PROFI Match

The PROFI Match is a rare and intriguing electro-mechanical (EM) pinball machine that has piqued the interest of collectors and historians. It is a German copy of Bally's 1967 'Boot-A-Ball' ("Profi" being German for "Professional"), and its exact manufacturer is unknown. It is a head-to-head game, with two players at opposite ends of the playfield competing in simultaneous play.

A key feature that sets the PROFI Match apart from other EM machines is its unique control system. Each player has four flipper buttons - two on each side of the cabinet - but with a twist: they only control the flippers facing their opponent. This design creates a dynamic, competitive atmosphere where players must strategize and react to their opponent's moves in real-time. The machine's cabinet measures 128 cm long, 61 cm wide, and 94 cm high with legs, making it a substantial cabinet for its era.

While little is known about the PROFI Match's precise origins beyond its soccer/futbol theme, its rarity and head-to-head gameplay make it an attractive subject for study. As a German take on Bally's Boot-A-Ball concept, the PROFI Match offers a glimpse into international variations on American pinball designs, and its enigmatic past adds to its allure among collectors and historians.