A Well Deserved Win At The 2026 Atlanta Pop-A-Shot National Championship Qualifier 

By Bryce Smith
Events
Dec 22, 2025

Share This Blog
By Bryce Smith
Events
Dec 22, 2025

Share

Share

Share

Share

The road to the 2026 Pop-A-Shot National Championship rolled through Atlanta on November 20, 2025 and once again proved why Pop-A-Shot tournaments continue to raise the bar for competitive arcade basketball. With high-level shooters, dramatic upsets, and a finals showdown that went down to the wire, the Atlanta qualifier at Park Tavern was a perfect exclamation point on the fall qualifying season.

As with previous qualifiers, the event was broken into two distinct parts: a four-hour open play session followed by a bracket-style finals tournament. During open play, contestants were given unlimited chances to post their highest possible score, with the top 8 earning a spot in the finals bracket later that evening.

A Packed House and Serious Competition

Atlanta drew 91 total contestants, all vying for one coveted spot in the 2026 Pop-A-Shot National Championship set for August 2026. During the three-hour open play window, the line consistently hovered between 70–80 players at any given moment, creating nonstop action and a true tournament atmosphere. Contestants were able to play as many games as possible, chasing the high score needed to crack the top eight and advance to bracket play.


The talent level was immediately apparent. Familiar faces from Pop-A-Shot tournaments throughout 2025 showed up ready to compete, including Nick DeMarinis, a semifinalist at the 2025 National Championship, and Brad Johnson, Super Bowl-winning quarterback of the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a 2025 National Championship contestant. Alongside them were several proven bracket veterans and one new challenger who would quickly make his presence known.

Register Today

Bracket Play Brings the Drama

Once the top eight were set, the finals tournament kicked off with best-of-three matchups in the first round and semifinals and Atlanta wasted no time delivering surprises.


Two major upsets headlined the opening round. Top seed JANTAWN was knocked out in three games by #8 BTMORRIS924, while #5 DANNYKO2 took down #4 BIGBADBRAD, also in three games. Meanwhile, #2 STRINGMUSIC, who had come heartbreakingly close in multiple past qualifiers, advanced confidently over #7 CBRINK in two games. #3 NICKYD rounded out the semifinal field after a hard-fought three-game win over #6 CJORDAN09.

.
By the semifinals, scores were climbing into the 150s, and the pressure was fully on. BTMORRIS924 continued his Cinderella run, edging out DANNYKO2 in two tight games to earn a finals berth. On the other side, STRINGMUSIC delivered two dominant performances against NICKYD, punching his ticket to the championship matchup.

A Finals Worthy of the Stage

The finals were a best-of-five showdown with everything on the line: a direct qualification to the 2026 Pop-A-Shot National Championship. BTMORRIS924 struck first, stealing the closest game of the night with a thrilling 151–150 win. But from there, STRINGMUSIC flipped the switch.


Responding with urgency and confidence, STRINGMUSIC took control of the next three games in dominant fashion, sealing the series and officially earning his place among the nation’s best Pop-A-Shot competitors. After coming up just short in multiple events, this victory was a well-earned breakthrough and one that sets the stage for an exciting National Championship appearance.

Where Is The Next Pop-A-Shot Qualifier?

With St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Atlanta now in the books, the field for the 2026 Pop-A-Shot National Championshipis beginning to take shape. Interested competitors can stay up to date, track upcoming events, and learn how to qualify.

Ready to test your shot? Register for future Pop-A-Shot tournaments and show the Pop-A-Shot community what you are made of!

If Atlanta was any indication, the road to the National Championship is only getting tougher and even more exciting.
 

Reads You May Enjoy

Games

Festive Fun for Little Hoopers

Picture your little one bouncing around the living room while older siblings play games nearby. That natural energy becomes the perfect foundation for holiday basketball adventures that welcome everyone to join the action. Research confirms that modified basketball activities significantly improve gross motor skills in preschoolers, building balance, coordination, and confidence through play.

Read More
Title
By Mr. Pop
Dec 24, 2025
Games

The Gift of Pop-A-Shot

Your kids are glued to screens again, and you're scrolling through your phone too. We've all been there. But here's the good news: A Pop-A-Shot game can flip that script in minutes, transforming quiet living rooms into buzzing arenas where everyone cheers, competes, and high-fives together.

Read More
Title
By Mr. Pop
Dec 23, 2025
Events

2026 Atlanta Pop-A-Shot National Championship Qualifier

The road to the 2026 Pop-A-Shot National Championship rolled through Atlanta on November 20, 2025 and once again proved why Pop-A-Shot tournaments continue to raise the bar for competitive arcade basketball.

Read More
Title
By Bryce Smith
Dec 22, 2025
Games

Festive Fun for Little Hoopers

Picture your little one bouncing around the living room while older siblings play games nearby. That natural energy becomes the perfect foundation for holiday basketball adventures that welcome everyone to join the action. Research confirms that modified basketball activities significantly improve gross motor skills in preschoolers, building balance, coordination, and confidence through play.

Read More
Title
By Mr. Pop
Dec 24, 2025
Games

The Gift of Pop-A-Shot

Your kids are glued to screens again, and you're scrolling through your phone too. We've all been there. But here's the good news: A Pop-A-Shot game can flip that script in minutes, transforming quiet living rooms into buzzing arenas where everyone cheers, competes, and high-fives together.

Read More
Title
By Mr. Pop
Dec 23, 2025
Events

2026 Atlanta Pop-A-Shot National Championship Qualifier

The road to the 2026 Pop-A-Shot National Championship rolled through Atlanta on November 20, 2025 and once again proved why Pop-A-Shot tournaments continue to raise the bar for competitive arcade basketball.

Read More
Title
By Bryce Smith
Dec 22, 2025
Games

Festive Fun for Little Hoopers

Picture your little one bouncing around the living room while older siblings play games nearby. That natural energy becomes the perfect foundation for holiday basketball adventures that welcome everyone to join the action. Research confirms that modified basketball activities significantly improve gross motor skills in preschoolers, building balance, coordination, and confidence through play.

Read More
Title
By Mr. Pop
Dec 24, 2025
Games

The Gift of Pop-A-Shot

Your kids are glued to screens again, and you're scrolling through your phone too. We've all been there. But here's the good news: A Pop-A-Shot game can flip that script in minutes, transforming quiet living rooms into buzzing arenas where everyone cheers, competes, and high-fives together.

Read More
Title
By Mr. Pop
Dec 23, 2025
Events

2026 Atlanta Pop-A-Shot National Championship Qualifier

The road to the 2026 Pop-A-Shot National Championship rolled through Atlanta on November 20, 2025 and once again proved why Pop-A-Shot tournaments continue to raise the bar for competitive arcade basketball.

Read More
Title
By Bryce Smith
Dec 22, 2025
Championship

Meet the Pop-A-Shot Champions and Learn Their Winning Secrets

Scott Setzke was practicing at his local arcade until he watched the 2024 championship on ESPN. Fast-forward one year, and he's holding the 2025 national title after beating seven other qualifiers with a clutch 92% shooting performance versus his opponent's 89%. 

Read More
Title
By Mr. Pop
Dec 19, 2025