Every year, the IFPA gives out the Rookie of the Year award to the player who obtains the most WPPRs in their first year of competitive play, requiring both dedication and high placement. The honor for 2024 went to Jaden Rich of Louisville, Ohio, who amassed a staggering 640 WPPRs across 88 tournaments, competing in multiple Stern Pro Circuit events like the Cleveland Pinball and Arcade Show. Fresh off of his first experience at the Ohio State Pinball Championship, I got to chat with Jaden about what got him into pinball, his aspirations for the future, and the secrets behind his early career success.
Note: This interview has been edited for content, clarity, and length.
Interview with Jaden Rich, 2024 IFPA Rookie of the Year
Matt Owen: Great job on nabbing Rookie of the Year! So, you just got done playing your matches at States, what'd you think?
Jaden Rich: I really liked it, but it was different than I was expecting. I thought I'd be more nervous, but when the time came, I was ready to play. Ken and were really strong opponents, so it was great competition all around.
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Matt: You've come a long way in your first year with the IFPA. What got you into competitive pinball in the first place?
Jaden: A year ago, my dad wanted to go to a Friday Night Knockout tournament at Kidforce Pinball for his birthday. I really enjoyed playing with him and everyone else at the arcade, and I was hooked from there. Kidforce has such a welcoming community.
Matt: So, what is it you enjoy the most about playing pinball?
Jaden: Honestly, it's the whole competitive aspect. Especially in Ohio, the level of competition is insanely high, so it's lots of fun to battle with everyone.
Matt: It takes a lot to climb this high on the ladder, though. What drives you to keep getting better, so much so that you're already in the Top 500 players in your first year?
Jaden: I'm just an extremely competitive guy. I do not like to lose, especially to my dad, which keeps me motivated at every tournament. It all makes me want to practice more, so I can compete against the best players around and hold my own.
Matt: In your opinion, then, what are the key elements for success in competitive pinball?
Jaden: Lots of practice, of course. It's important to have really good flipper skills, along with game knowledge across a lot of machines. I think experience also matters a lot, though, so it's good to play in tournaments often.
Matt: Do you have any advice for players who are looking to improve? What's the secret?
Jaden: No secret, just a lot of practice. If you want to get better, watch the really good players. You can learn a lot just from seeing how they approach the game.
Matt: That's really, really good advice. Well, now that you've completed your first full year of competitive play, what are your plans for the future? Any aspirations or goals?
Jaden: My main goal at this time is to become an Ohio State champion. I'd really like to win, and I think I can do better next time.
Matt: I have to agree. The State Championship for 2025 is going to be nuts. Well, that about wraps it up. Out of curiosity, though, what's the one pinball machine you could play forever? Any games you really like over the others?
Jaden: Foo Fighters, for sure. I love the rule set and the shots are just so fun to hit. I'll never get tired of playing that.
Matt: Another agree from me. Foo is top-tier. Thanks for chatting, I'm sure I'll catch you on the competitive circuit soon.
After watching Jaden compete throughout the year and at States, his talent is undeniable. Whether on a modern or classic, he's exceptionally accurate and controlled, but just as comfortable playing on the fly. In just a year, he's mastered complicated flipper skills, learned the nuances of countless games, and proven that he can keep his cool during intense competition. Above all else though, he's humble and eager to learn. Jaden also has a pretty good teacher in the form of his father, Aaron Rich (currently ranked in the Top 50 IFPA Players Worldwide), who was more than happy with his son's performance this year. “I'm very proud of him. He put in the hard work and he deserves it. Plus, it's fun to have pinball as a thing we can do together as a family.”
Congratulations again to Jaden Rich for picking up this rare and tough-to-achieve award, hopefully setting the stage for many more accomplishments in the future. If his first year is any indication of things to come, Jaden Rich is a player to keep on your radar for the 2025 season and beyond. It seems like this IFPA Rookie of the Year won't stop until he's ascended to the top of the ladder, and it should be an exciting climb to watch.
Matt Owen is a lifelong gamer and overall media fiend. He can often be found playing endless hours of games or watching an absurd amount of movies and television: action, horror, mystery, and sci-fi in particular. When he's not bingeing entertainment media, Matt enjoys reading and writing fiction, playing pinball, broadcasting, and attempting to cook.
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