Hidden Masters and Monster Bashes: A Night to Remember at Kitsap’s Amazing Race Finals

Overview

It felt like a meeting of a secret society—veiled in mystery and palpable excitement. On September 23, 2023, the clandestine Kitsap’s Amazing Race Finals – September unfolded in an undisclosed location in Washington. Orchestrated by the elusive Richard Godwin, this tournament was pinball’s answer to Fight Club, without the fighting but all the drama.

Monster Bash Madness

In a dimly lit corner, the Monster Bash (Remake) pinball machine stood like an old guardian of pinball lore. Donovan Haga, not to be taken lightly with an IFPA rank of 1573, claimed victory in the first round against Daniel Trobare, Richard Godwin, and the enigmatic Pinky Barney. It was the stuff of legends—or would be if legends were allowed to be told about this secret gathering.

And the Winners Are…

Let’s not beat around the bush. The victors of the night deserve their moment in the dim light:

  • 1st Place: Donovan Haga, from Bremerton, IFPA rank 1573
  • 2nd Place: Pinky Barney, IFPA rank 6726
  • 3rd Place: Richard Godwin, IFPA rank 2257
  • 4th Place: Daniel Trobare, IFPA rank 1825

Congratulations to these masters of the flippers!

Pinball Gallery

The tournament showcased a rich tapestry of pinball history. Among the 13 fascinating machines, five stood out:

We’d love to tell you about the venue, really, but it seems even the organizer Richard Godwin prefers to shroud it in mystery. If you were part of this secret society, you’d know. If not, better luck next time.

IFPA Washington Pinball Top 10 Standings

The night’s performances were contextualized beautifully by the IFPA Washington Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Germain MariolleRedmond625.96
2Lonnie LangfordSeattle533
3Richie TerrySeattle498.18
4Sean IrbySeattle469.73
5Jarrett GaddySeattle446.89
6David ChernicoffSeattle436.46
7Dave StewartCarnation399.99
8Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village364.84
9Neal JoslynBremerton364.69
10Zach McCarthyConifer325.28

In conclusion, Kitsap’s Amazing Race Finals was more than just a pinball tournament. It was a whispered legend, an underground sensation. And while the night may have been shrouded in secrecy, the dazzling skills displayed were impossible to hide.

Until the next whispered rendezvous, keep those flippers flipping, and may your pinball dreams be as mysterious and exciting as a hidden location.

Belles & Chimes Phoenix: Where Pinball Dreams Take Flight

A Desert Afternoon of Flicks, Flips, and Fantastic Pinball

When 20 top-tier pinball players assemble under the scorching Arizona sun, you can expect the competition to get fiery. The “Belles & Chimes Phoenix” tournament, organized by the pinball aficionado Tracy Lindbergh, kicked off at 1:00 PM on September 23, 2023, at an undisclosed Arizona location. For nearly 3 hours, these pinball wizards tested their mettle in a grueling 6-round showdown.

A Blackwater Battle for the Ages

Among the day’s highlights was an intense game in Round 2 featuring “Blackwater 100” by Bally, a table that debuted on March 1, 1988. Olivia Helm, ranked 931st in IFPA standings, took first place, fending off formidable opponents Diane Smith, Krisha Shufran, and Valerie Doucette. This face-off proved that when it comes to pinball, the thrill of the game transcends the machine itself.

The Champions of the Day

  • 🥇 Olivia Helm: Not only dominated “Blackwater 100” but also the tournament, boasting a total of 213 IFPA events under her belt.
  • 🥈 Stephanie Turner: A local from Chandler, AZ, with an IFPA rank of 1063, showcased her skills through consistent gameplay.
  • 🥉 Kathy Lovato: An emerging talent with a penchant for racking up points.
  • 🏅 Tracy Lindbergh: The woman behind the curtain, ranked 491 and the event’s organizer, made it to the top four. That’s multitasking at its finest!

The Tables that Talked

While “Blackwater 100” stole the spotlight, let’s not overlook the other magnificent machines that hosted our gladiators:

  1. Space Shuttle by Williams (1984) – A voyage into space minus the G-force.
  2. Stellar Wars by Williams (1979) – Your ticket to interstellar glory.
  3. Sorcerer by Williams (1985) – Where magic and pinball collide.
  4. Transporter the Rescue by Bally (1989) – A nostalgic trip back to late ’80s pop culture.
  5. Genesis by Gottlieb (1986) – Embark on a creation journey of points and combos.

IFPA Arizona’s Best

Before we wrap up, let’s look at the IFPA’s Arizona Top 10 to see how our competitors measure up:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau672.29
2Mark PearsonPhoenix588.59
3John ShoppleMesa570.07
4John MagyarGilbert352.81
5Kevan CarterTempe321.37
6Jason BarreMesa312.26
7Adam HortonPhoenix310.32
8Paul BlancoChandler306.33
9Joey RioSurprise282.01
10Walter donyPhoenix281.39

In the world of pinball, you are only as good as your last game, and for those who played in the Belles & Chimes Phoenix tournament, that last game was exceptional. We can’t wait to reveal the next undisclosed location where pinballs will fly and dreams will either be made or shattered.

Until then, keep flipping!

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

Pinball at the Bank 2023: A Tilt of Skill & Strategy

A Day of Flippers and Silver Balls

On a clear sky afternoon with temperatures grazing a comfortable 82°F, pinball enthusiasts congregated at the Bank of Pinball, Terre Haute. The clock struck 3 PM and the Pinball at the Bank 2023 tournament commenced. Tyler Becker, a well-known figure in the pinball community, had organized what turned out to be an almost 3-hour-long adrenaline rush. 23 competitors, 7 rounds, but only 8 would proceed to the finals.

The Thrones’ Decree

It was in Round 4 that the audience was treated to an edge-of-the-seat game on the Game Of Thrones (Pro) by Stern. Derek Vandevier displayed a masterclass, clinching the top spot, while Steve Rolsing, with his IFPA rank of 461, fiercely secured the second.

And the Pinball Maestros Are…

The dazzling array of lights and the rhythmic clinks marked the end of the tournament, revealing the grandmasters of pinball:

  • 1st: Tyler Becker (IFPA rank 301)
  • 2nd: Robert Trail (IFPA rank 4609)
  • 3rd: Mike Howard from St. Louis (IFPA rank 888)
  • 4th: John Miller MO (IFPA rank 164)
  • 5th: Derek Vandevier (IFPA rank 0)
  • 6th: Preston Surdo (IFPA rank 2134)
  • 7th: Steve Rolsing (IFPA rank 461)
  • 8th: Michael LaFrieda, the extraterrestrial enthusiast from Planet Earth (IFPA rank 1293)

Legacy in Machines

16 pinball machines, each with its own history and challenges, graced the venue. Among them, a few stood out:

Venue Vibes

The Bank of Pinball isn’t just about games; it’s about experiences. Whether you’re on a date or with friends, there’s something for everyone. And with the promise of unlimited games for a mere $10 post 8 PM on weekends, it’s a haven for night owls. Word to the wise, the Bank has now relocated across from the Ulta at the main entrance, making it even more accessible!

IFPA Indiana’s Top 10 Pinballers

The state of Indiana boasts some of the best pinball players. Here’s a look at the crème de la crème:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Andy DillMartinsville378.56
2Joshua FranklinFort Wayne349.34
3Ryan QuinnBluffton347.43
4Preston CurrieFishers225.31
5Austin DeventerFort Wayne207.56
6Scott ElliottColumbia City199.58
7Sydnee DeventerFort Wayne195.63
8Chris FogelFort Wayne178.93
9Mattison OgdenKendallville174.65
10Ryan DonohueIndianapolis171.38

As the sun set on Terre Haute, the pinball realm was abuzz with tales of epic games, close misses, and triumphant victories. Until the next tilt, keep those flippers flipping!

Battles and Ball-Saves: The Thrills of Pin-toberfest/Main Event!

Overview

There’s a unique sensation when the clash of pinballs echoes through a venue, a fusion of nostalgia and competition. On September 23, 2023, Englewood’s renowned 1up Greenwood arcade reverberated with that very sensation. Over the course of nearly 6 hours, 61 pinball aficionados faced off in the Pin-toberfest/Main Event!, meticulously organized by the pinball savant, Donavan Stepp.

Game of the Tournament: Deadpool (Pro)

In Round 6, a classic Deadpool (Pro) machine became the theater for a gripping battle. Chad Markham, sporting an impressive IFPA rank of 346, claimed the top spot. He was closely followed by Kevin McCarthy, Aaron Rito, and Emily Unruh. The tension around this game could’ve been sliced with a knife – or a katana.

Meet the Champions

Here are the superheroes of the day, whose pinball prowess made them the talk of Englewood:

  • 1st: Walt Wood (Englewood, CO, IFPA rank 37)
  • 2nd: Nathan Haas (IFPA rank 1439)
  • 3rd: Ryan Altermatt (IFPA rank 477)
  • 4th: Daniel Anderson (Englewood, CO, IFPA rank 1348)

Kudos to these pinball wizards for their masterful control and precision!

Pinball Showcase

Out of the 23 gleaming pinball machines present, several caught our attention:

1up Greenwood: More than Just an Arcade

With classic games like Super Mario and Mortal Kombat alongside a staggering collection of pinball machines, 1up Greenwood offers more than just games—it offers memories. The venue, although a bit snug, sets the perfect stage for a vibrant night out. And let’s not forget their tantalizing drinks to quench the thirst of battling competitors.

IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10 Standings

To give a wider context to the event, let’s take a look at the 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

That’s a wrap for the Pin-toberfest/Main Event! Pinball legends were born, and tales of epic comebacks and heartbreaking defeats will be shared until the next battle. We’ll be keeping an eye on these rising stars, and so should you.

Until next time, may your multi-balls be many, and your tilts be few!