In the heart of Ohio, where craft beer often flows as freely as the Ohio River, Heart State Brewing opened its doors on August 18, 2023, for a rendezvous of flippers, lights, and spectacular gameplay. Welcome to the Heart State August Tournament, an event that was as refreshing as the beers served at the venue.
A Tournament Brewed to Perfection
Crafted meticulously by organizer John Geiger, the tournament sported four tantalizing rounds with a single game per round. A group of 39 pinball wizards, each on a mission to be the ultimate champion, formed clusters of four to engage in pinball duels. Points were at stake, reputations were on the line, and at the end of the evening, only one could take the crown.
The Guardians’ Ultimate Challenge
Amidst the clang of metal and the flickering lights, one game stood out: a showdown on the “Guardians of the Galaxy” machine by Stern. Our hero, Brian Weisberg (IFPA rank 3054), displayed an uncanny knack for channeling Star-Lord’s charisma into his gameplay, taking first place. He was closely followed by J. Keith Jackson, Steve Szczepaniak, and Robert Bush—a motley crew of pinball aficionados that added a unique flair to Round 4.
The Unranked Underdog
While Tim Malloy took the tournament’s crown with an IFPA rank of 2540, the underdog story of the night was Mitchell Banks. Without an IFPA rank and appearing in zero IFPA events prior to this one, Mitchell snagged second place. To the pinball world, let it be known: Someone get this guy signed up for IFPA, stat!
Pinball and Pints: The Perfect Pair
With a lineup of 13 pinball machines that ranged from the suave “James Bond 007 (Pro)” to the raw intensity of “Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast,” the venue was a paradise for pinball enthusiasts. The selection of pinballs at Heart State was like its beer menu—each one offering a unique flavor yet universally delightful.
Heart State: The Heart of the Action
If you’re a fan of good beer and great company, Heart State Brewing is your go-to place. The owner’s inspiring story, the work he does with his dog rescue charity, and an array of brews that have no parallel—it all comes together to create an atmosphere where both beer lovers and pinball fans can find their nirvana.
Top Pinball Maestros in Ohio
To tip our hats to Ohio’s pinball elites, here’s the Top 10:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points | Events Played | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron Rich | 554.91 | 20 | 21 | |
| 2 | Stephen Prusa | Cleveland | 402.66 | 20 | 23 |
| 3 | Carlos Delaserda | Columbus | 364.55 | 20 | 7 |
| 4 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 355.27 | 20 | 8 |
| 5 | Andrew Lee | Cleveland | 299.48 | 20 | 5 |
| 6 | Gregory Kennedy | Plain City | 293 | 20 | 9 |
| 7 | Jesse Baker | Cincinnati | 276.04 | 20 | 22 |
| 8 | Cody Webb | Westerville | 242.82 | 20 | 5 |
| 9 | Galvin Morgan | Olmsted Falls | 238.97 | 20 | 6 |
| 10 | Rod Lawrence | Cleveland | 207.13 | 20 | 6 |
So, whether you’re a pinball pro or just a casual flipper, one thing is certain: Heart State Brewing is where you want to be for a night of unstoppable fun and action. Until the next tournament, keep those flippers flipping and those brews pouring!
Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!