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

Robert Emilio Gagno is a pinball prodigy. In 2016, the 27-year-old from Canada became the number one player in the world after winning the pinball world championship. He also happens to have autism. In this short film, Salazar Films presents a candid personal perspective on autism through the life of pinball world champion Robert Gagno.
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The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic editors. We look for work that affirms National Geographic's belief in the power of science, exploration, and storytelling to change the world. The filmmakers created the content presented, and the opinions expressed are their own, not those of National Geographic Partners.
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Inside the Extraordinary Mind of a Pinball World Champion | Short Film Showcase
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[@jn6305]

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

[@craigmanning2439]

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

[@quasarulas3968]

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]

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]

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

[@yoshi314]

i guess autism is the key to happiness.

[@ryanm4319]

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]

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]

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

[@JoySynthesis]

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

[@PresidentGas1]

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 ......

[@Jimmy-B-]

Wanted to see him play the fricking pinball machine

[@EmeraldCoasttt]

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

[@GentlemanJackabee]

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.

[@albertoalbertoni9529]

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.

[@MD-wk3gj]

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

[@efenili]

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

[@leehan-yeol7049]

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]

Ryungun Rie also, Mac plays pinball too :)

[@quasarulas3968]

in the doco they actually meet up!

[@swander]

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]

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

[@AzrialAlaria]

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]

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.

[@devonboulden2496]

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]

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

[@utubedano]

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

[@bencole1630]

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]

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]

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

[@AzrialAlaria]

@@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]

@@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

[@messiah9378]

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.

[@gobstompper13]

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]

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

[@craigmanning2439]

@@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]

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

[@Nomo_Popo]

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

[@RobT89]

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]

Did you get in?

[@smallknuckles5708]

I think You're lying

[@housesoap9777]

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

[@TampaTec]

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

[@viccamppinball]

Thanks for sharing this video. Such a wonderful story.

[@CrazyCow500]

this dudes dropping gems this whole video

[@OliverJShannon]

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!

[@basilechatelain965]

such a loving, beautiful family

[@LairdKrug]

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

[@jopestv1063]

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

[@ChicagoRetroGamer]

Great watch, thoroughly enjoyed this

[@lukewignall9947]

What a beautiful story.keep doing what you love champ

[@paulclarke7571]

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

[@vietvetwife1]

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

[@hellohello2738]

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

[@waaaweee6934]

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...

[@josenavarro140]

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

[@jmp01a24]

Warms my hearth watching this.

[@Mechaos]

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

[@blackinkification]

I absolutely love pinball, keep it up Gagno!

[@CABROWN]

What a fantastic doc.

[@victabeer3960]

Pinball takes massive skills . Respect

[@RawShogun]

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

[@vitkomusic6624]

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.

[@MADmidway]

Very sage advice.

[@allenstorm3771]

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

[@daveotuwa5596]

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.

[@marcovendetti3373]

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

[@Riz2336]

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

[@MossySparks]

Amazing.

[@travisjohnson6358]

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

[@MagnumBTS]

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

[@inkermanplatoon2210]

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

[@eardwulf785]

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

[@thechelonian8079]

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

[@FrankBergdoll]

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

[@spockslot]

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...

[@outoforder9348]

What a lovely family

[@MarieLynnRichard]

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

[@EpiDot52]

What a charming family.

[@MrKellogs100]

big up NatGeo with the Mac DeMarco tune

[@ratboy4169]

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.

[@samliedtke578]

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.

[@666FUNBOY666]

This guys the fucking man man.

[@garth19791]

Good onya mate well done.

[@eins2001]

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

[@gemstar3824]

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

[@noway2270]

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

[@bobryant442]

Probably everyone here loves pinball so I love you all

[@dunkydog1676]

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

[@djeverettwm]

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

[@MrGrombie]

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.

[@JodiFCobb]

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]

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

[@suntzu6122]

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

[@mentaalka9606]

Love pinball💘💝

[@diegomc6330]

UR AWESOME

[@ratkid6859]

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

[@ms.bunniesarecute2287]

Tommy!!

[@goauld88]

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

[@fitch9782]

I was hoping this would actually be about pinball

[@littlefoot-xw9xe]

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

[@luy3526]

good times

[@Brianuuuu]

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

[@NoorAgafia]

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]

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]

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

[@RogerSullivanNOLA]

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]

As a person with Autism these comments hurt a lot

[@rumfordc]

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

[@TheMedicMedic]

Pinball and Mac DeMarco, gotta like this!

[@loosemouthcowboy4790]

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

[@okdigital151]

Nice :)

[@threezerol944t]

Real life pinball wizard!!!!

[@CloudchaserShaconag]

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

[@astrogallotron]

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

[@quasarulas3968]

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

[@thedave7760]

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

[@ggglat]

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

[@JL0ndon]

CloudchaserShaconag or the movie Tommy 😂

[@uwupancakes1251]

This dude is a freakin genius🤔

[@zasmrcaveman5725]

😧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]

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]

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]

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

[@DoItAfterSmoking]

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

[@cashox4]

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.

[@NelliSmith]

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 😂

[@dimihamuzu]

Parents of the century

[@HabeKeinMitleid]

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

[@Amandakaymtz]

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]

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

[@montarborsfl]

You unlock the door with the key of imagination

[@TheSpelledMilk]

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

[@TheSpelledMilk]

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.

[@doublebassrox]

Here before this gets suggested by KZbin

[@ADAMSIXTIES]

He sure plays a mean pinball

[@xehP]

and that yoshi backpack lol

[@xehP]

The yoshi backpack is a dead autistic give away though

[@smallknuckles5708]

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

[@chestercopperpot9459]

I wanted to watch this, but I don't think I'm ready for the pressure.

[@anonymousmc7727]

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

[@maxrobinson9553]

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

[@syhi7971]

Some good MacDemarco. Nice.

[@snartled2247]

4:06 MAC!

[@cutsmayne1868]

snartled song?

[@snartled2247]

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

[@facedowngaming]

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

[@extraearth3392]

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

[@FireBros33]

The twilight zone was my first machine too, and the Metallica machine they’re playing at his birthday party in the beginning I have the record on at my local arcade. What are the chances haha