# Dirty Pool Podcast - Ep17 - Organizing Tournaments and How to Stay Zen with Tom Graf of Fox Cities

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dirtypool-pinball-podcast-an-exploration-of-the-pinball-industry-7329087/dirty-pool-podcast-ep17-organizing-tournaments-and-how-to-stay-zen-with-tom-graf-of-fox-cities
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/dirtypool-pinball-podcast-an-exploration-of-the-pinball-industry-7329087/dirty-pool-podcast-ep17-organizing-tournaments-and-how-to-stay-zen-with-tom-graf-of-fox-cities.md
Podcast: [Dirtypool Pinball - PODCAST - An Exploration Of The Pinball Industry](https://stenobird.com/podcast/dirtypool-pinball-podcast-an-exploration-of-the-pinball-industry-7329087)
Published: 2025-09-16T22:59:06+00:00
Episode link: https://Dirtypoolpinball.podbean.com/e/dirty-pool-podcast-ep17-organizing-tournaments-and-how-to-stay-zen-with-tom-graf-of-fox-cities/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/c64ct635cgjx4p50/yt_video_vfv8NEjOSjE_f7egfj.mp3
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Duration seconds: 4090

## Resource

Tom Graf of Fox Cities Pinball joins the Dirty Pool Podcast to share what it takes to set up and run tournaments without losing your cool. From the logistics of organizing events to the art of staying calm when things get hectic, Tom breaks down his approach and why his relaxed style works so well. We also touch on his background and the Fox Cities Pinball stream, rounding out a look at how one of the community’s most chill directors keeps things fun and fair.🔺 Praise the Great Pyramid:📡 Twitch – twitch.tv/dirtypoolpinball📺 YouTube – youtube.com/@DirtyPoolPinball📷 Instagram – instagram.com/dirtypoolpinball📘 Facebook – facebook.com/dirtypoolpinball00:00:00 - Intro00:00:16 - Welcoming Tom Graf and his Fox Cities story00:04:24 - Streaming local leagues and the jump to District 8200:07:50 - Staying calm when internet crashes during tournaments00:11:32 - The art of keeping players zen on stream00:15:49 - Building a reputation for chill tournament directing00:19:32 - How rules knowledge shapes smooth event management00:23:32 - Behind the curtain when streams and rulings collide00:26:42 - Sharing lessons learned from streaming mishaps00:29:53 - Dealing with machines breaking mid-competition without panic00:33:32 - Why transparency and fairness matter for all players00:37:41 - Talking through rulings instead of escalating tension00:41:08 - Creating a tournament culture where players feel supported00:44:50 - Learning to balance competing roles as player and TD00:49:05 - The unique vibe of Wisconsin’s pinball scene00:52:12 - How streaming shaped Tom’s approach to directing tournaments00:55:47 - The Fox Cities community and keeping events accessible00:59:30 - What makes a truly memorable tournament experience01:03:12 - Future goals streaming directing and personal balance01:07:00…

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