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Pinball wizards to roll into town
THE world's media will hit Chesham this summer as the 64 best pinball players compete in the World Pinball Championships - an event last year held amid the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas.
Nick Bennett, of Grove Lane, has secured the international event for the town which will be played in an outbuilding of his home and he is expecting fans from across the globe to head to the town for the three-day event between July 31 and August 2.
The championships are the pinnacle of the pinball world with the players invited from all over the world including the UK, US, Japan, Germany, Australia, Canada, and Scandinavia to compete for the $15,000 prize fund.
Mr Bennett, who is UK director of the International Flipper Pinball Association, said: "This is going to be great for the town. Last year it was held in Vegas of all places and now it is coming to Chesham, it is fantastic.
"Last year it was covered on Good Morning America and beamed all over the world so this year should be no different.
"I grew up in Brighton and spent lots of time on the piers playing arcades and especially pinball machines and I just fell in love with it.
"I really like the social side of it. It has had a reputation about hermits stuck indoors but I think that is changing now.
"In America and Sweden in particular it is absolutely massive. Entry is free for spectators so we are expecting quite a few and any Chesham pinball fans should also head on down."
Mr Bennett will have to buy and set up 60 machines, 20 from each era of pinballing, which each player will have to tackle to win the crown of the best player in the world.
He has estimated it will cost him around £2,500 to set up the tournament and is appealing for local businesses to sponsor the event and help the town secure the worldwide spotlight.
He said: "If 25 businesses in the town chip in £100 in sponsorship or donation it would be fantastic. It would be a great way for them to put their names behind this once in a lifetime opportunity for Chesham.
"And their company could be put out there on a global stage."
Among the competitors will be former Philadelphia 76ers NBA star Todd McCulloch who was forced to retire from basketball through injury.
To discuss sponsorship or donation opportunities call Mr Bennett on 0870 746 2255. You can also keep up to date through his blog at www.thepinballblog.com.
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