Forty-five years ago, this 7-year-old had a lot of dreams, like becoming a paleontologist or, barring that, driving a bulldozer (both deal with moving around dirt and rock right?). Executives at Namco in Japan no doubt had dreams for their latest game to become a hit. You might have heard of it — Pac-Man.
As part of the historic game’s 45th anniversary, the Paley Museum in New York City is working with Bandai Namco (the company’s grown since 1981, merging with Bandai in 2006) on an exhibition to celebrate its history. (Note: Midway was Namco’s partner in bringing Pac-Man to the U.S.) This includes a tournament: the Pac-Man NYC Chompionship 2026. It runs Saturday, May 16, with qualifying rounds from 12:40-3 p.m. and the finals slated for 3-5 p.m.
“[This is] shaping up to be one of the standout fan competitions of the year — especially in New York City,” said Aimee Householder, the Paley’s VP/public programing. “It’s designed as a multigenerational celebration of one of gaming’s most recognizable icons.”
The Paley is working with Bandai Namco to put on the “Chompetition.” It’s a throwback to the early days of esports, a simple high-score competition. The top prize is a Pac-Man pub table arcade machine (my favorite sort of game cabinet, as it can hold a beer without the can or bottle sliding off). Money isn’t the goal here. “The event is designed less as a traditional esports cash tournament and more as a joyful, high-energy celebration of arcade culture, fandom and gaming history,” Householder said.
The Paley is working directly with Bandai Namco on the event and celebration of Pac-Man, providing memorabilia for the exhibit and prizes.
I don’t often cover game tournaments that aren’t “esports.” I made an exception here because it’s Pac-Man, one of the most important games from the industry’s early years.
Besides, you should never pass up a chance to cover a legend that took a “chomp” out of U.S. culture.
