The NWPC Pre-Tourney – 4Bs Pinball Palooza: When the Clouds Gather, So Do The Players!

Dark overcast clouds settled over Seattle, giving the city a cinematic, moody feel, fitting for an event that was anything but predictable. With the temperature hovering around 66°F outside this evening, inside the 4Bs Tavern the atmosphere was entirely different: feverish, exciting, and palpable.

On the evening of September 7, 2023, pinball enthusiasts gathered for the NWPC Pre-Tourney – 4Bs pinball tournament, held at the ever-popular 4Bs Tavern. This wasn’t just another gathering; it was a war zone of flippers, silver balls, and brilliantly lit playfields. Organized by the revered Germain Mariolle, the event lasted a whopping 10 hours and 12 minutes.

The Machines That Took The Limelight

With 13 pinball machines from various eras vying for attention, a few managed to steal the limelight:

… And several others had players queued up for another shot at glory.

Standout Game: The Wheel of Fortune Decides

The semifinals saw a fierce battle on the Wheel of Fortune machine, a classic from Stern that’s been captivating players since 2007. Leslie Ruckman from California, boasting an impressive IFPA rank of 168, clinched the first spot. She was closely followed by Maka Honig and Seattle’s very own Jarrett Gaddy, with Daniel Salo from Los Angeles finishing fourth. The dynamics, energy, and sheer skill on display were a testament to how intense and competitive pinball can be.

Champions Rise

Jon Salzman, with his agile fingers and focused demeanor, emerged as the champion, followed by Maka Honig, Zac Wollons, and the ever-talented Leslie Ruckman. These players showcased an unparalleled mastery over the machines, ensuring their positions among the elite.

The Venue: 4Bs Tavern

Having been revamped in late 2021 or early 2022, 4Bs Tavern managed to retain its dive bar soul while adding a touch of modern class. Apart from the immersive pinball experience, one could sense a comfortable, unpretentious charm about the place, further elevated by its unique square wooden-framed area, perhaps ready for an impromptu music session or a stand-up act.

The IFPA Washington Standings Speak Volumes

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Lonnie LangfordSeattle479.13
2Jarrett GaddySeattle427.93
3Germain MariolleRedmond427.18
4David ChernicoffSeattle417.6
5Richie TerrySeattle375.66
6Sean IrbySeattle360.93
7Dave StewartCarnation350.99
8Neal JoslynBremerton339.8
9Jaran JonesSeattle291.33
10Alex Singleterry284.17

The standings are a testament to the level of dedication and passion the players bring to the table (pun intended).

As the silver balls came to rest and the scores were tallied, the event closed with anticipation in the air. For in the realm of pinball, there’s always another game, another tournament, another challenge just around the corner. Stay tuned for more electrifying updates!

The Wrath of Pinball: An Undisclosed Evening of Texas-sized Challenges

On a mysterious evening, September 7, 2023, the sun set somewhere in Texas, not just to bring forth the starry night, but to signal the onset of the Wrath of Pinball tournament. And as darkness enveloped the Lone Star State, 13 elite pinball enthusiasts gathered at a location so secretive even the owls and coyotes were left guessing.

An Evening of Unpredictability

Organized by the enigmatic Ray Ford, the tournament started at 8 PM and ran for an impressive 7 and a half hours. With 5 grueling rounds, each player battled the machines, gravity, and, of course, their fellow competitors. The objective? Simple, yet daunting: amass the most points and emerge as the ultimate pinball wizard.

The Surprise Standout Round

Round 2 witnessed an unexpected twist, played on Cactus Canyon by Bally. It wasn’t just about the ball and flippers, but the dramatic turnaround of ranks. Dave Parisotto, with an IFPA rank of 18863, clinched the top spot, leaving Jonathon Morales and Lee Thibodeau in wonderment. Lee, despite having no official rank, showcased sheer talent. A true testimony that sometimes, it’s the spirit of the game that truly counts.

And The Winners Are…

At the end of this undisclosed rollercoaster:

  1. Keb Gallows: A regular with 32 IFPA events, claiming his victory.
  2. Ray Ford: The man himself, not just an organizer, but a fierce competitor from Austin, Texas.
  3. Larry Morales: Another Austin native, showing that this city isn’t just about live music.
  4. Alex Johnson305: A wild card, first-time player making a mark.

The Machines That Made The Night

Among the 17 majestic pinball machines present, a few stood out with their legacy:

Texas’s Pinball Legends

Amidst the secrecy of the event, one thing remains transparent: Texas’s Top 10 Pinball Maestros:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands490
2Garrett ShahanDenton442.76
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station320.83
5Lee BalusekConroe254.5
6Fred RevnewThe Woodlands248.59
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi246.12
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio223.13
9Gilbert HerreraSan Antonio211.3
10Kevin RodriguezDenton206.72

Until Next Time…

Though the venue remains a secret, the passion and skill of these pinball enthusiasts are undeniable. As the night faded and the flippers rested, the world was left with tales of a thrilling tournament somewhere in Texas. One can only hope Ray Ford will drop us a hint about the next location. Stay tuned for more updates from the mysterious world of pinball!