Underneath a few teasing clouds and with a temperature hovering around a comfortable 72°F, the heart of San Diego at Dyno Bar (Aero Club) transformed into a battlefield of flipper knights. As the sun began its descent on July 11, 2023, at precisely 6:30 PM, 14 pinball aficionados converged for a 10-hour-long saga, replete with drama, strategy, and the sweet chime of victory.
Dyno Bar: The Pinnacle of Pinball
Dyno Bar, renowned as the ultimate hangout for pinball enthusiasts in San Diego, served as the grand arena. The succinct review? “By far the best place to go in San Diego for pinball and a few pints.” Mark Schulz, the chief orchestrator, ensured each round echoed with excitement.
The Machines That Held the Field
Every knight needs a steed, and every pinball player, a machine. The tournament showcased a diverse range: Deadpool (Pro) carried the humor, The Mandalorian (Pro) brought the force, Stranger Things (Pro) introduced a dimension of suspense, and James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) added the thrill of espionage. However, it was the freshly released Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern that was the talk of the town, given its debut earlier in March 2023.
The Godzilla Face-off: A Round to Remember
The fourth round, however, was where legends were truly made. The Godzilla (Pro) by Stern was the chosen battlefield. All eyes were on Derek Price, with an IFPA rank of 96, and he didn’t disappoint, stomping through the competition. Brian Heath, Adrian Skibine, and Gaizah Wagschal may not have emerged victoriously but garnered respect with their gameplay.
When The Dust Settled: The Champions
While Derek Price’s Godzilla triumph was notable, it wasn’t his only victory. He championed the tournament, with Mark Maleko Schulz 👾, the organizer himself, clinching the second spot. Michael Kostolnik and Mark Bandong, with their impressive IFPA ranks and experience, secured the third and fourth spots respectively.
The Golden State’s Pinball Powerhouses
A glance at the IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings provides a perspective on the bigger picture:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 530.15 |
| 2 | Raymond Ashby | Los Angeles | 518.06 |
| 3 | Gabe Da Silveira | Oakland | 462.95 |
| 4 | Scott Macias | Glendora | 439.46 |
| 5 | Nic Stein | Davis | 418.14 |
| 6 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 415.04 |
| 7 | Escher Lefkoff | 411.53 | |
| 8 | Keith Elwin | Carlsbad | 409.63 |
| 9 | Johnny Modica | Hacienda Heights | 362.92 |
| 10 | Leslie Ruckman | 361 |
From novices to the top brass, the Aero Club / Dyno Bar Monthly was a testament to the passionate pinball community in California. With flippers flipping and bells ringing, the realm of pinball is alive and kicking! Stay tuned for more such exhilarating tales.