From Pinball Flips to Tabletop Tricks: The Pinfield Meta Games Showdown!

Amidst the buzz and clatter of flippers, a mid-summer’s tournament took the stage on August 6, 2023. The Pinfield Meta Games Matchplay pinball contest, a masterful creation of Josh Noble, reverberated through the vast space of Meta Games Unlimited, situated gracefully on East Sunshine Street, Springfield, MO.

Venue Vibes: A Blend of Retro and Recent

First impressions? Three out of the nine pinball machines took a day off, but the ones in action didn’t disappoint! Favorites like Monster Bash and Iron Man were in prime condition, receiving adulation from seasoned players and newcomers alike. The venue wasn’t just about pinball – with ample space dedicated to tabletop games and a vast collection waiting to be bought, it’s safe to say the pictures do only 20% justice to what the venue truly offers.

Pinball Picks: From Prospector to The Mandalorian

Highlighting some of the machines at play, we had:

  • Super-Flite by Williams, a classic from 1974, invoking nostalgia with every flip.
  • Stern’s Star Trek (Pro) from 2013, taking players on an interstellar journey.
  • The rhythmic and iconic The Beatles from 2018, making every game a Yellow Submarine ride.
  • The Wild West-themed Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) by Chicago Gaming from 2021, letting players duel in a digital desert.
  • And the freshly released The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern from May 2021, an ode to the Star Wars universe, inviting players to side with Mando.

The Godzilla Grapple

One of the pinnacle moments was in Round 11 on the Godzilla (Pro) machine by Stern. Josh Noble, proving his mettle as not just an organizer but a formidable player, secured the top position. Following him were Christen Moore, Brandon Pennington, and Stacee LaFrieda. Noble’s strategic maneuvering and intense concentration on this machine were truly sights to behold.

Tournament Titans

The tournament culminated with John Dozier claiming the throne, closely trailed by Josh Noble, Aaron Pennington, and Shane Yozzo. It’s noteworthy that Shane, with an IFPA rank of 1167, has participated in a whopping 385 events!

Missouri’s Pinball Maestros

Here’s a peek into the cream of Missouri’s pinball crop:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1John Miller MOSt. Louis305.51
2Kendell HolderSt. Louis214.19
3Brennan SullivanSt. Louis196.55
4Adam McKinnieColumbia183.5
5Steve RolsingSt. Louis169.11
6Chris WardSt. Louis165.23
7Jacob FischerSt. Louis155.67
8Mike HowardSt. Louis119.67
9Travis MurieOklahoma City117.02
10Steve Hill MOKansas City113.17

To the pinball aficionados and the simply curious, stay plugged in as we bring more electric updates from the ever-spinning, ever-thrilling realm of pinball!

Belles & Chimes Phoenix 8-5-23: Where Pinball Dreams Take Flight!

It’s not every day you walk into Player 1 Arcade, and your ears are immediately graced by the beautiful cacophony of pinball machines and the cheers of avid fans. But on August 5th, 2023, the arcade was alive in a new, exciting way, thanks to the riveting Belles & Chimes Phoenix pinball tournament!

The Venue: More Than Just Machines

Nestled at 17239 N Litchfield Rd, Surprise, AZ, Player 1 Arcade isn’t just a hub for gaming. It’s a haven for pinball enthusiasts and arcade aficionados alike. Whether you’re 7 or 70, stepping into this arcade is like traveling back in time to the golden era of gaming. With an impressive lineup of vintage arcade games and a vast selection of drinks that cater to every palate, this place knows how to mix nostalgia with modern fun. Still skeptical? Drop by on a Saturday night, and you’ll be converted!

Godzilla Roars, and Players Respond!

Arguably the most intense game of the day was Round 6 on Godzilla (Premium). Lasting an astonishing 31 minutes and 18 seconds, it had everyone on the edge of their seats! Cara Eisinger from New River, AZ, showcased impeccable skills, clinching the top position. Kudos to Casey Halley and Terri Boyd for their thrilling gameplay, hailing from the legendary “Flippers’ Folly” and “Bumper Bay,” respectively. Not to forget, Bobbi Wambach, representing “Multiball Mountain,” for her fierce competition.

Pinball’s Glittering Line-Up

From Star Wars (Premium), evoking the memories of the galaxy far, far away, to The Mandalorian (Pro), bridging the gap between generations, the machines were the unsung heroes of this event. The recent addition, Foo Fighters (LE), stood out, proving that rock music and pinball is indeed a match made in heaven. For those craving more details, the Internet Pinball Database is your treasure trove!

Meet The Stars!

A standing ovation for Tracy Lindbergh! Not only did she organize this stellar event, but she also emerged victorious, proving why she’s one of Arizona’s pinball gems. With an impressive IFPA rank of 479 and 477 total IFPA events under her belt, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Mollie Stoltenberg secured the second position from the distant “Tilted Towers.” Cara Eisinger took the third spot, while the enigmatic Hailey Buhrman, hailing from the legendary “Arcade Abyss,” surprised us all by clinching the fourth position in her debut tournament.

In the realm of pinball, every tournament is a story, a blend of competition, camaraderie, and pure, unbridled fun. The Belles & Chimes Phoenix 8-5-23 was no different. We can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds. Until then, keep those flippers flipping and dreams soaring!