The Scene at Logan Arcade
On a warm August night in Chicago, the luminous glow of pinball machines illuminated the nostalgic interiors of Logan Arcade. Located at 2410 W Fullerton Ave, Logan is the kind of place where the old meets the new, and the echoes of the past meld with the vibrant energy of the present. And on this particular night, August 13th, 2023, it was the battleground for the Chicago Sunday Best Pinball League Season 5 #1. Organized by Mike Pantoliano, this spectacle saw 43 players locked in frenzied competition, flipping, tilting, and aiming for victory.
Riding the Rapids of White Water
Let’s talk about stamina and determination for a moment. In Round 2, pinball enthusiasts were treated to the longest game of the night, a whopping 90-minute showdown on the iconic White Water machine by Williams. Alex Lecky, with an impressive IFPA rank of 456, clinched first place. But the spotlight wasn’t solely his; Chris Ecker, Bob Twichell, and the event organizer himself, Mike Pantoliano, gave the crowds a game to remember.
Victory Rolls and Celebrations
The top honor of the night went to the underdog Ryan Blanchard, proving once again that in pinball, the tides can turn at any moment. Following him were the formidable Andrew Wilkening and Scott Green, both hailing from Chicago. Poe Masoud, another surprise in the rankings, secured the fourth place, emphasizing that on the pinball battleground, anything is possible.
The Machines That Make the Magic
Logan Arcade boasted a collection of 33 machines, ranging from the latest hits to vintage classics. Stern’s recent release James Bond 007 (Premium) sat next to beloved classics like Theatre of Magic by Bally. Whether it was the flashy animations of Deadpool (Premium) or the haunting allure of Elvira’s House of Horrors, there was a pinball machine for every taste.
A Venue Like No Other
This isn’t just any arcade; it’s Logan Arcade. Its dimmed lights, vintage wood floors, and unbeatable ambiance make it feel like a scene straight out of a movie. Pair that with an incredibly friendly staff, and you’ve got yourself a pinball haven. If you’re ever in Chicago, this place is a must-visit!
The Best in Illinois
And now, a special mention to the crème de la crème of the Illinois Pinball world:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points | Events Played | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andy Bagwell | Elgin | 352.67 | 20 | 9 |
| 2 | Raymond Davidson | Elk Grove Village | 222.12 | 8 | 4 |
| 3 | John Miller MO | St. Louis | 184.42 | 10 | 3 |
| 4 | Chuck Sanderson | 169.23 | 13 | 3 | |
| 5 | Ryan McQuaid | 163.06 | 11 | 1 | |
| 6 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 160.65 | 9 | 2 |
| 7 | Alex Lecky | Chicago | 151.1 | 20 | 3 |
| 8 | Stephen Chappell | Ferguson | 143.42 | 13 | 3 |
| 9 | Bob Twichell | Oaklawn | 135.69 | 20 | 2 |
| 10 | Mike Pantoliano | Seattle | 130.1 | 15 | 2 |
So, the next time you hear the clang of a pinball, think of the battles, the strategies, and the sheer passion that goes into every game. Until the next update, keep flipping and never tilt!