On the evening of August 17, 2023, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the dazzling neon lights of Louie’s Tap House in Roscoe, IL, were just beginning to shine. This wasn’t just any evening at Louie’s—it was the “Stern Army- 3rd Thursdays @ Louie’s Tap House” pinball tournament, a fusion of strategy, skill, and silver balls, all orchestrated by Tom Menge.
An Evening at Louie’s Tap House
Tucked away on 5689 Elevator Rd, Louie’s is more than just a taphouse. With a wide variety of beers both on tap and canned, it serves as a welcoming beacon for both casual visitors and pinball enthusiasts alike. Visitors often rave about the mouth-watering cheese curds—considered by many as the best in a long while. And if pinball isn’t your thing (though, after this night, it might be), Louie’s offers a refreshing round of mini-golf or a fun-filled volleyball game. Trust me, their website alone (Louie’s Tap House) will have you planning a visit!
A ‘Monster’ of a Round
Round 1 set the mood for the evening as four competitors faced off on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern—a machine as fierce as its namesake. It was a beast of a game, but Tom Menge, the organizer himself, came out on top, proving that sometimes, the creators are the best players. He was closely followed by Josh Hanford, Shane Shadden, and Joe Buchanan.
Pinball Royalty on Display
The tournament showcased a stellar lineup of pinball machines that would make any enthusiast’s heart race. From the thrill-packed adventures of Spider-Man and James Bond 007 (Premium) to the rhythmic beats of Foo Fighters (Premium), there was a game for every taste. A notable mention goes to the Scooby-Doo (CE) by Spooky Pinball—a recent 2023 release that has already become a hot favorite among players.
Master of the Machines
The champions of the night were a blend of seasoned pros and rising stars. Tom Menge, displaying skill and strategy, clinched the top spot. He was trailed by Josh Hanford, Shane Shadden, and Joe Buchanan—each leaving their mark on the tournament.
Illinois’ Pinball Pros
As the echoes of the flippers faded, the leaderboard of Illinois’ best pinballers was a testament to the state’s rich pinball culture:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andy Bagwell | Elgin | 352.66 |
| 2 | Raymond Davidson | Elk Grove Village | 222.11 |
| 3 | John Miller MO | St. Louis | 184.42 |
| 4 | Ryan McQuaid | 179.1 | |
| 5 | Chuck Sanderson | 169.23 | |
| 6 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 160.65 |
| 7 | Alex Lecky | Chicago | 151.11 |
| 8 | Stephen Chappell | Ferguson | 143.42 |
| 9 | Bob Twichell | Oaklawn | 137.55 |
| 10 | Mike Pantoliano | Seattle | 130.1 |
So, the next time you’re in Roscoe, IL, and feel the itch to try your hand at some pinball, remember the electrifying evening at Louie’s Tap House. But until then, keep those flippers flipping and stay tuned for more updates from the dazzling realm of pinball!