In the gentle embrace of a few clouds and a soothing 80°F temperature, Roscoe, Illinois, wasn’t just about the weather on September 10, 2023. Inside Louie’s Tap House, the real storm was raging. The Stern Army-Louie’s Silverball Sunday Monthly- September Tournament was in full swing. Over 10 hours of intense pinball action, thrills, and some epic rivalries.
Louie’s: More Than Just A Tap House
Louie’s Tap House is an interesting amalgamation of craft beers, a culinary delight, and, of course, pinball. If you had apprehensions about the pricing, let the Buffalo chicken macaroni, and cheese with a side of cheese curds quell them. While your taste buds dance in glee, your fingers can get busy with a stunning array of pinball machines. A paradise for both gourmets and gamers.
The Longest Game: A Saga on ‘Big Game’
The day’s spotlight was stolen by a 137-minute-long game on Big Game by Stern, a gem from 1980. It’s the kind of game duration that could be mistaken for a full-length movie. But no, this was Tom Menge, David Slaymaker, Vinnie Bologna, and Emily Anderson engrossed in a timeless pinball duel.
The Fabulous Machines of the Day
While Big Game had its epic, other pinball machines were no less the stars. The venomous charm of Venom (Pro) by Stern, the spooky yet delightful Scooby-Doo (CE) by Spooky Pinball, the debonair charisma of James Bond 007 (Premium), and the rock anthems blaring from Foo Fighters (Premium) kept players and spectators alike enthralled.
Champions of The Day
Tom Menge, the organizer, was not only great behind the scenes but also in front of the pinball machine. He secured first place, showing his prowess in both organization and gameplay. Followed by David Slaymaker from Rockford, Vinnie Bologna, and Emily Anderson from Peosta – they all showcased exceptional skills, reminding everyone why they were in the finals.
Illinois’s Pinball Titans
The cream of the crop in Illinois’s pinball arena currently stands as:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andy Bagwell | Elgin | 352.66 |
| 2 | Raymond Davidson | Elk Grove Village | 222.11 |
| 3 | John Miller MO | St. Louis | 184.42 |
| 4 | Ryan McQuaid | 179.12 | |
| 5 | Chuck Sanderson | 169.23 | |
| 6 | Steven Bowden | Palatine | 160.65 |
| 7 | Alex Lecky | Chicago | 151.11 |
| 8 | Stephen Chappell | Ferguson | 143.42 |
| 9 | Bob Twichell | Oaklawn | 137.55 |
| 10 | Mike Pantoliano | Seattle | 130.1 |
So, the next time you find yourself in Roscoe, and you yearn for an amalgamation of craft beer, sumptuous bites, and pinball, you know where to go. Until next time, keep flipping and stay tuned for more pinball updates!