An Evening at Sparkeasy: Pinballs, Players, and Pure Excitement!

Ah, Chesterfield, MI – where the skies may be overcast, but the pinball sparks fly brighter than ever. On an evening with the cool air setting in at 64°F, 24 passionate players gathered for the Sparkeasy 9-8-23 pinball tournament. If you ever wondered what dedication looks like, it’s witnessing the event last just shy of 3 hours, with every game packed with suspense.

The Spectacle of Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the tournament, let’s talk about the venue. Sparks Pinball Museum is not your average arcade – it’s a time machine. The aura of the place is such that you can almost hear the echoes of decades past, mingling with the clinking and clanking of the present-day machines. What’s not to love about a place that serves history with a side of fun? For those new to the scene, it’s like a mini-museum where you can actually touch (and play) the exhibits!

The Machines That Made the Night

Now, onto the real stars of the show – the pinball machines. The Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams was an absolute crowd-puller, recording six games for the evening. But the one machine that caught everyone’s attention was the Halloween (Blood Sucker Edition) by Spooky Pinball. With an average game duration of 20 minutes, players were on the edge, fully immersed in the ghostly thrill it offered.

Special mention to Funhouse, Stars, and Red & Ted’s Road Show, which kept the old-school charm alive. And of course, the The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern, where the drama of Round 1 unfolded.

A Game to Remember

The confrontation in Round 1 on The Mandalorian was like the battle scenes from the series itself. Bill Mann took the lead, with Mike Stewart Jr. not far behind. Jeff Catenacci and Jimmy Piornack gave their best shots, with Jeff coming from Roseville, making his hometown proud.

The Titans of the Tournament

Aaron Grabowski’s success was one for the books. While having an IFPA rank of 5573, his 4 wins showcased pure skill. However, the surprise element was Mike Stewart Jr. With 7 wins under his belt, the player made quite the impression. And let’s not forget Bill Mann, Kevin Rowe, and the rest of the top 8, each bringing their A-game.

The Best in Michigan

Here’s a glimpse at the creme de la creme of Michigan’s pinball wizards:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Sterling MitoskaBrooklyn450.93
2Rodney MinchGrand Rapids444.73
3Rick KnopikEvansville376.76
4Matthew StacksGrand Rapids306.04
5Dominic LabellaBay City296.28
6Alex HarmonSpring Lake273.59
7Jason HumphreyJackson240.05
8Ethan Magnum237.89
9Sean BurkeWaterford Township219.36
10Philip SalminenMidland212.86

A whirlwind evening at Sparkeasy, full of twists, turns, and terrific gameplay! But, as they say in pinball – the game is never truly over. So, stay tuned for the next exciting update from the buzzing world of pinball!

Flippin’ Through History at District 82: A Pinball Showdown to Remember!

In the crisp, autumnal air of De Pere, WI, under a clear sky, pinball enthusiasts from far and wide congregated at District 82 Pinball for the Flippin’ Friday Sept 8th tournament. The scent of nostalgia was palpable as players, surrounded by meticulously maintained machines spanning decades, prepped for an intense 7 hours and 31 minutes of pure, unadulterated pinball action.

Tournament Overview:

The clock struck 18:00, and the tournament was in full swing. Organized by the maestro of pinball tournaments, Erik Thoren, the evening was destined for greatness. With 37 contenders vying for the top spot across 4 rounds of 2 games each, the strategy was simple – outscore, outperform, and outlast your opponents. But as we’ve learned from history, execution is always harder than planning.

Game Spotlight:

One of the most thrilling matches took place on a true pinball classic – the Lost World by Bally, dated back to August 1978. Emerging from the midst of pinball warfare were our top contenders: Brian Leuthner clinching the top spot followed closely by Ryan Hacker. Tom Graf, our enigmatic player from PARTS UNKNOWN (and seriously, where is that?) took the third place, while Scott Landowski completed the quartet.

Ruling the Roster:

The final drum roll heralded our champions:

  1. The local hero, Brian Leuthner, ranked 249 in the IFPA.
  2. Tim Petitjean, showcasing his seasoned experience, took the second spot.
  3. Holden Milanowski, the gem from Combined Locks, WI, ranked 3rd.
  4. Not to be outdone, the man behind the evening, Erik Thoren, showcased his prowess by clinching the 4th position.

A Time Machine of Pinball Machines:

District 82’s repertoire is nothing short of a museum, with 116 pinball machines that recount the tales of yesteryears. Among the legends:

The Heartbeat of the Venue:

District 82 website is not your everyday arcade; it’s a time capsule. With tables set for tournament play, it’s a paradise for the pros and a challenge for the intermediates, ensuring everyone has something to take away. The machines are pristine, the ambiance is top-notch (a perfect 5 stars!), but here’s a note: they’re strict about their settings. So, for the casual visitor hoping for an easy play, brace for a challenge! The essence of District 82 lies in its dedication to tournaments, a commitment you’ll appreciate on every visit.

The IFPA Wisconsin Whizzes:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Luke NahorniakLonsdale1265.37
2Jared AugustWest Bloomfield Township1165.25
3Neil GrafAppleton1143.65
4Escher Lefkoff1050.09
5Steven BowdenPalatine998.83
6Jason WerdrickPark Ridge737.47
7Zach McCarthyConifer737.28
8Erik ThorenDe Pere732.17
9David DalugaMilwaukee691.14
10Jordan Dechaine683.91

As the flippers rest and the lights dim at District 82, the memories of this pinball showdown will remain vivid for a long time. Can’t wait to see what’s next in store! Stay plugged into the pinball world with us.