Under the twinkling lights of pinball machines, enthusiasts gathered at Low’s Sound Lab in Houston on the evening of September 27th, 2023. The pinball aficionados came together for the “Space City Pinball: Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level #3” tournament, promising an evening of thrill, strategies, and of course, the sweet sound of the silver ball bouncing off bumpers.
An Electric Atmosphere
While the exact decor and ambiance details of Low’s Sound Lab remain a mystery (as the location is undisclosed), the energy and passion of the participants filled the space with excitement. The echoing sounds of pinball machines, laughter, and occasional groans of a missed shot created a symphony unique to such events.
One For The Records
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment of the tournament was during the first round on the AC/DC (Pro) machine. A machine known for its challenging play and thunderous soundtracks saw a game that lasted an unbelievable 62 minutes! As the iconic lyric goes, “Thunderstruck!” And indeed, the audience was. Dawn Hayes, with her focused gameplay, secured the top spot, leaving Elizabeth Dronet, Maritza Chirichigno, and Dawn Freedkin “shaking at the knees” as they secured the following places respectively. It’s games like these that become the stuff of legends in the pinball community.
Champions of the Night
While every player showcased commendable skill, a few stood out and earned the top spots:
- 1st: Emily Hoffman with an impressive IFPA rank of 2775.
- 2nd: Space City’s own, Elizabeth Dronet.
- 3rd: Gina Low, proving that she’s not just any player with her rank of 2569.
- 4th: The talented Leslie Speights.
A Night of Machines
The evening was graced by 19 iconic pinball machines, with a few worth a special mention:
- “Pool Sharks” by Bally, a dive into the 1990s.
- “Jurassic Park” by Data East, a dino-filled adventure from 1993.
- The recently released “Godzilla (Premium/LE)” by Stern from 2021.
- “Doctor Who” by Bally, a time-traveling journey from 1992.
- The rock-themed “AC/DC (Pro)” by Stern, the star of the night.
- “Foo Fighters (Pro)” by Stern, a recent 2023 hit bringing rock and pinball together.
- “James Bond 007 (Pro)” by Stern, a dive into the world of espionage from 2022.
Top Players in Texas
Pinball isn’t just a game; it’s a sport with its own stars. A look at the current Texas Pinball Top 10 reveals some familiar and some rising names:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 501.14 |
| 2 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 442.72 |
| 3 | Phil Grimaldi | Houston | 338.48 |
| 4 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 327.55 |
| 5 | Fred Revnew | The Woodlands | 255.08 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 254.5 |
| 7 | Brian Krivonak | Corpus Christi | 246.12 |
| 8 | Collier Whitefield | San Antonio | 227.24 |
| 9 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 212.67 |
| 10 | Kevin Rodriguez | Denton | 210.54 |
As the lights dimmed on another successful tournament, one thing was clear: The passion for pinball is alive and thriving. We can’t wait for the next gathering of pinball wizards. Stay with us for more news, tricks, and flicks from the vibrant world of pinball!