Pinballing Pavlina: SWLA Resident Headed to National Championship

by Kerri Cooke

Pinball is one of those games that is incredibly nostalgic, especially for those who grew up in the ‘70s through ‘90s. Just seeing a pinball machine brings back the memory of simple childhood days. Though pinball machines certainly evoke these childhood memories with their flashing lights, arcade sounds and simple fun, for Lake Charles resident Pavlina Hunter, pinball is more than nostalgia. It’s competition, community, and now, a ticket to the national stage. 

Pinball, as a fun bonding activity, has surged in the last few years especially. Families even bought pinball machines during the COVID-19 pandemic to stave off boredom. And Town and Country Magazine published a story last year titled Are Pinball Machines the New Picassos? The story says that old pinball machines are becoming increasingly collectible, which is sending purchase prices soaring. Edwin Hunter, local lawyer at Hunter Law, says, “Over the past century, thousands of machines with distinct themes and designs have been commercially produced, which makes collecting a rewarding pursuit for enthusiasts. Some collectors focus on specific eras, manufacturers or themes, while others simply enjoy restoring and preserving pieces of arcade history.” 

Edwin adds pinball can be enjoyed by a variety of people for numerous reasons, including growing access to pinball expos and shows, the enjoyment of customizing and repairing machines, and love of competition. In fact, pinball has a special place in his marriage to his wife, Pavlina. She says, “I was introduced to pinball in March 2014 when I came to Lake Charles to visit my boyfriend, who is now my husband. He had four machines set up in his house—Doctor Who, Safe Cracker, Tron and X-Men. He thought it might sound nerdy, but I thought it was the coolest thing ever. A year later, I was married, living here and traveling to tournaments around Louisiana and Texas.” 

What was it that attracted her to pinball? “Pinball is easy to learn but incredibly difficult to master, and that’s what hooked me. Anyone can step up and play, but competing well takes focus, strategy and a lot of practice.”  

Pavlina originally started to play competitive pinball in the open division before there was a women’s division. She qualified and played in the Louisiana State Championship each year from 2015-2019. Taking a break for a few years due to the pandemic and raising her young children, Pavlina returned to the local pinball scene in 2023 when the Louisiana IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association) Women’s Division was founded.  

In 2024, Pavlina began hosting a women’s competition in Lake Charles on a monthly basis. “I found a seven-pound WWE-style championship belt for our winners, and it’s been so rewarding watching the ladies grow in confidence and skill. Several of them are now serious contenders at the state level, and that makes me incredibly proud.” 

Pavlina is also a member of the Southwest Louisiana Pinball Club, which she says has seen significant growth in the last 10 years. “Despite setbacks during COVID, we’ve come back stronger than ever—even hosting the largest IFPA certified tournament in Louisiana history last year. I’m especially proud that many of our female players now compete regularly in open division events. Public places to play in Lake Charles are still limited, but we’re excited about new opportunities coming soon that will help grow the local scene even more.” 

That growth culminated at the 2025/2026 Louisiana IFPA Women’s Championship held at Bayou Teche Brewery, where Pavlina battled through a competitive field of 16 top qualifiers from across the state. Advancing round by round, she ultimately met Ariel Dutton of Baton Rouge in the finals — Ariel is currently ranked No. 29 in the world among women players. The championship match was a best-of-seven series, and after a hard-fought contest, Pavlina secured the title, earning the right to represent Louisiana at the national championship in Denver this month. 

From a first visit to Lake Charles that included a few “nerdy” machines in the corner of a house to competing on the national stage, Pavlina’s pinball journey reflects both the resurgence of the game and the strength of the community behind it.