Underneath the broken clouds and a pleasantly even 76°F, on September 09, 2023, pinball enthusiasts converged at a rather unlikely venue – West County Lanes in Ellisville, MO. This wasn’t about strikes, spares, or turkeys. Instead, it was about flippers, bumpers, and that illustrious high score.
West County Lanes: More Than Just Bowling 🎳
It might be easy to dismiss West County Lanes as just another local bowling alley, but you’d be missing out on its 80’s styled arcade🕹 and the pinball bar room🍻. A retreat for some low-key fun and perhaps a hint of nostalgia for the older gamers. The neon lights of the pinball machines stood in stark contrast to the wood of the bowling lanes. Families and friends cheered, not just for strikes but for every saved ball and target hit.
The Game Plan
Organized by the ever-efficient Dean Huber, the WCP Second Saturday Stern Army Tournament was no amateur hour. With 6 rounds, 10 players, and groups of four, the strategy was simple but the competition fierce. Earn those points, and earn them fast!
Heroes, Monsters, and Outer Space: The Pinball Machines
With a lineup of 10 machines, let’s thrust the spotlight on some that truly dazzled:
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: Taking players to the eerie town of Hawkins.
- Deadpool (Pro) by Stern: Where humor meets some seriously good pinball action.
- Rush (LE) by Stern: A rhythmic journey with the legendary band.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern: The standout game of the tournament took place here in Round 5.
- The Mandalorian (LE) by Stern: Baby Yoda and pinball? Yes, please!
A Game Worth Every Flip: Round 5 Spotlight
On Jurassic Park (Premium), players showcased some dino-sized skills. Dave Rush from BALLWIN, MO, snagged the top spot, followed closely by Zach Pilger and Steve Smith IL. The talented Haley Huber from Ballwin MO wrapped up the round in fourth place.
Pinball Champions of the Day
A round of applause for the pinball wizards:
- Steve Smith IL: With a notable IFPA rank of 1162, he emerged on top.
- Carrie Gaines: A rising star with an IFPA rank of 11251.
- Dave Rush: The dino-tamer from BALLWIN, MO.
- Haley Huber: Consistency and skill got her the fourth spot.
Missouri’s Best Pinballers
Here’s a look at the IFPA Missouri Pinball Top 10:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Miller MO | St. Louis | 305.52 |
| 2 | Kendell Holder | St. Louis | 214.18 |
| 3 | Brennan Sullivan | St. Louis | 196.53 |
| 4 | Adam McKinnie | Columbia | 185.92 |
| 5 | Steve Rolsing | St. Louis | 169.11 |
| 6 | Chris Ward | St. Louis | 165.23 |
| 7 | Jacob Fischer | St. Louis | 155.66 |
| 8 | Carleton Plourde | St. Louis | 120.36 |
| 9 | Mike Howard | St. Louis | 119.67 |
| 10 | Travis Murie | Oklahoma City | 117.02 |
Till The Next Ball Drops
As the flippers rested and the neon lights dimmed, the tournament came to an end. But in the hearts of the players and the audience, the memories of the day would continue to twinkle. Ellisville, you’ve been grand!
For more pinball showdowns and updates, keep those flippers ready and stay tuned!