On the balmy evening of August 23, 2023, the air at Madison’s renowned I/O Arcade Bar was filled with the pings, dings, and whirls that only dedicated pinball wizards could conjure. Located at 924 Williamson Street, this esteemed venue played host to the Finals for Stern Army 2023 Monthly Pinball Tournament, a vibrant gathering of top-tier talent organized by the esteemed Michael Williams.
I/O Arcade: A Gamer’s Paradise
One step into the I/O Arcade Bar and the vibrant atmosphere engulfs you. The bar boasts a plethora of games and an enviable selection of beers, ensuring that both your gaming and gustatory needs are satisfied. Opting for quarters instead of tokens, the arcade gives a nod to nostalgia, while its exclusive adults-only policy promises an evening free from pint-sized interruptions. Whether you’re reminiscing with the Simpsons arcade game, scoring high on ski ball, or diving deep into the world of pinball, I/O Arcade caters to every gamer’s whim.
The Rivalry of the Ryans
The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the intense face-off during Round 3 on the freshly minted Scooby-Doo (CE) machine by Spooky Pinball. Ryan Eggers, ranked 764, demonstrated exemplary skill by beating out Ryan Spindler, who boasts a commendable IFPA rank of 168. While Spindler ultimately secured the overall championship, this round showcased that in the thrilling realm of pinball, anything’s possible!
A Pinballer’s Dream
This tournament was a showcase of some of the finest machines the pinball world has to offer. From the imaginative world of Toy Story 4 by Jersey Jack Pinball to the heart-pounding action of Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, players were treated to a vast array of challenges and themes. Not to forget the classic allure of Creature from the Black Lagoon or the contemporary twists of Foo Fighters (Pro), every machine had its own tales of triumphs and heartbreaks.
Wisconsin’s Best Flippers
Here’s a look at the IFPA Wisconsin Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 1265.26 |
| 2 | Jared August | West Bloomfield Township | 1165.17 |
| 3 | Neil Graf | Appleton | 1143.83 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 1050.04 | |
| 5 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 998.79 |
| 6 | Jason Werdrick | Park Ridge | 737.42 |
| 7 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 737.24 |
| 8 | Erik Thoren | De Pere | 721.13 |
| 9 | David Daluga | Milwaukee | 691.22 |
| 10 | Jordan Dechaine | 683.84 |
As the evening concluded, the lights dimmed, and the flippers rested. But the echoes of the night’s exhilaration, rivalry, and the magic of the silver ball lingered on. Until the next clash of the pinball titans, keep those flippers ready and your eyes on the prize. The world of pinball awaits your next move!