Pinball Prowess on Display at North Mountain Brewing Co.’s September Showdown!

As September drew to a close, the North Mountain Brewing Company in Phoenix was abuzz with excitement. The venue, known for its craft beers and camaraderie, was about to host a showdown of a different kind: The North Mountain Brewing Co. September Pinball Tournament!

The Stage is Set

The sun bore down upon Phoenix with a toasty 94°F, but inside the Brewing Co., things were cooler in more ways than one. Beginning at 1:00 PM, the 4 hours and a half hour long contest saw 18 pinball wizards competing across 8 challenging rounds. Each round was a display of strategy, skill, and a touch of luck as players racked up points with every flip and tilt.

In the Pinball Limelight: Avengers Assemble!

The stand-out game of the tournament came in Round 8 on Stern’s Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium), released in October 2020. Dave Halley, with an impressive IFPA rank of 586, cinched first place, leaving Paul Blanco and John Finnegan in his wake. Tim Pomeroy bravely fought but found himself in the fourth spot.

And the Champions Are…

After an intense day filled with flippers, flashing lights, and fanaticism, the top players emerged:

  1. Will McKinney: A consistent performer, maintaining his winning streak.
  2. Mark Pearson: Always a formidable presence in any pinball contest.
  3. Dave Halley: Making a splash, especially after his spectacular Round 8 performance.
  4. Gavin Bowman: Demonstrating that rank is just a number when it comes to raw talent.

Legendary Machines

The brewery was lined with a total of 10 iconic pinball machines, each a testament to the evolution of the game. Highlights included the rocking Rush (Premium) by Stern, the spooky Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium), and the dino-packed Jurassic Park (Premium). Not to forget the classic hits of Metallica (Pro) and the brand-new Foo Fighters (Pro). Each table had its own charm, challenges, and cheers from the crowd.

The Venue Vibe

While the North Mountain Brewing Company’s website might provide a glimpse into its offerings, it truly must be experienced firsthand. From the bubbling vats of brewing beer to the whizzing sounds of the pinball machines, it’s a haven for both beer lovers and arcade aficionados.

The Cream of the Crop: IFPA Standings

As the tournament concluded, here’s how the top pinball players in Arizona stacked up:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland NadeauPhoenix671.64
2John ShoppleMesa592.14
3Mark PearsonPhoenix588.85
4Adam HortonPhoenix352.69
5John MagyarGilbert351.78
6Kevan CarterTempe320.85
7Jason BarreMesa312.19
8Paul BlancoChandler309.72
9Joey RioSurprise309.24
10Walter DonyPhoenix280.56

As the evening sun set over Phoenix, the North Mountain Brewing Co. returned to its usual hum of relaxed conversations and clinking glasses. But for those who attended, the memories of flippers flying, balls bouncing, and the sweet taste of victory (or defeat) would remain.

Keep those fingers nimble, and see you at the next showdown! For more pinball news and updates, keep it locked right here.

SCPL Classics Beat the Clock

Beneath the exhilarating hum of pinball machines and the synchronized bursts of light lay the scene of one of the most competitive pinball battles of the year: The SCPL Classics Beat the Clock. On September 30th, 2023, the Meuller Residence transformed into a battleground for pinball enthusiasts as 29 players clashed in a marathon event that stretched just short of 6 hours.

Historic Highlight: Team One

One moment that had everyone’s eyes riveted to the flippers was during the semifinals. The vintage gem, Team One by Gottlieb from 1977, became the stage for an epic showdown. Mike Flanagan hailing from Houston with an IFPA rank of 1342, took the lead with finesse and style. Greg Megan trailed, followed by David Pollock and Lisa Shore. The machine, over 45 years old, reminded everyone of the lasting allure and challenge of pinball, regardless of its age.

Pinnacle of Pinball Excellence

The culmination of the tournament witnessed strategic mastery and pinball dexterity. Jim Mueller, with an impressive IFPA rank of 360, emerged as the champion, with Tom Cornell and David Pollock capturing the second and third spots respectively. Mike Flanagan, the star from the semifinals, secured the fourth position. Each of these players demonstrated remarkable skills and a deep understanding of the game, captivating the audience with every flick, tilt, and bumper hit.

A Glimpse into Pinball Legacy

The tournament showcased a total of 12 pinball machines, but some deserved a special spotlight. Team One‘s legacy was evident, but other machines like Alien Poker, Flash Gordon, Jungle Princess, and Paragon presented an equally nostalgic experience. Machines like Hotdoggin’ and King Kool transported players back in time, emphasizing the rich history and evolution of pinball.

Texas Titans: IFPA Standings

The tournament not only brought enthusiasts together but also shook the IFPA Texas Pinball standings a bit. Here’s how the top players are positioned:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands501.1
2Garrett ShahanDenton442.74
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station327.53
5Fred RevnewThe Woodlands255.07
6Lee BalusekConroe254.5
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi246.12
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio227.23
9Kevin RodriguezDenton223.02
10Jim MuellerHouston222.34

In the realm of pinball, the buzz never dies down. As the balls shoot up and players take on the machines, each tournament writes a new chapter in the book of pinball glory. Stay tuned for more pinball pandemonium!