2024 special guests

Master Daniel Pesina, a legendary martial artist and actor, is making his highly anticipated return to Free Play Florida 2024. Best known for his iconic performances in Mortal Kombat, where he portrayed fan-favorite characters such as Scorpion, Reptile, and Johnny Cage, Pesina's impact on pop culture is undeniable.

His talents extend beyond the gaming world; he also appeared as a Foot Clan member in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze. As Free Play Florida 2024 celebrates 40 years of TMNT, fans won’t want to miss the chance to meet this martial arts legend in person.

Carlos Pesina is a highly skilled martial artist and actor best known for his extensive work in the Mortal Kombat video game series. He portrayed Raiden in the original games and contributed to the series’ iconic fighting style through motion capture and choreography. Beyond Mortal Kombat, Pesina also served as a stunt double for actor Elias Koteas in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, showcasing his versatile martial arts expertise. His contributions have had a lasting impact on both the gaming world and the action film industry.

Anthony Marquez is a talented martial artist and actor, best known for his work in the iconic Mortal Kombat video game series. He portrayed several characters, including Kung Lao, bringing his martial arts expertise to the motion capture and fighting choreography that helped define the franchise's early success. Beyond Mortal Kombat, Marquez also performed as the stunt double for Leonardo in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, showcasing his versatility and physical prowess in both film and gaming. His contributions have left a lasting impact on martial arts in pop culture.

The Nerdcore Hip-Hop Pioneer! Mega Ran’s music has been on WWE, All Elite Wrestling, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Mortal Kombat 1 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), and more.

After multiple Billboard-charting releases like the cult-classic Black Materia: Final Fantasy VII (Music from the Video Game) and more, Mega Ran’s inspiring children’s album, Buddy’s Magic Toy Box has completely shaken up the Kids Music Scene.

Meet Matt Andrews, a talented Illustrator and Concept Artist from Greenville, South Carolina, renowned for his stunning contributions to the world of pinball art. Matt's creativity shines in projects like "Weird Al's Museum of Natural Hilarity," where he crafted all visual assets, including interactive game mode elements, playfield, printed components, and cabinet design. His complete art package for "Total Nuclear Annihilation" features striking 2D animation assets, enhancing the game's intense atmosphere.

With a keen eye for detail and a vivid imagination, Matt's work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, making a lasting impact on the pinball art world and beyond.

Meet Ed Smith, a pioneering African American engineer who transformed the gaming world in the late 1970s! Starting with the APF M1000 console, Ed played a key role in creating the APF Imagination Machine, blending gaming and computing with innovative features.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Ed's passion for technology led him to APF Electronics, where he helped the MP1000 compete with industry giants like Atari and Coleco.

Ed's impressive career includes roles at Apple, Novell, and Infosys, developing groundbreaking tech partnerships. Recognized as a tech pioneer, Ed shares his inspiring journey in his book "Imagine That!" and continues to inspire through his talks at schools and universities.

GameCube Galaxy is a vibrant YouTube channel started by Marcello over three years ago, dedicated to celebrating all things GameCube. Having grown up with the console since its launch in 2001, Marcello's deep-seated passion for the GameCube shines through in every video. From In-Depth Reviews and Top 10 lists to engaging topic-based discussions and thrilling GameCube game hunts at conventions, GameCube Galaxy is your ultimate destination for high-quality content on one of Nintendo’s most underappreciated consoles. Join Marcello and dive into the nostalgia, discoveries, and excitement of the GameCube era!

The Southeast local and operator of The Video Game Cavern, Andy "Pacman" Case, is making his way to Free Play Florida 2024! Known for his deep love of the classics and all things nostalgic, Pacmancase’s channel is a treasure trove for retro gaming enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to build the perfect collection or just enjoy the hobby, he’s your guy!

Keep your eyes peeled as this monster roams the RP Funding halls. And if you spot him, don’t forget to shout, “What is good, my PacRat!” Who knows, he might just drop some epic loot!

Greg George is an avid gamer from the Golden Age of Classic Games. A true enthusiast of Atari, Sega, Nintendo, and beyond, Greg revels in the rich history and monumental contributions these giants have made to video game culture.

On his YouTube channel, "Greg's Game Room," he celebrates the entire spectrum of classic gaming, from showcasing originally released titles and uncovering forgotten gems to diving into new homebrews and hacked games and reviewing the latest hardware. Greg's Game Room is a haven for retrogaming fans and a tribute to the timeless appeal of classic video games.

We're thrilled to announce the return of Bert the Stormtrooper, Toy Reviewer and Pop Culture Historian, to Free Play Florida! Bert's love for the '70s and '80s pop culture is evident in his extensive collection and reviews. From Star Wars to Transformers, TMNT to Ghostbusters, Bert's collection is a treasure trove for fans. His long-running series, "That's Just Prime!", is a must-watch for Optimus Prime enthusiasts. Get ready to meet this pop culture icon at Free Play Florida 2024!

But Bert's not just about toys. He's also a retro gamer and collector. If you see him walking around, take the chance to ask him about his rare copy of 'Little Samson' for the NES. His diverse interests in gaming and pop culture make him an exciting personality to celebrate at Free Play Florida 2024.

Trash Burger is a powerhouse rock group that combines ’80s and ’90s pop rock with iconic video game music. Formed in 2019, Trash Burger has brought their unique blend of video game music to multiple venues across Central Florida, performing with acts such as Bit Brigade, Mega Ran, The Megas, and MC Chris.

Their live show is a celebration of gaming and pop music that will have you bouncing up and down all night long!