Pinball Fever Hits Oregon: A Throwback at Next Level Pinball Museum!

Amidst overcast skies and a pleasant 60°F temperature, pinball enthusiasts descended upon the iconic Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro, Oregon, on September 29, 2023. The lure? The Max Match Play at Next Level pinball tournament, a spectacle of lights, flippers, and of course, the pursuit of that elusive high score.

Rolling Through Time at Next Level

Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum isn’t just a venue; it’s a time capsule. With a vast collection of games and pop culture memorabilia, it transports players and visitors alike to a bygone era. And it’s not just the pinball aficionados that love it here. With a unique pay-once-play-all model and the freedom to bring in food and non-alcoholic drinks, it’s an arcade paradise where everyone – gamer or not – can have a fantastic time.

Vintage Vibes with Modern Twists

The machines at the tournament were a perfect blend of old-school classics and new-age marvels:

  • Whirlwind by Williams: Where Mother Nature meets pinball!
  • Houdini: Master of Mystery by American Pinball: A magical escape into the world of the famous illusionist.
  • The Beatles by Stern: A melodic journey with the Fab Four.
  • Lost World by Bally: A prehistoric adventure in a world where dinosaurs ruled.
  • The Munsters (LE) by Stern: A monstrous good time with Herman, Lily, and the gang!

Special mention goes to Bad Cats by Williams, a 1989 classic that had everyone’s tails wagging, and Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) by Stern, which saw the longest games at around 15 minutes a pop!

Battle of the Pinball Wizards

With 13 games for each player and 14 contenders in the fray, the competition was fierce. Here’s a tip o’ the hat to our top performers:

  1. Jeff Monroe: Cruising to the top with 6 wins and a wealth of experience from 145 IFPA events.
  2. Derek Jennings: With a single win more but a slightly lower rank, he proved his mettle.
  3. Thomas Urban: Another 6-win maestro, showcasing his skills honed over 285 IFPA events.
  4. Joseph Rembecki: An underdog story if there ever was one; no prior IFPA events, yet making it to the top four!

The Best in Oregon: Pinball Prodigies

Presenting the creme de la creme of Oregon’s pinball scene:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Mathew PetersonPortland218.49
2Ken MartinCoatsville217.17
3Dana ValatkaPortland192.57
4Colin UrbanPortland173.51
5Daniel RonePortland156.86
6Erik GraciosaPortland155.45
7Matt WaltonEugene153.35
8James AdamsonPortland120
9Paul RobertsonPortland109.32
10Adam JonesEugene106.67

Pinball: More Than Just A Game

With the echoes of pinball bells still ringing, another phenomenal event at Next Level came to a close. Whether it’s the thrill of the game, the camaraderie among players, or the sheer nostalgia of it all, pinball continues to enthrall.

Oregon, keep those flippers ready and eyes peeled; the silver ball will be back soon for more!

Flippin’ Friday Extravaganza: Pinball Prowess on Display at District 82

As the golden hue of the evening sun danced on a clear sky, pinball enthusiasts gathered for the much-anticipated Flippin’ Friday 9/29 Qualify tournament. The venue? The iconic District 82 Pinball Arcade in De Pere, WI. A place where memories are made with every flipper hit and every bumper bounce.

Setting the Scene

On September 29, 2023, at 6:00 PM sharp, the first ball was launched. 29 players, 4 rounds, and a passion for pinball that could be felt in the air, partly charged by the balmy 68°F weather. Over the next 2 hours and a half hours, strategies were employed, rivalries forged, and pinballs ricocheted, all under the masterful organization of Erik Thoren.

Jungle Lord’s Wild Reign

In a standout game during the 4th round, players took on the challenge of the classic Jungle Lord by Williams. With an impressive rating of 8/10, Jungle Lord is a solid state electronic machine that dates back to February 1981. With a production run of 6,000 units, this fantasy-themed gem showcases the brilliance of designer Barry Oursler and the artistic flair of Constantino and Jeanine Mitchell.

What makes Jungle Lord particularly notable? Its gameplay is enriched with features like four flippers, various drop target banks, two kick-out holes, and the distinctive Magna-Save. Perhaps its most enchanting feature is the mini-bagatelle located in the upper playfield, which releases a ball every time one lands in the kick-out hole.

Adam VanDynHoven, hailing from Appleton Wi, showcased his skills on this captivating machine, snatching the top spot and leaving Michael Reiman, Peter Goeben, and the very director of the tournament, Erik Thoren, trailing behind.

And The Pinball Kings Are…

  1. Andrew Kasten: With a dynamic gameplay style that left audiences in awe.
  2. Tom Graf: The enigma from “PARTS UNKNOWN”, always consistent in his performance.
  3. Matt McCarty: A seasoned player with a flair for the dramatic.
  4. Adam VanDynHoven: The hero from the Jungle Lord round, proving he’s not just a one-game wonder.

Arcade Acclaims

District 82 boasted an astounding lineup of 116 pinball machines for the event. Highlights included the nostalgic Lost World by Bally, the speed-fueled Corvette, and the monstrous Monster Bash (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming. Not to be overlooked were the intricate Ghostbusters (Premium) and the space saga of Star Wars by Data East.

A Love Letter to District 82

Words from a devoted fan capture the essence of District 82: “I couldn’t love and recommend this place more… Seriously though, I fly from NC several times a year to come here… D82 I love you!!!”

Wisconsin’s Best in Pinball:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Luke NahorniakLonsdale1265.27
2Jared AugustWest Bloomfield Township1165.19
3Neil GrafAppleton1143.62
4Escher Lefkoff1050.04
5Steven BowdenPalatine998.73
6Erik ThorenDe Pere741.01
7Jason WerdrickPark Ridge737.43
8Zach McCarthyConifer737.24
9David DalugaMilwaukee728.58
10Jordan Dechaine683.85

From ricocheting balls to roaring applause, from masterful moves to near misses, the Flippin’ Friday tournament was an ode to the love of pinball. Until the next game, keep those flippers ready and stay tuned for more from the realm of pinball!