Dad Takeover: Josh Caputo defends title in Pop-A-Shot National Championship Airing August 1 on ESPN the Ocho Pop-A-Shot, the arcade basketball game that ruled the late ’80s and ’90s, is back on the big stage—and so are the players who never stopped shooting. On Thursday, August 1 at 9 PM EST, ESPN the Ocho will air the Pop-A-Shot National Championship, featuring eight finalists, including Josh Caputo, of Montgomery IL, who won the 2024 Championship and is looking to defend his title. And here’s what makes this lineup unique: the field is dominated by dads in their 40s. Their days of full-court runs are behind them, but their shooting touch. As sharp as ever. Competitor Scott Setzke puts it best: ‘Knees don’t work anymore, but arms and eyes still do.’ What they all share is a deep connection to the game. These players grew up during the golden era of basketball and arcades, when Pop-A-Shot was as iconic as cherry Coke and Runts. Their stories stretch from winning a sixth-grade contest for a signed Isiah Thomas jersey to drawing crowds at the bowling alley, quarters lined up on the rail as they set a new high score. “Honestly, it’s an honor,” said finalist Jarrod Shappell. “It’s this joyful little game that’s somehow connected me to old friends, my kids, strangers at bars, and now… this great set of competitors on ESPN.” One name fans might recognize - Brad Johnson, the Super Bowl–winning quarterback. He showed up to the St. Louis Qualifier, drained shots, and proved he belonged. A dad, a competitor, and now a wildcard selection—Brad rounds out the field. This year’s championship will be played on the Pop-A-Shot Elite, the brand’s commercial-grade game designed for bars and arcades. It’s a fitting comeback for a company that held national tournaments in the late ’80s—and for the players who grew up with the game and never lost their touch. Watch the Pop-A-Shot National Championship live on ESPN the Ocho, Thursday, August 1 at 9 PM EST.