Just to clarify: the "national finals thing" is just that -- IFPA Nationals. The NY Times article was spot on, and even took the time to include the correct link to the tourney listing from the IFPA website.

TPF is the following week, is not the IFPA nationals, and isn't mentioned in the article.
They do have the connection of both being in the greater DFW area during the month of March. Definitely not the same tourney.
Hope to see you at TPF, Beelzeboob. Only 38 more days!!

And my hats off to Mr. Poverelli for choice of beverage: whiskey definitely over Red Bull for playing pinball.