The Time-Defying Duel at SFPD Fall 2023: A Night Where Every Flipper Counted

At the strike of 7:30 PM on September 20, 2023, the pinball wizards of California convened at Free Gold Watch in San Francisco for a night of electrifying competition. Organized by the San Francisco Pinball Department, the SFPD Fall 2023 #4 tournament had all the makings of a legendary showdown, complete with a game that lasted longer than time itself.

A Timeless Venue

First, let’s talk about the venue. Free Gold Watch has a name that sounds like a secret society for time travelers, and it felt just like that. Imagine walking into a space where every flick of a pinball flipper seems to slow down time. It’s a pinball parlor that doubles as a date spot, ideal for lovebirds who’d rather bond over a high score than a candlelit dinner.

The Longest Game in SFPD History

Black Knight: Sword of Rage, a Stern pinball machine from 2019, was the real star of the evening. As though caught in a time warp, the game extended to a mind-boggling 145 minutes. Now, if you’re a math wizard, you’ll notice that’s longer than the entire tournament (which lasted 139 minutes). How does that happen? Only in the realm of pinball, my friends.

It was Guest Amy Martin, an unranked player, who claimed first place in this never-ending battle, putting seasoned players to shame. Following her were Jose Godinez (IFPA rank 2827), Zac Wollons (IFPA rank 173), and Josh Lehan (IFPA rank 1059).

Pinball Titans & Their Machines

The event featured an impressive array of 62 pinball machines, but a few stood out in particular:

Winners Take It All

The overall winner was none other than Jared Garvey from Berkeley, CA, closely followed by Gabe Da Silveira from Oakland and Andrei Massenkoff from San Francisco. Eric Wagensonner rounded out the top four, proving that the city’s local pinball scene is a force to be reckoned with.

California Dreamin’

Here’s a quick look at the IFPA’s current California Top 10 Standings to give you an idea of the fierce competition:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Tim HansenSunnyvale538.96
2Raymond AshbyLos Angeles518.08
3Gabe Da SilveiraOakland462.95
4Scott MaciasGlendora456.81
5Nic SteinDavis418.14
6Andrei MassenkoffSan Francisco415.03
7Escher Lefkoff–411.53
8Keith ElwinCarlsbad409.63
9Johnny ModicaHacienda Heights401.79
10Leslie Ruckman–360.98

A Night to Remember

In a city known for its eccentricities, the SFPD Fall 2023 #4 pinball tournament did not disappoint. From time-defying games to rookie upsets, this was one for the books.

Keep flipping those flippers and stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!

Punk Rock Meets Pinball: The Untold Story of Week 12’s Electric Showdown

Picture this: the sun sets over Mesa, Arizona, the desert heat starts to subside, and the B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade lights flicker on, signaling the start of an underground revolution. But instead of mosh pits and guitars, the stars of the show are pinball flippers and bumpers. Yes, it’s the Punk Rock Pinball Tournament Week 12, and if you think pinball can’t rock, well, buddy, you haven’t been to a tournament organized by Matt Trethewey.

The Tournament Where Everyone Was a Rockstar

As the clock hit 6:30 PM, 13 players stepped into the proverbial ring, going head-to-head in 10 frenzied games each. For an electrifying 2 hours and 25 minutes, participants were not just competing against each other but also racing against the clock. It was raw, it was intense, and it was most definitely punk rock.

X-Men Magneto (LE) Takes the Stage

Even in a sea of high-speed, intense games, X-Men Magneto (LE) by Stern stood out, becoming the undisputed fan-favorite with nine games played. The machine had participants hooked with its magnetic features (pun totally intended), challenging them to bring their A-game. Following closely behind was Whirlwind by Williams, with the longest average game duration at around 10 minutes, making it the “Stairway to Heaven” of pinball games for the night.

An Unexpected Win for the Underdog

The winner of the night was none other than Jeff Wegener, who boasts an IFPA ranking of 4163 and has only participated in eight IFPA events. Despite his rookie status, he racked up 5 wins, showing that even in the world of pinball, punk rock’s underdog ethos is alive and well.

A Vibrant Venue with a Twist

If you’re wondering about the venue, let’s just say B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade is a true pinball haven. But it’s not just the games that have people talking; it’s the ales and the atmosphere. With a variety of beers and an open policy on outside food, it’s a venue that offers a complete experience. And if you’re in the mood to mix it up, there’s always downtown Mesa just a flipper’s flick away.

Arizona’s Pinball Elite

Just to set the scene a little more, here’s a snapshot of Arizona’s Pinball Top 10:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau671.68
2Mark PearsonPhoenix588.17
3John ShoppleMesa569.41
4John MagyarGilbert351.79
5Kevan CarterTempe320.85
6Jason BarreMesa312.19
7Adam HortonPhoenix310.26
8Paul BlancoChandler305.5
9Joey RioSurprise282.01
10Walter donyPhoenix280.57

For all the pinball aficionados out there, it’s worth mentioning that Jim Smith AZ, with an IFPA rank of 455 and 452 total IFPA events, couldn’t break past 4th place. It just goes to show, in the world of punk rock pinball, anything can happen.

In true punk rock fashion, the night was a testament to the spirit of fun, competitiveness, and community that lives in the heart of pinball culture. And if this is how Week 12 went down, just imagine what future weeks hold. So, stay tuned for more updates from the electrifying world of pinball.

The Sisterhood of Skill Shots: Inside the Space City Pinball: Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level #2

In the heart of Texas, specifically at Low’s Sound Lab in Houston, 21 women stood with laser focus, poised to take on the flippers and become pinball goddesses of the Space City. Welcome to the second installment of the “Space City Pinball: Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level,” an enchanting night of pinball where flair met skill.

When Time Stood Still at Cactus Canyon

In Round 1, the atmosphere reached peak intensity when the players huddled around Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming. The game stretched on for an eye-popping 69 minutes. Imagine the determination and intense concentration that went into each flipper shot! Summer Ellington, a newcomer with an unranked IFPA status, astonished everyone by taking first place. Following her were Miette Dronet, Liz Nebeker, and Elizabeth Dronet, seasoned players who surely felt the heat of the newcomer’s zeal.

The Cream of the Crop

The end of the tournament heralded a new sisterhood of pinball champions:

  1. Dawn Hayes – IFPA rank 5250, yet her play defied numbers as she snagged the top spot.
  2. Emily Hoffman – From Katy, TX, she showcased why she’s attended 126 IFPA events with a stellar second-place finish.
  3. Gina Low – Also from Katy, TX, Gina’s experience in 146 IFPA events shined through as she took third place.
  4. Miette Dronet – Her lengthy IFPA history (213 events) paid off as she rounded out the top four.

Pinball Machine Majesty

Low’s Sound Lab was practically a museum of pinball history, featuring 19 exquisite machines, each with its unique allure. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Diner by Williams: An old-school charm that still fascinates players to this day.
  • Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams: A voyage into space and strategic gameplay.
  • Jurassic Park by Data East: This dinosaur-themed wonder tested reflexes as well as nerves.
  • The Addams Family by Bally: The quirkiest family in pop culture got the pinball treatment it deserves.
  • Fish Tales by Williams: A serene yet cunning machine where angling met pinball.

Mysterious Vibes

We wish we could reveal more about the atmosphere inside Low’s Sound Lab, but for now, it remains an enigma, with Space City Pinball withholding the venue details on MatchPlay. One thing is clear, however: the secretive aura only adds to the allure.

Lone Star Pinball Maestros

To give you an idea of where this tournament fits into the broader picture, here are the latest IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands490
2Garrett ShahanDenton442.72
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station320.84
5Fred RevnewThe Woodlands255.09
6Lee BalusekConroe254.5
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi246.12
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio223.13
9Gilbert HerreraSan Antonio212.23
10Kevin RodriguezDenton210.55

It’s a wrap for now, but make no mistake: the women of the Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level are already aiming for the next high score. Until then, keep flipping and stay tuned for more updates from the incredible realm of pinball! 🌵🚀

Where the Underdogs Roar: A Night at Ball Busters Pinball League

Ah, the sweet clinking of pinballs against bumpers, the flashing lights, and that electric feeling you get when the machine erupts in a cacophony of sound as you unlock multiball—it’s the magic of pinball! The Ball Busters Pinball League returned for its 2023 Season #5 Week 3 at the much-revered Pinball Gallery in Malvern, Pennsylvania. And trust me, this one was for the books!

Quick Facts:

The event took place on September 20, 2023, starting at 6:30 PM. The gathering saw 17 pinball enthusiasts go flipper-to-flipper in five intense rounds. Our gracious host, Bill Disney, kept the event running smoothly, clocking in at just a minute shy of two hours. The weather? Let’s just say it was as clear as the players’ focus that night.

Spotlight on Batman 66

Ah, the caped crusader! No, I’m not talking about Batman; I’m talking about Ana Dult, an unranked underdog who swooped in and took the first place in a round on Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern. The other contenders, Charissa Wiley, Linda Slodki, and Kate Ocasio, also unranked, fought valiantly but had to settle for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively.

An Unusual Leaderboard

Now, here’s the kicker. Our winners’ podium featured names you won’t find in the Top 10 IFPA standings. Let’s give a massive shoutout to the champions:

  1. Ana Dult – Unranked but mighty, this was her 7th IFPA event. Can someone get her ranked, please?
  2. Jamme Thomas – A seasoned player who showcased his skills splendidly.
  3. Becky Kisling – Another unranked gem, making waves in her 12th IFPA event.
  4. Sherry Disney – She showed she’s nobody’s sidekick in pinball.

The Machines That Witnessed It All

The Pinball Gallery offered an impressive spread of 12 machines, making sure there was something for everyone. Here are some of the highlight machines of the night:

A Blast from the Past

The venue? A retro haven. It was like stepping into a time machine aimed squarely at the ’80s, complete with a plethora of games that would make anyone feel nostalgic. With a convenient location and the added bonus of an Asian grocery store next door, this spot had it all.

IFPA Pennsylvania Top 10

And just for perspective, here’s how the local champions line up:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Cryss Stephens180.56
2Jared SchmidtPittsburgh152.25
3Lewis BevansPittsburgh141.78
4Aleksander Kaczmarczyk136.81
5Stephen LeChesterbrook110.04
6Bob ChoatePhiladelphia98.16
7Matt GuslerPhiladelphia94.96
8Tony MakowskiLansdale78.75
9Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village74.72
10Jay Robinson70.23

See that? Not a single Top 10 IFPA player took the trophy this time. And that, my friends, is the beauty of pinball—anyone can be a hero for a night. So keep those flippers ready; we’ll be back with more pinball action soon!