The stars aligned on September 13, 2023, at 6:30 PM in the world of pinball, bringing together the crème de la crème of players for a captivating event – The Ball Busters Pinball League – 2023 Season #5 Week 2. Set against a clear sky with the temperature gently caressing at 76°F, Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA became the battleground for an evening of flippers, bumpers, and unadulterated fun!
James Bond and the League of Novices
Round 1 opened with a cinematic twist, setting the stage on the recently released James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern. The game, younger than a year, showcased an unexpected tableau – Ana Dult, Becky Kisling, Linda Slodki, and Kathy Furlong. With each player yet to secure an IFPA rank, it was the wild west, and any novice could emerge as the sharpshooter. The surprise? Ana Dult took the top spot in a fierce bout that kept spectators on their toes.
Machines that Made the Night
While the league had 10 glittering machines, here are five that deserve a spotlight:
- Legends of Valhalla (Deluxe) – A recent classic from 2021 by American Pinball.
- El Dorado City of Gold – A touch of the ’80s, released in 1984 by Gottlieb.
- James Bond 007 (Premium) – The star of the evening by Stern.
- KISS (Premium) – A musical journey from 2015 by Stern.
- Joker Poker – This 1978 classic by Gottlieb still brings the charm.
Unsung Heroines of the Night
While the James Bond machine saw novices shine, the overall winners were seasoned players.
- Kim Smith – Holding an IFPA rank of 4987, her record of 71 IFPA events showcased her seasoned approach.
- Terri Morton – With a rank of 2496 and 107 IFPA events under her belt, she’s a force to be reckoned with.
- Jennifer Gold – Even with fewer events (25), Jennifer’s gameplay shone bright.
- Emilia Choate – IFPA rank 4680 with a whopping 148 IFPA events! Emilia’s flair and skill were palpable.
Pennsylvania’s Pinball Powerhouses
Pennsylvania’s pinball prowess isn’t just restricted to this one evening. Here are the state’s top guns:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cryss Stephens | 180.56 | |
| 2 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 152.25 |
| 3 | Lewis Bevans | Pittsburgh | 141.78 |
| 4 | Aleksander Kaczmarczyk | 136.81 | |
| 5 | Stephen Le | Chesterbrook | 109.02 |
| 6 | Bob Choate | Philadelphia | 98.16 |
| 7 | Matt Gusler | Philadelphia | 94.96 |
| 8 | Tony Makowski | Lansdale | 76.73 |
| 9 | Raymond Davidson | Elk Grove Village | 74.72 |
| 10 | Jay Robinson | 70.23 |
Pinball Gallery: The Gem of Malvern
For those unfamiliar with Pinball Gallery, it’s not just an arcade – it’s an experience. With a variety that caters to all ages and a pricing system that’s a steal, it’s no wonder a first-timer left with a sentiment, “So many fun games, and lots of great variety! Can’t wait to come back for more!!”
With another exhilarating evening in the annals of pinball history, the Ball Busters Pinball League left attendees and players eagerly awaiting the next. Until then, keep those flippers flippin’ and the silver ball zippin’!