04 Nov 2025 It’s on like Donkey Kong
By KD Reep
When you step into The Vortex Classic Arcade in Sherwood, you’re not just walking into a room filled with blinking lights and electronic beeps. You’re entering a time machine — one powered by quarters, joystick muscle memory and the unshakable enthusiasm of owner Daniel Sollis and his right arm, Kaci Roberts, who helps the business run smoothly.
“I was 8 and a half when my dad told me to pick what I wanted to do when I grew up,” Sollis said with a laugh. “I told him I wanted to own an arcade. He threw a sketchpad down and said, ‘Let’s draw it.’ That’s how it started.”
That childhood dream, backed by faith, family and a fascination with classic gaming, became The Vortex in 2013 — a family-friendly arcade now home to more than 150 playable machines, from “Galaga” to “Pac-Man” and, of course, “Donkey Kong.”
Every October, The Vortex is home of one of the nation’s premier “Donkey Kong” tournaments: Kong Klash, now in its 15th year. What began with five players battling it out in a small warehouse has grown into a three-day event that draws competitors from across the country and beyond.
“We’ve had players from New York, California, Michigan, Texas — even one from Australia who couldn’t make it last year,” Sollis said. “We broadcast the whole thing on Twitch so everyone around the world can watch.”
Unlike many gaming competitions, Kong Klash is designed for everyone. “We don’t do just one winner,” Sollis explained. “We have divisions for beginner, intermediate, semi-pro and pro players. Each one gets their own first-place trophy, an oversized (fake) check and now a championship ring.”
This year’s Kong Klash 15 drew more than 50 competitors, filling The Vortex with the cheerful sounds of victory (and the occasional 8-bit heartbreak). Sollis and his volunteer team, 11 strong, handled everything from scoring and streaming to catering homemade meals for players who traveled on a budget.
“This isn’t a money-making event,” he said. “It’s something we do for the ‘Donkey Kong’ community. Everybody here volunteers because they love it. The arcade would not work without my team — I appreciate them!”
For newcomers intimidated by the idea of facing off against world-ranked players, The Vortex offers DK University, a free class that teaches players how to master the game from the ground up.
“We started it because a lot of top players weren’t sharing how they played,” Sollis said. “We wanted everyone to have a fair shot and for new players to join the fun.”
Students learn strategies, patterns and “the 15 things you need to beat the game,” using a community-written manual available online. The sessions attract everyone from curious beginners to top players like Josh Mayden, ranked 36th in the world, and Wes Copeland, who famously hit a kill screen — completing all 117 levels — just 83 days after he started training at The Vortex.
Roberts said the DK University crowd is surprisingly diverse. “You’d think it would all be older players reliving their childhood, but our biggest group is people around 25,” she said. “They love the challenge of the classics.”
When they’re not hosting tournaments, Sollis and his team take their passion on the road. At RetroFest Arkansas, held in Conway last month, The Vortex provided more than 45 classic arcade machines this year, turning the event floor into a nostalgic gamer’s paradise.
Despite its national reach, The Vortex remains deeply local. Admission is just $15 for adults and $10 for anyone 17 and under, with unlimited play on all machines. There’s no alcohol — a deliberate choice that keeps the atmosphere family-friendly.
“I like being here at 11:30 at night and seeing parents and kids playing together,” Sollis said. “You don’t need to go to a theme park or spend a fortune to make memories.”
The arcade also hosts special events like a Halloween costume night and a New Year’s Eve family party, complete with food and games until after midnight — no champagne required.
When asked what he hopes people remember about The Vortex, Sollis smiled. “That there’s still a safe, affordable place to go with your kids to play, laugh and build friendships. People have met here, gotten married, brought their kids back. It’s always been about community,” he said.
The Vortex Classic Arcade is in Sherwood and open to players of all ages. Learn more about upcoming events and tournaments at vortexclassicarcade.com.
