How Are ToPL Playoffs and Divisions Structured?

Updated

ToPL (The Toronto Pinball League, topl.ca) runs a season-based league with a separate playoff tournament at the end, and playoffs are split into divisions — A and B in the most recent season — with each division ranked independently. The league has also announced plans to move to three playoff divisions (A/B/C) with payouts for all three, assuming enough players sign up.

Divisions and how they're ranked

Playoffs are organized by division, and each division produces its own final standings.

  • A division: In the most recent season, the final standings mirrored the qualifying standings — the player who led qualifying took first, and the rest of the top four followed in qualifying order.
  • B division: This division ended up larger than ever and required a last-minute format shift to fit everyone in. The league acknowledged that the way B worked "wasn't ideal" and is discussing improvements for next season.

The league has said that if the numbers support it, playoffs will likely split into three divisions (A/B/C), with payouts for all three. It's also looking at format changes for those divisions to maximize the number of games and minimize waiting, and to avoid running short on working machines.

Season awards and what they earn you

Beyond division placements, the league recognizes season-long achievements:

Award What it is What it earns
Season championship Tied between two players in the most recent season A replay (re-entry) into the next season
Most Improved Awarded to one player for the season A replay (re-entry) into the next season

So the season championship and Most Improved awards both come with a guaranteed spot in the following season.

Season size and qualification

  • Over 50 people played at least one week in the most recent season.
  • 34 players played at least 4 weeks, which is the threshold to qualify for WPPRs (World Pinball Player Rankings).
  • The playoff tournament drew 41 players.
  • The league announced a 48-player limit for the next season and was already nearing that cap.

If you want to play next season

The league asks that anyone interested in playing next season get in touch before showing up, so organizers know there's room within the 48-player limit. If you haven't already let them know, contact the league before heading to the venue on a Monday.