Pinballs, Pints, and Unexpected Twists: The Multiball Monday 8/14 Showdown!
On a breezy August evening, pinball aficionados made their way to Chandler’s tranquil oasis, Hop Central Brewery. Little did they know, this Multiball Monday 8/14 pinball tournament would etch itself into the annals of local pinball folklore!
Setting the Stage: Hop Central Brewery
Tucked away at 5055 W Ray Rd #2, Chandler, AZ, Hop Central Brewery isn’t just a taproom with an impressive assortment of brews. This establishment, orchestrated by Mark Farina Jr., turned into an electrifying arena for pinball gladiators. Though primarily known as a sanctuary where one can sip a craft beer with a side of board games, on this fated day, it was all about the silver ball.
Battle on the Bells: Tournament Structure
The tournament’s structure was straightforward yet relentless: 5 rounds, 1 game each round, and groups of four. The mission? Rack up points and climb the leaderboard. But as every pinball wizard knows, the path to victory is never linear.
Drama on “Legends of Valhalla”
Every tournament has its crowning moment, and for Multiball Monday, it was the staggering battle on Legends of Valhalla. Four combatants: John Finnegan (a mystery man from Flipper’s Paradise), Amanda Kennedy from Mesa, Bryan Temen, and Jason Hecht from Chandler locked flippers in an epic showdown. By the end, Finnegan emerged triumphant, reminding everyone why he’s ranked 537 in the IFPA.
The Cream of the Crop
While Finnegan’s performance on Valhalla was praiseworthy, it was Mark Farina Jr. from Gilbert, AZ, who stole the show. Holding an IFPA rank of 1713, Mark proved why he’s the kingpin of pinball in the region. Following closely were John Finnegan (from the aforementioned Flipper’s Paradise), Bob Kennedy of Mesa, AZ, and the starry-eyed Alex Kee from the cosmic lanes of Stardust.
A Parade of Pinball Machines
It wasn’t just about the players; it was a showcase of some of the finest pinball machines. From the festive Oktoberfest to the high-octane Hot Wheels and the chilling chills of “Elvira’s House of Horrors,” the lineup was nothing short of spectacular. For those itching for a deeper dive into the specs and histories of these machines, take a detour to the Internet Pinball Database.
Signing Off:
As the flippers rested and the lights dimmed, the pinball community retreated from Hop Central, leaving behind tales of extraordinary plays, intense rivalries, and machines that, for a night, became legends. Here’s a toast to every player, every bounce, every tilt, and every jackpot. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!