Ah, Chesterfield, MI – where the skies may be overcast, but the pinball sparks fly brighter than ever. On an evening with the cool air setting in at 64°F, 24 passionate players gathered for the Sparkeasy 9-8-23 pinball tournament. If you ever wondered what dedication looks like, it’s witnessing the event last just shy of 3 hours, with every game packed with suspense.
The Spectacle of Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the tournament, let’s talk about the venue. Sparks Pinball Museum is not your average arcade – it’s a time machine. The aura of the place is such that you can almost hear the echoes of decades past, mingling with the clinking and clanking of the present-day machines. What’s not to love about a place that serves history with a side of fun? For those new to the scene, it’s like a mini-museum where you can actually touch (and play) the exhibits!
The Machines That Made the Night
Now, onto the real stars of the show – the pinball machines. The Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams was an absolute crowd-puller, recording six games for the evening. But the one machine that caught everyone’s attention was the Halloween (Blood Sucker Edition) by Spooky Pinball. With an average game duration of 20 minutes, players were on the edge, fully immersed in the ghostly thrill it offered.
Special mention to Funhouse, Stars, and Red & Ted’s Road Show, which kept the old-school charm alive. And of course, the The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern, where the drama of Round 1 unfolded.
A Game to Remember
The confrontation in Round 1 on The Mandalorian was like the battle scenes from the series itself. Bill Mann took the lead, with Mike Stewart Jr. not far behind. Jeff Catenacci and Jimmy Piornack gave their best shots, with Jeff coming from Roseville, making his hometown proud.
The Titans of the Tournament
Aaron Grabowski’s success was one for the books. While having an IFPA rank of 5573, his 4 wins showcased pure skill. However, the surprise element was Mike Stewart Jr. With 7 wins under his belt, the player made quite the impression. And let’s not forget Bill Mann, Kevin Rowe, and the rest of the top 8, each bringing their A-game.
The Best in Michigan
Here’s a glimpse at the creme de la creme of Michigan’s pinball wizards:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sterling Mitoska | Brooklyn | 450.93 |
| 2 | Rodney Minch | Grand Rapids | 444.73 |
| 3 | Rick Knopik | Evansville | 376.76 |
| 4 | Matthew Stacks | Grand Rapids | 306.04 |
| 5 | Dominic Labella | Bay City | 296.28 |
| 6 | Alex Harmon | Spring Lake | 273.59 |
| 7 | Jason Humphrey | Jackson | 240.05 |
| 8 | Ethan Magnum | 237.89 | |
| 9 | Sean Burke | Waterford Township | 219.36 |
| 10 | Philip Salminen | Midland | 212.86 |
A whirlwind evening at Sparkeasy, full of twists, turns, and terrific gameplay! But, as they say in pinball – the game is never truly over. So, stay tuned for the next exciting update from the buzzing world of pinball!