Photo credit: Guinness World Records
Rob Berk owns the world’s largest collection of pinball machines, with many of the 1,041 units on display at his own establishment, called Past Time Arcade. However, he’s not just a hoarder of games—he’s a key player in pinball culture. Berk founded Pinball Expo in Chicago around 40-years-ago, the longest-running pinball convention, now in its 41st year as of 2025.
Fast forward to 2025, and Past Times Arcade in Girard, Ohio, a remodeled 30,000-square-foot former grocery store, now houses over 400 playable machines, with more in storage, blending arcade fun with museum vibes. Berk’s love for pinball dates all the way back to 1954, when he was about 5. This marks his first encounter with a pinball machine—a 1948 United “Baby Face”—in his family’s basement, probably brought home by his dad for fun/
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I started Pinball Expo in 1985 in Chicago. I started it to recognize my industry heroes who designed the play fields. They were the unsung heroes that never got the recognition that I felt they deserved. Fast forward to today, we’re celebrating 40 years and have thousands of people attending from all over the world,” said Berk.
