Pinballs, Rivalries, and One Intense Game of Pool Sharks!

The hum of pinball machines, the twinkling of neon lights, and the adrenaline in the air. No, this isn’t a Las Vegas casino; it’s the LOWer Level #1 pinball tournament organized by Space City Pinball at Low’s Sound Lab in Houston, TX. Here’s a rundown of an unforgettable night of pinball passion!

Setting The Stage

The secrecy of the undisclosed location added a touch of mystique to the evening. With a generous 7+ hour run-time, 16 competitors took to their stations, ready to prove their mettle across 2 rounds and 3 games per round. The stakes? Glory, recognition, and the claim to being Houston’s top pinballer.

Drama on the “Pool Sharks” Table

Every tournament has its crown jewel moment, and this one came in the form of an intense battle on the Pool Sharks machine. Lasting an unbelievable 65 minutes, it had the crowd biting their nails, drinking copious amounts of beverages, and honestly wondering if they should have brought a sleeping bag. In the end, Gina Low emerged triumphant, followed closely by Miette Dronet, Emily Hoffman, and Dawn Freedkin. Kudos to all for enduring!

Machines of the Hour

Speaking of pinball machines, LOWer Level #1 boasted a collection to die for. The classic vibe of Diner met with the high-octane energy of The Getaway: High Speed II. The dark allure of Bram Stoker’s Dracula contrasted with the roaring beasts of Jurassic Park. The newly introduced James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern was another standout, offering a touch of suave sophistication to the mix.

The Triumph of Tactics

The night’s ultimate victors exhibited both skill and strategy. The surprise win came from Liz Nebeker, taking the crown with their strategic gameplay. Following them were Annabeth Dronet, Maritza Chirichigno, and Gina Low. A huge round of applause for their tenacity and unmatched pinball prowess!

Texas Top 10 Pinball Wizards

It wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the maestros of Texas pinball. Here’s a quick peek:

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 the Next Ball Drops

What a night! The LOWer Level #1 pinball tournament was a whirlwind of emotions, strategy, and some downright unbelievable pinball action. To all the competitors, audience, and of course, the iconic pinball machines, we tip our hats to you.

Keep those flippers flipping and see you at the next epic pinball showdown!

Punk Rock Pinball: Headbangs & Flippers

On September 13, 2023, just as the sun began its descent and the evening turned a balmy 90°F, the heart of Mesa, AZ pulsated with energy. The reason? The electrifying Punk Rock Pinball Tournament Week 11. An affair where pinballs rolled and punk rock souls soared.

B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade: Mesa’s Pinball Palace

Located at 213 W Main St, B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade wasn’t just another location. With tantalizing ales, guest taps, and the freedom to bring your food, the venue became a haven for pinball enthusiasts and punk rock fans. It wasn’t just a tournament; it was a party downtown Mesa style.

An Electrifying Pinball Face-Off

With 9 ardent players, the tournament unfurled a sextuple round robin, with 3 games simultaneously buzzing and blinking. Each player was geared to play 10 nerve-wracking games, making the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

The Battle of Balls and Bells

Amidst the array of 8 classic and contemporary machines, here’s a glimpse at some that stood out:

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern (2020): Players were taken back to sewers of New York, with this game boasting the longest average game duration of 12 minutes.
  • Whirlwind by Williams (1990): The darling of the evening with 8 games played. There’s nothing like the rush of chasing after those twisters!
  • The Walking Dead (Premium) by Stern (2015): For those with a knack for the undead.
  • Red & Ted’s Road Show by Williams (1994): A journey with the titular duo, this machine was an ode to adventure lovers.
  • Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Williams (1993): For participants with a bite for classic horror!

Pinball Punk Rockstars

The night crowned some true pinball maestros:

  1. Jim Smith AZ: Rising from the depths of Phoenix, AZ, he claimed the throne with 5 wins and an added twist of a 5-point adjustment.
  2. Nick Goegan: Hailing from Chandler, AZ, he also bagged 5 wins, a phoenix rising in the pinball world.
  3. Geoff Bennett: A newbie in the scene with only 3 IFPA events, yet he stood tall with 5 wins. Watch out for this one!
  4. Mahina Hayashi: With her spirited gameplay, she clinched the fourth spot with 4 wins, marking her third IFPA event.

Arizona’s Pinball Prestige

Here’s a look at the crème de la crème of Arizona’s pinball players:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau660.87
2Mark PearsonPhoenix588.61
3John ShoppleMesa570.08
4John MagyarGilbert352.83
5Kevan CarterTempe321.39
6Jason BarreMesa312.27
7Adam HortonPhoenix307.65
8Paul BlancoChandler306.34
9Joey RioSurprise282
10Walter DonyPhoenix281.41

Rolling To The Future

While the echoes of the flippers might have faded, the spirit of Punk Rock Pinball remains eternal. As pinballs ricocheted and points racked up, downtown Mesa once again proved its mettle as a hotspot for pinball aficionados.

Keep those eyes peeled and flippers ready for more updates from the pinball world!

Ball Busters & Bond: A Pinball Night to Remember

The stars aligned on September 13, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the world of pinball, bringing together the crème de la crème of players for a captivating event – The Ball Busters Pinball League – 2023 Season #5 Week 2. Set against a clear sky with the temperature gently caressing at 76°F, Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA became the battleground for an evening of flippers, bumpers, and unadulterated fun!

James Bond and the League of Novices

Round 1 opened with a cinematic twist, setting the stage on the recently released James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern. The game, younger than a year, showcased an unexpected tableau – Ana Dult, Becky Kisling, Linda Slodki, and Kathy Furlong. With each player yet to secure an IFPA rank, it was the wild west, and any novice could emerge as the sharpshooter. The surprise? Ana Dult took the top spot in a fierce bout that kept spectators on their toes.

Machines that Made the Night

While the league had 10 glittering machines, here are five that deserve a spotlight:

Unsung Heroines of the Night

While the James Bond machine saw novices shine, the overall winners were seasoned players.

  1. Kim Smith – Holding an IFPA rank of 4987, her record of 71 IFPA events showcased her seasoned approach.
  2. Terri Morton – With a rank of 2496 and 107 IFPA events under her belt, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
  3. Jennifer Gold – Even with fewer events (25), Jennifer’s gameplay shone bright.
  4. Emilia Choate – IFPA rank 4680 with a whopping 148 IFPA events! Emilia’s flair and skill were palpable.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Powerhouses

Pennsylvania’s pinball prowess isn’t just restricted to this one evening. Here are the state’s top guns:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Cryss Stephens180.56
2Jared SchmidtPittsburgh152.25
3Lewis BevansPittsburgh141.78
4Aleksander Kaczmarczyk136.81
5Stephen LeChesterbrook109.02
6Bob ChoatePhiladelphia98.16
7Matt GuslerPhiladelphia94.96
8Tony MakowskiLansdale76.73
9Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village74.72
10Jay Robinson70.23

Pinball Gallery: The Gem of Malvern

For those unfamiliar with Pinball Gallery, it’s not just an arcade – it’s an experience. With a variety that caters to all ages and a pricing system that’s a steal, it’s no wonder a first-timer left with a sentiment, “So many fun games, and lots of great variety! Can’t wait to come back for more!!”

With another exhilarating evening in the annals of pinball history, the Ball Busters Pinball League left attendees and players eagerly awaiting the next. Until then, keep those flippers flippin’ and the silver ball zippin’!

“All Strikes and No Quarters” – The Tale of Colorado Pinball Pub Tournament 9/13

The Longest Night in Colorado Pinball History

It’s a brisk Wednesday evening on September 13, 2023, and something electric is in the air at the Colorado Pinball Pub in Littleton, CO. No, it’s not just the overcast sky or the buzz from the whiskey bar; it’s the unmistakable energy of a Basic Knockout Pinball Tournament, where 20 of Colorado’s finest players have gathered to go head-to-head in a battle for arcade supremacy.

An Epic Showdown on Godzilla (Premium)

Picture this: Round 9, the air gets a little thinner, and it’s Walt Wood IFPA rank 37, versus Marshall Weasel, IFPA rank 1876. The machine? “Godzilla (Premium)” by Stern, a table released just two years prior. Walt Wood executed a masterful strategy, securing first place and cementing their status as a local legend.

The Champions Crowned

  • 🥇 Walt Wood: A force to be reckoned with. A player who’s been to 245 IFPA events and ranked 37 globally.
  • 🥈 Marshall Weasel: Though not as experienced, Marshall’s gameplay in this tourney proves he’s a rising star.
  • 🥉 Kevin McCarthy: A veteran of 429 IFPA events, yet this time he had to settle for bronze.
  • 🏅 Laura Mitchell: A newcomer with a mere three IFPA events under her belt, Laura finished a respectable fourth place.

An Array of Arcade Marvels

The pinball aficionados were treated to a broad selection of machines, from vintage gems to the latest thrillers:

  1. Godzilla (Premium) by Stern: The newest machine on the block and undeniably a crowd-pleaser.
  2. Pirates of the Caribbean by Stern: A trip through treacherous waters.
  3. Iron Maiden by Stern: Taking it back to the ’80s!
  4. Star Wars (Premium) by Stern: An intergalactic showdown.
  5. Medieval Madness by Williams: A fantasy quest featuring jousts and jesters.

Whiskey and Quarters

No quarters were needed at the Colorado Pinball Pub, allowing players to seamlessly transition from one machine to the next. Oh, and the whiskey? Top-notch. Just what you need to get in the zone.

IFPA’s Colorado Top 10

How did our contenders line up in the larger context? Here are the IFPA’s current Top 10 players in Colorado:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Walt WoodEnglewood506.53
2Ryan AltermattDenver232.92
3Zach McCarthyConifer193.11
4Mark AbbottDenver122.02
5Lewis Ritenour120.7
6Donavan SteppLakewood110.68
7David Johnson COAurora110.54
8Mat BrundageDenver107.26
9Daniel AndersonEnglewood103.76
10Adam LefkoffBoulder95.67

So what did we learn from this 9-hour, 13-minute pinball extravaganza? That in the world of Colorado pinball, legends are made one flipper at a time.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball! 🌄