Under a clear evening sky with temperatures hovering at a pleasant 72°F, Arcade Legacy Sharonville came alive. This wasn’t just another Thursday night. It was the Thursday Throwdown on September 14, 2023, where metal balls soared, flippers flipped, and legends were made.
Welcome to Arcade Legacy Sharonville
Nestled at 2241 Crowne Point Dr, Cincinnati, the venue was a haven for pinball aficionados. And for the uninitiated, here’s a quick glimpse: think of a relaxed lounge, chilled cocktails, and beer from the tap. Throw in a staff radiating warmth and a sprinkle of retro vibe. If the digital domain ever got too consuming, this would be your detox center. And tonight? The tournament was an added cherry on the top.
On The Tournament Trail
Organized by the astute Erik Wurtenberger, the tournament commenced at 7 PM. Players battled through 7 initial rounds, after which the top 8 moved onto the nail-biting Finals. With a game setup spanning classics like Harlem Globetrotters On Tour and Funhouse, to modern legends like Venom (Pro) and The Beatles, the evening promised – and delivered – electrifying showdowns.
That Sixty-Six Minute Saga
In what could be best described as a mini-epic, the semifinals saw a relentless duel on Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro). Clocking in at an astounding 66 minutes, the game had spectators at the edge of their seats (or, well, barstools). Jesse Baker triumphed, with Doug Kuykendoll, Trnon Lewis (pronoun: they), and Dalva Ireland trailing.
The Champions Rise
As the flippers stilled and scores settled, here were the evening’s pinball wizards:
- Doug Kuykendoll: Surprising all, especially with an IFPA rank of 2401.
- Jesse Baker: The semi-final victor who’s no stranger to the game.
- Justin Schnetzer: A quiet storm rising through the ranks.
- John Holliday: Proving that every day could indeed be a holiday with the right gameplay. … (And the list went on till the commendable 8th place holder, Dalva Ireland.)
Ohio’s Elite Pinball Players
A special shoutout to Ohio’s finest pinball maestros:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron RIch | 555.03 | |
| 2 | Stephen Prusa | Cleveland | 443.5 |
| 3 | Gregory Kennedy | Plain City | 385.1 |
| 4 | Carlos Delaserda | Columbus | 385.05 |
| 5 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 364.06 |
| 6 | Andrew Lee | Cleveland | 299.52 |
| 7 | Jesse Baker | Cincinnati | 276.29 |
| 8 | Galvin Morgan | Olmsted Falls | 272.15 |
| 9 | Cody Webb | Westerville | 253.02 |
| 10 | Rod Lawrence | Cleveland | 229.41 |
As The Night Ends…
While the Thursday Throwdown might have wrapped up, the legacy of that evening will be recounted for weeks to come. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, Arcade Legacy Sharonville promises a good time.
So, till the flippers flip again, keep those reflexes sharp and stay tuned for more pinball adventures!