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.
Add comment
Comments