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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AtGames Dojo?

The AtGames Dojo is a belt ranking system for virtual pinball players. It takes the official IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association) world rankings for virtual pinball and assigns every ranked player a martial arts-style belt based on where they stand in the field.

Beyond just tracking your rank, AtGames may also offer special events and missions that give you additional ways to climb the belt ladder.

Where does the data come from?

All ranking data comes directly from the IFPA. The IFPA ranks every virtual pinball player worldwide based on their tournament results through the Virtual World Pinball Player Rankings (VWPPR). The Dojo pulls this data weekly and layers the belt system on top of it.

How are belts determined?

Belts are based on your percentile in the overall player pool — not a fixed rank number. If you're in the top 0.8% of all ranked players, you're a Grandmaster. If you're in the top 6.8%, you're a Black belt. And so on.

BeltWho gets it
ChampionThe #1 ranked player
GrandmasterTop 0.8%
MasterTop 2.8%
BlackTop 6.8%
RedTop 14.8%
BrownTop 24.8%
PurpleTop 39.8%
BlueTop 54.8%
GreenTop 69.8%
OrangeTop 79.8%
YellowTop 89.8%
WhiteBottom 10%

Why percentages instead of fixed rank numbers?

Because the player pool is always changing. As more people start competing in IFPA-ranked virtual pinball events, fixed cutoffs would become outdated fast. With percentages, the belt boundaries scale automatically. Whether there are 3,000 players or 30,000, the top 0.8% is always Grandmaster.

How do I get a belt?

You need an IFPA world ranking for virtual pinball. You get that by competing in IFPA-sanctioned virtual pinball tournaments. Once you have a ranking, you automatically appear in the Dojo with a belt.

How do I move up a belt?

Compete in more IFPA-ranked virtual pinball events and improve your results. As your IFPA ranking climbs, your percentile improves, and your belt follows. There's no application or sign-up — it's all based on your tournament performance.

Additionally, from time to time AtGames may offer special events and missions that provide bonus opportunities to improve your belt status. Keep an eye on the Dojo and AtGames channels for announcements.

How often does the data update?

Rankings are refreshed weekly. Each update creates a new snapshot, which is compared to the previous week to track movement.

What are Weekly Movers?

Every week when a new snapshot is taken, the Dojo compares it to the previous week. Players who made significant rank jumps or earned a new belt show up in the Weekly Movers section. It's a way to highlight who's on the rise (or the decline).

Can my belt go down?

Yes. Since belts are based on your percentile, your belt can change in two ways: your own ranking changes, or the overall player pool shifts. If new players enter the rankings above you or you drop in the standings, you could move down a belt.

The best way to protect your belt is to stay active — compete regularly, and take advantage of any special events or missions AtGames offers to help strengthen your position.

I compete in virtual pinball tournaments but I'm not on here. Why?

Make sure your tournaments are IFPA-sanctioned. Only tournaments registered with the IFPA generate VWPPR points and contribute to the virtual rankings. Check with your tournament organizer or visit the IFPA website to find sanctioned events.

What's the difference between my IFPA rank and my belt?

Your IFPA rank is a specific number (e.g., rank #450 out of 3,325 players). Your belt is the tier that rank falls into based on the percentage system. Two players with different ranks can share the same belt if they're in the same percentile range.

Is this affiliated with the IFPA?

The AtGames Dojo uses publicly available IFPA ranking data through their API. The belt system is an AtGames creation layered on top of IFPA rankings — the IFPA does not assign belts.

I have more questions. Where can I go?