529 4 жыл бұрын

This is a wonderful story, exciting, to tell ... For me playing pinball is pure adrenaline, it's like entering a fantasy world full of lights and music. I am happy for you Robert Emilio Gagno, a greeting also to your wonderful family.

@PresidentGas1 5 жыл бұрын

I grew up with pinball in the early 70's and worked at Atari in the late 70's in their heyday. I can without question comprehend the level of focus it takes to master these games and it makes perfect sense a person with a minor level of autism like Robert could absolutely excel at something like this. I'm very pleased he has found his passion and obviously cherishes the success and joy it brings him. Fantastic story ......

@GentlemanJackabee 4 жыл бұрын

This was very wholesome, for something such as Pinball and this awesome guys passion. I remember playing Pinball on PC first, I was about 5 or 6, (I think it was Microsoft Pinball Arcade) My whole family would take turns trying to beat each others scores, daily and that will always be a great memory. Then we started to go to actual arcades and do the same thing, but life got complicated and we stopped completely for about 20 years. But, about a month ago, me and some of my family, randomly went to a Pinball Arcade and now it's almost a weekly occurrence. I don't think Pinball with EVER die out, it doesn't matter how good you are, it's all about the fun, nostalgia and of course some friendly competition.

@EmeraldCoasttt 6 жыл бұрын

I wonder how he deals with the stress of competitions? I have high functioning autism yet I get overstimulated by the most minor of things. I guess it helps that he's doing his special interest and surrounded by people with similar interests

@MD-wk3gj 3 жыл бұрын

Robert is an inspiration to us all who want to master a skill.

@efenili 4 жыл бұрын

"attitudes is what people always seem to remember best" - well said

@Jimmy-B- 6 жыл бұрын

Wanted to see him play the fricking pinball machine

@OliverJShannon 4 жыл бұрын

Wow that was really well done. I love how his parents understand and support him and his passion, it's very touching. Also: His respect and knowledge of the other high ranked players is remarkable! Great doc!

@devonboulden2496 5 жыл бұрын

I miss pinball. Robert's right about getting into that zone. Everything around you disappears and you're there in the moment. When I see films like this, I can't help but try to identify every machine in the lineup. Pinball was a place I used to go to escape.

@AzrialAlaria 3 жыл бұрын

You act like it's just dead now. It isn't.

@messiah9378 6 жыл бұрын

Beautiful life, beautiful people, I love seeing others who pursued their dreams and made it. It doesn't matter what they are doing it's still interesting to see videos with the best in their craft.

@swander 4 жыл бұрын

You had to of been around in the 70's, you would of really loved it. The numbers on a machine rolled. The sound was beautiful.

@craigmanning2439 4 жыл бұрын

If you go to a pinball show there will still be plenty of EM's there. I own a few.

@AzrialAlaria 3 жыл бұрын

I've played those type. Especially in Spring, TX. The Game Preserve. They had a whole room of JUST those specific EM machines. Pretty cool!

@alejandroramirez4470 Жыл бұрын

I can appreciate them for what they were but lack of ramps, orbits and other stuff just isn't as challenging. I feel replays feel better earned on harder games. You end up giving more money though.

@TampaTec 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic short film 👍. I wanted to see more of his pinball gameplay and awards. What is he ranked now? Please do follow up video.

@leehan-yeol7049 7 жыл бұрын

I was thinking Mac would love this video as this dude's Canadian, and then came on the music LOL! I swear to god!

@BloodyCatastrophee 5 жыл бұрын

Ryungun Rie also, Mac plays pinball too :)

@quasarulas3968 4 ай бұрын

in the doco they actually meet up!

@RobT89 7 жыл бұрын

I know Robert. He's an awesome guy. I'm going to try to hint that I want to go to his pinball get together for next year.

@shreyasprabhu3673 5 жыл бұрын

Did you get in?

@smallknuckles5708 5 жыл бұрын

I think You're lying

@housesoap9777 4 жыл бұрын

He used to go to my school in Burnaby, Moscrop Secondary

@gobstompper13 7 жыл бұрын

This dude is cool. I really like pinball but I'm nowhere near this level. Watching someone this good is fun to watch. When he said he's on tour like Guns and Roses I lost it. So cool.

@JudgeSim2 4 жыл бұрын

how can you be good at pinball? the flippers can either reach the ball, or they dont.

@craigmanning2439 4 жыл бұрын

@@JudgeSim2 Shot accuracy, the ability to trap the ball, nudging, knowing how to score the most points for the least risky shots on any given machine, and so much more. If you are really interested, check out the tutorials on the 'PAPA pinball' youtube channel and you will see some amazing players. So much skill in pinball if you know what you are doing.

@AzrialAlaria 3 жыл бұрын

@@JudgeSim2 Clearly you don't REALLY play Pinball or you wouldn't have even so much as uttered that question.

@bencole1630 4 жыл бұрын

Went to my first tournament yesterday. I won at least 2 out of the 5 games I played lol. Super fun and super intense. Pinball machines are like pieces of visual artwork that you can play.

@AzrialAlaria 3 жыл бұрын

I played some mean games against a local league here. Wasn't even in the tourney, but I could still hold my own against them. Did it on the new Stern Jurrasic Park machine. Great game!

@vision821k4 2 жыл бұрын

your garbage buddy. i could load up The Pinball Arcade and make you cry for my skillset.

@AzrialAlaria 2 жыл бұрын

@@vision821k4 Heh... Yeah we're talking about REAL pinball machines. Not Pinball Arcade or Pinball FX 3 or whatever. Although those are fun and I own them, this was more of a talk on the real deal. You don't get the tactile feel from those virtual pinball Sims like you do a real one.

@vision821k4 2 жыл бұрын

@@AzrialAlaria I know I'm just kidding, that was the joke. I don't have that much access to real tables, so when I got Pinball Arcade I was so happy and actually thought it might translate to real pinball. But it doesn't and I got destroyed on real tables lol

@utubedano 7 жыл бұрын

Gotta just love any true story that simply defies all expectations. Good on you Robert! Keep at it!

@CrazyCow500 6 жыл бұрын

this dudes dropping gems this whole video

@vitkomusic6624 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Started playing pinball 3 years ago... Pinball is the real thing. Living creature. Live world in this digital world that doesn't want real things. I want real things.

@waaaweee6934 6 жыл бұрын

I envy people who can be good at the things they love ... But knowing about them puts a smile in my face :-):-) ... Gives me hope Everytime...

@paulclarke7571 Жыл бұрын

Met Robert and played some pinball with him at at the Expo in Vancouver, Canada. Just a great guy.

@victabeer3960 2 жыл бұрын

Pinball takes massive skills . Respect

@Nomo_Popo 6 жыл бұрын

I love 'The Zone' as well and I wasn't expecting this to be so heart-warming. This was put together very well!

@viccamppinball 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing this video. Such a wonderful story.

@hellohello2738 5 жыл бұрын

Seems like a nice guy.its nice to see that he has found something that makes him happy.nice story.great parents😎✌

@Mechaos 6 жыл бұрын

@8:40 "Attitudes is what people seem to always remember best". I couldn't have said it any better.

@basilechatelain965 6 жыл бұрын

such a loving, beautiful family

@blackinkification 6 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love pinball, keep it up Gagno!

@travisjohnson6358 2 жыл бұрын

As someone who is on the spectrum and who loves pinball Robert is an inspiration to me

@lukewignall9947 3 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful story.keep doing what you love champ

@vietvetwife1 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video. You're very fortunate to have supportive parents by your side. It makes me happy to know you're following your passion !

@LairdKrug 4 жыл бұрын

What an awesome story, good on him and hope he continues to have great success!

@MarieLynnRichard 7 жыл бұрын

I really connected to this because I miss the pinball zone.

@jopestv1063 6 жыл бұрын

loved this. recognized so many games. way 2 go Robert!

@allenstorm3771 3 жыл бұрын

Love pinball, the mechanical sounds really make you feel good.

@eardwulf785 3 жыл бұрын

I love pinball. This guy Robert sure knows his way around a pinballl table.

@NoorAgafia 7 жыл бұрын

I sincerely hope Robert doesn't read any of the comments. Most people seem to enjoy making fun of people with autism. The joke is on us I guess - Mozart, Einstein, Newton, Darwin, Michelangelo and many more highly intelligent and gifted people also had autism. It's a blessing, not a weakness.

@JoySynthesis 6 жыл бұрын

I agree. They're just sad jealous trolls who can only feel good by putting other people down. Robert is an awesome dude and a role model of mine even now at age 28.

@RogerSullivanNOLA 6 жыл бұрын

People who enjoy degrading people with autism are intellectually deficient. Period. Ignore them.

@RogerSullivanNOLA 6 жыл бұрын

Actually, I was curious about that, so I looked it up. I found an article on New Scientist about an autism expert who thinks that Newton and Einstein both showed signs of Asperger's.

@PurpleRain000X 6 жыл бұрын

As a person with Autism these comments hurt a lot

@rumfordc 6 жыл бұрын

You're literally the only person who brought up autism in the top comments, way to go.

@ChicagoRetroGamer 2 жыл бұрын

Great watch, thoroughly enjoyed this

@RawShogun 6 жыл бұрын

I couldnt even imagine how he see's the world, fascinating.

@bensimmons2506 7 жыл бұрын

His parents must be showing off to their friends "Yes... my son is a pinball champion "

@Jeremy-pm3ym 7 жыл бұрын

And what are their kids doing? more than likely going to college to get a special slice of tree with ink on it. There's so many things in this world and there's a champion for all of them. From racing cars to being the best chef, there's even a world champion for masturbation. There's the best football team in the world, motorbike world champions, video game, mountain biking, swimming, running, math, welding, glass blowing and so on. Least this guy is doing something and keeping a niche part of history alive, I respect that. Good on him.

@bensimmons2506 7 жыл бұрын

Apex Attitude However, those things have classifications, and you never/rarerly get the same payroll on different fields that is why a lot of people choose to become doctors for example because that field earns you a lot of money, so you can't say that "there's a champion for all of them" implying that they have the same body of work, and i doubt being a pinball champion earns you a lot of money, so i would definitely prefer to go to college than being a pinball champion.

@Jeremy-pm3ym 7 жыл бұрын

I agree with that but none the less your original comment implies there's a bad connotation to being a "pinball champion" and I don't see why or how there'd be a champion doctor. What is I mean is there's a champion for various things, everyone needs to have a passion and good on him for having his and being different, for not being another doctor, engineer, designer etc.

@gnomewerks 7 жыл бұрын

Yet here you are commenting on the video of A PINBALL CHAMPION. As I saw on the wall of the wonderful craftsman and youtuber Jimmy Diresta. "Short Examination of Conscience: When was the last time that you commended, instead of condemned those who were sincerely trying to do their best?"

@Vestu 7 жыл бұрын

I think what his parents are most proud of is how inspiring his story is. I look up to this guy as I'm sure most who watched this video, do.

@josenavarro140 7 жыл бұрын

this is a very cool story, thanks for sharing. glad i subscribed.

@MrKellogs100 6 жыл бұрын

big up NatGeo with the Mac DeMarco tune

@ratboy4169 5 ай бұрын

Not too many speak on the zone, who feels it, knows it. It's part auto-pilot & part thinking 3 steps ahead of your current action.

@thechelonian8079 7 жыл бұрын

Never knew there was such thing as a champion of pinball until today

@daveotuwa5596 7 жыл бұрын

I played pinball last week at college camp! I haven't done it for a long time since the computer software systems have changed everything years before the first-ever app was established and as well before the selection of emojis.

@jmp01a24 6 жыл бұрын

Warms my hearth watching this.

@spockslot 4 жыл бұрын

I have owned a 1950's machine called klondike and worked for the fun factory arcade in Hawaii from 1994-1997..used to play a lot at the Danbury races when that arcade was open during the races...those were the days...

@marcovendetti3373 6 жыл бұрын

You're one of the Best pinball players Ever! Great job!

@bobryant442 2 жыл бұрын

Probably everyone here loves pinball so I love you all

@666FUNBOY666 7 жыл бұрын

This guys the fucking man man.

@MagnumBTS 3 жыл бұрын

Does Robert have any social media? Love this well done nat geo, Robert your passion is influential! Would love to see more!!

@MossySparks 6 жыл бұрын

Amazing.

@Riz2336 6 жыл бұрын

Interesting story, seems like a cool guy. I really love pinball been playing since I was a little kid just like him.

@CABROWN 6 жыл бұрын

What a fantastic doc.

@MrGrombie 6 жыл бұрын

I do believe autism is one of the most understood adaptions of human behavior due to social conditions allowing them to happen. There is some good research to be had here.

@outoforder9348 2 жыл бұрын

What a lovely family

@ratkid6859 4 жыл бұрын

“That deaf, dumb and blind kid..sure plays a mean pinball!”

@ms.bunniesarecute2287 3 жыл бұрын

Tommy!!

@gemstar3824 7 жыл бұрын

He's got a Napoleon Dynamite kind of vibe and I mean that as a compliment.

@samliedtke578 3 жыл бұрын

There’s some serious potential for a movie here. Edit: How’d I miss the huge link to a movie right there on the page.

@inkermanplatoon2210 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome Robert... love Frm the uk my friend 🇬🇧

@EpiDot52 6 жыл бұрын

What a charming family.

@dunkydog1676 11 ай бұрын

He's at a tournament I entered got see him play ..nudging techniques you can see why he's that good

@fitch9782 6 жыл бұрын

I was hoping this would actually be about pinball

@littlefoot-xw9xe 7 жыл бұрын

its a special thing which only autistic people have. it's named savant syndrome I feel great respect towards this people.

@CloudchaserShaconag 7 жыл бұрын

It's like the song Pinball Wizard but in real life

@astrogallotron 7 жыл бұрын

had to play the song and made the video even more epic.

@quasarulas3968 7 жыл бұрын

if only he was deaf and blind as playing solely through sense of smell

@thedave7760 6 жыл бұрын

Don't believe it for a minute. There has to be a twist.

@ggglat 6 жыл бұрын

I came to this video only to make sure the top comment was this reference.

@JL0ndon 6 жыл бұрын

CloudchaserShaconag or the movie Tommy 😂

@FrankBergdoll 6 жыл бұрын

Great video. I aspire to one day play in a tournement with Robert. I’ve yet to see him play live.

@Madvizion 6 жыл бұрын

Very sage advice.

@xehP 7 жыл бұрын

and that yoshi backpack lol

@xehP 7 жыл бұрын

The yoshi backpack is a dead autistic give away though

@smallknuckles5708 5 жыл бұрын

@@xehP accept he has better imaginative abilities then you will ever have

@Brianuuuu 6 жыл бұрын

This is like the mildest case of autism ever, I didnt even notice he had autism until the video mentioned it

@dimihamuzu 6 жыл бұрын

Parents of the century

@HabeKeinMitleid 6 жыл бұрын

Yeah. Robert is extremely lucky to have such a good support system. He can achieve anything.

@NelliSmith 5 жыл бұрын

You mean to tell me that your not supposed to just smash the side buttons like a maniac? Well then.... My life has been a lie 😂

@JodiFCobb 7 жыл бұрын

I was REALLY good @ this when I was a kid! My quarter meant ALOT? I held the game; most enjoyed, some were Bully's 2 me.

@elitecol69 6 жыл бұрын

Jodi F. Cobb bully's to you because you are a loser in life, than and now.

@suntzu6122 6 жыл бұрын

Fred youre calling people losers on 7 month old youtube comments. Who is the loser here? Lmao.

@djeverettwm 4 жыл бұрын

he must get that magic feeling, like i get when playing GTA's or Super Mario 3 with my Dad when I was a kid

@Amandakaymtz 7 жыл бұрын

A lot of people with autism and Asperger syndrome have one thing that they're extremely good at. Like that guy who remembers skylines and draws them perfectly, every detail.

@tyleradam4836 7 жыл бұрын

Amanda Martinez Wasn't he an autistic savant? I could be wrong.

@zasmrcaveman5725 7 жыл бұрын

😧i cant even find one pinball machine to play on. I used to love pinball when i was a kid in the 90's, then bam! They disappeared☹️

@adamholmes91 7 жыл бұрын

Z ASMR Caveman smartphones killed off a lot of arcades. now people dont have to get off their ass to play games instead of going out. its sad :/

@LexEllis 6 жыл бұрын

SLot machines played a big part in killing the arcade also, Williams for example realised there was more money to be made in slot machines than pinball.

@Tfichtenbaum 6 жыл бұрын

Z ASMR Caveman pinball was outlawed because it was considered a form of gambling

@DoItAfterSmoking 6 жыл бұрын

I had to save up for a year to buy a Black Knight pin. I was having the same issue.

@cashox4 6 жыл бұрын

actually neither smartphones nor slot machines, but arcade games killed them off - there were still some in the nineties, but they were much rifer in the 70's & 80's and of course previous decades, but as arcade games grew in number during the 90's they replaced pinball machines and the latter eventually dissapeared as you noticed - consoles eventually killed arcade games, and then computers, smartphones etc but pinballs were already long gone.

@TheSpelledMilk 6 жыл бұрын

Adams Family is best pinball machine of all time. Hands down.

@TheSpelledMilk Жыл бұрын

I was just going to leave the same comment. Without a doubt, the best. I'm dying to play it. Like Black Knight 2000 as well.

@loosemouthcowboy4790 2 жыл бұрын

He hasn't played me yet. I've been playin from1985 and on. I would love the challenge. I'm in ontario let know.

@doublebassrox 4 жыл бұрын

Here before this gets suggested by KZfaq

@montarborsfl 11 ай бұрын

You unlock the door with the key of imagination

@jordand5555 7 жыл бұрын

i can't be the only one who was amazed by this man's struggle and passion but then found he was a Canadian....

@ryanfritts9120 7 жыл бұрын

Jordan Dean yup a bunch of hosers

@badmongo0 6 жыл бұрын

as soon as his mum started talking it was pretty obvious

@LittleRainGames 6 жыл бұрын

Your point?

@eins2001 6 жыл бұрын

He lives on the coast? I am not far away! I would LOVE to meet him!

@TheMedicMedic 6 жыл бұрын

Pinball and Mac DeMarco, gotta like this!

@snartled2247 6 жыл бұрын

4:06 MAC!

@cutsmayne1868 6 жыл бұрын

snartled song?

@snartled2247 6 жыл бұрын

Rick Eriksson cooking up something good. Off the album “2”

@facedowngaming 5 жыл бұрын

Pretty odd to play a Demarco song about cooking meth 😂😂

@ADAMSIXTIES 11 ай бұрын

He sure plays a mean pinball

@Ashlyn_103 7 жыл бұрын

Canadians are so nice

@P2000Camaro 6 жыл бұрын

Too bad there apparently aren't any Canadians in this comments section.. Jesus.

@mattwhite1365 5 жыл бұрын

hi 😉

@noway2270 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome video! Reminds me of Trailer Park Boys...

@goauld88 6 жыл бұрын

From Soho down to Brighton, he must've played them all.

@threezerol944t 6 жыл бұрын

Real life pinball wizard!!!!

@uwupancakes1251 5 жыл бұрын

This dude is a freakin genius🤔

@anonymousmc7727 6 жыл бұрын

gagno was a rollin stone..except his stone was a ball made of chrome...

@gambrinus330116 6 жыл бұрын

one out of ten pinball masters suffer from autism. share the awerness

@maxrobinson9553 4 жыл бұрын

Ever since I was a young boy I played the silver ball...

@extraearth3392 6 жыл бұрын

Even since I was a young boy, I’ve played the silver ball

@BadlndsBob 7 жыл бұрын

Please look into the abilities of people who play Street Fighter 5. The speed of their reactions and how much they can do in one second is phenomenal.

@gambucino1260 7 жыл бұрын

BadlndsBob fighting games are fucking nuuuuts they arnt playing the game like other folks dude they look at the game differently like they break it down to hitboxes and frame data duuuuuude its a mad man obsession

@BadlndsBob 7 жыл бұрын

dfghjk,mn jhgfgh I know! How much time do they have to follow up on a hit confirm, like 0.3 seconds? It is truly amazing.

@the-engneer 6 жыл бұрын

Tekken Tag Tournament player Right here buddy!!!

@TwoGunToast 6 жыл бұрын

the stories of the original Smash Bros 64 competitive scene are awesome. theres a really good documentary on youtube.