The Sisterhood of Skill Shots: Inside the Space City Pinball: Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level #2

In the heart of Texas, specifically at Low’s Sound Lab in Houston, 21 women stood with laser focus, poised to take on the flippers and become pinball goddesses of the Space City. Welcome to the second installment of the “Space City Pinball: Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level,” an enchanting night of pinball where flair met skill.

When Time Stood Still at Cactus Canyon

In Round 1, the atmosphere reached peak intensity when the players huddled around Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming. The game stretched on for an eye-popping 69 minutes. Imagine the determination and intense concentration that went into each flipper shot! Summer Ellington, a newcomer with an unranked IFPA status, astonished everyone by taking first place. Following her were Miette Dronet, Liz Nebeker, and Elizabeth Dronet, seasoned players who surely felt the heat of the newcomer’s zeal.

The Cream of the Crop

The end of the tournament heralded a new sisterhood of pinball champions:

  1. Dawn Hayes – IFPA rank 5250, yet her play defied numbers as she snagged the top spot.
  2. Emily Hoffman – From Katy, TX, she showcased why she’s attended 126 IFPA events with a stellar second-place finish.
  3. Gina Low – Also from Katy, TX, Gina’s experience in 146 IFPA events shined through as she took third place.
  4. Miette Dronet – Her lengthy IFPA history (213 events) paid off as she rounded out the top four.

Pinball Machine Majesty

Low’s Sound Lab was practically a museum of pinball history, featuring 19 exquisite machines, each with its unique allure. Here are some of the highlights:

  • Diner by Williams: An old-school charm that still fascinates players to this day.
  • Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams: A voyage into space and strategic gameplay.
  • Jurassic Park by Data East: This dinosaur-themed wonder tested reflexes as well as nerves.
  • The Addams Family by Bally: The quirkiest family in pop culture got the pinball treatment it deserves.
  • Fish Tales by Williams: A serene yet cunning machine where angling met pinball.

Mysterious Vibes

We wish we could reveal more about the atmosphere inside Low’s Sound Lab, but for now, it remains an enigma, with Space City Pinball withholding the venue details on MatchPlay. One thing is clear, however: the secretive aura only adds to the allure.

Lone Star Pinball Maestros

To give you an idea of where this tournament fits into the broader picture, here are the latest IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands490
2Garrett ShahanDenton442.72
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station320.84
5Fred RevnewThe Woodlands255.09
6Lee BalusekConroe254.5
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi246.12
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio223.13
9Gilbert HerreraSan Antonio212.23
10Kevin RodriguezDenton210.55

It’s a wrap for now, but make no mistake: the women of the Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level are already aiming for the next high score. Until then, keep flipping and stay tuned for more updates from the incredible realm of pinball! 🌵🚀

Where the Underdogs Roar: A Night at Ball Busters Pinball League

Ah, the sweet clinking of pinballs against bumpers, the flashing lights, and that electric feeling you get when the machine erupts in a cacophony of sound as you unlock multiball—it’s the magic of pinball! The Ball Busters Pinball League returned for its 2023 Season #5 Week 3 at the much-revered Pinball Gallery in Malvern, Pennsylvania. And trust me, this one was for the books!

Quick Facts:

The event took place on September 20, 2023, starting at 6:30 PM. The gathering saw 17 pinball enthusiasts go flipper-to-flipper in five intense rounds. Our gracious host, Bill Disney, kept the event running smoothly, clocking in at just a minute shy of two hours. The weather? Let’s just say it was as clear as the players’ focus that night.

Spotlight on Batman 66

Ah, the caped crusader! No, I’m not talking about Batman; I’m talking about Ana Dult, an unranked underdog who swooped in and took the first place in a round on Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern. The other contenders, Charissa Wiley, Linda Slodki, and Kate Ocasio, also unranked, fought valiantly but had to settle for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th respectively.

An Unusual Leaderboard

Now, here’s the kicker. Our winners’ podium featured names you won’t find in the Top 10 IFPA standings. Let’s give a massive shoutout to the champions:

  1. Ana Dult – Unranked but mighty, this was her 7th IFPA event. Can someone get her ranked, please?
  2. Jamme Thomas – A seasoned player who showcased his skills splendidly.
  3. Becky Kisling – Another unranked gem, making waves in her 12th IFPA event.
  4. Sherry Disney – She showed she’s nobody’s sidekick in pinball.

The Machines That Witnessed It All

The Pinball Gallery offered an impressive spread of 12 machines, making sure there was something for everyone. Here are some of the highlight machines of the night:

A Blast from the Past

The venue? A retro haven. It was like stepping into a time machine aimed squarely at the ’80s, complete with a plethora of games that would make anyone feel nostalgic. With a convenient location and the added bonus of an Asian grocery store next door, this spot had it all.

IFPA Pennsylvania Top 10

And just for perspective, here’s how the local champions line up:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Cryss Stephens180.56
2Jared SchmidtPittsburgh152.25
3Lewis BevansPittsburgh141.78
4Aleksander Kaczmarczyk136.81
5Stephen LeChesterbrook110.04
6Bob ChoatePhiladelphia98.16
7Matt GuslerPhiladelphia94.96
8Tony MakowskiLansdale78.75
9Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village74.72
10Jay Robinson70.23

See that? Not a single Top 10 IFPA player took the trophy this time. And that, my friends, is the beauty of pinball—anyone can be a hero for a night. So keep those flippers ready; we’ll be back with more pinball action soon!

Emporium Hi-Scorium: Where Pinball Dreams Take Flight

When neon lights flicker and the crowd gathers in a huddle, you know the Emporium Arcade Bar in San Francisco has something special in store. On September 19, 2023, the popular arcade bar turned into a battle arena, a proving ground where pinball aficionados vied for the title of Emporium Hi-Scorium Champion.

The Ambiance and Setting

The atmosphere was electric, both figuratively and literally, as pinball enthusiasts from all over the Bay Area filled the retro-style arcade. The venue’s vintage neon aesthetic bathed the competitors in otherworldly light, their eyes fixed on the pinball screens. Who says you can’t enjoy nostalgia while gulping down a good drink?

A Long Night of Flipper Magic

Organized by Myriad Pinball, the tournament saw 25 players divide into groups and compete across 4 initial rounds. With scattered clouds and a chilly 59°F outside, the competition inside was only getting hotter. The finalists would then proceed to a final showdown featuring not one but three games.

Spider-Man Swings into Action

One game that stood out during the tourney was a marathon 71-minute clash on the Spider-Man pinball machine by Stern. Players usually complete a game in a fraction of this time, but Jackie Olson, Jared Garvey, Reuben Esparza, and Ryan Dunn had other ideas. Each ball seemed to defy gravity, dancing between flippers, ramps, and tunnels, as if Peter Parker himself had orchestrated their path.

In the end, it was Jackie Olson who took the crown, with Jared Garvey not too far behind. Reuben Esparza, a wildcard entry with an IFPA rank of zero, surprised everyone by placing third, ahead of Ryan Dunn.

The Machines that Stole the Spotlight

Besides the legendary Spider-Man machine, other pinball games included in the tournament were:

Meet the Champions

When the dust settled, Jackie Olson from San Francisco emerged victorious, followed by Jared Garvey from Berkeley, and Ryan Dunn from Sacramento. The biggest surprise was the rookie Reuben Esparza, who had never played in an IFPA event before and yet managed to snatch the 4th place.

The Cream of the Californian Crop

The tournament wasn’t just a spectacle but a platform where the rising stars could measure themselves against the state’s best:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Tim HansenSunnyvale538.96
2raymond ashbyLos Angeles518.08
3Gabe Da SilveiraOakland462.95
4Scott MaciasGlendora456.81
5Nic SteinDavis418.14
6Andrei MassenkoffSan Francisco415.03
7Escher Lefkoff411.53
8Keith ElwinCarlsbad409.63
9Johnny ModicaHacienda Heights401.79
10Leslie Ruckman360.98

Final Thoughts

If the Emporium Hi-Scorium tournament proved anything, it’s that pinball is a sport where anything can happen. Veterans and newcomers alike can find common ground, even if it’s a playfield decked out with lights, bumpers, and obstacles. From the intense 71-minute Spider-Man round to the Cinderella story of Reuben Esparza, the night was a testament to why we still love to hear that silver ball bounce.

So, until the flippers flip again, let the spirit of friendly competition and nostalgia guide you to the next pinball showdown.

Stay tuned for more updates from the electrifying realm of pinball!

The Pinball Gallery Monthly Tournament – A Night of High-Speed Thrills and Unexpected Twists!

In the picturesque town of Malvern, PA, where the night air was crisp at 66°F under a clear sky, pinball enthusiasts gathered in animated huddles. The reason? The eagerly anticipated Pinball Gallery Monthly Tournament, slated for September 19, 2023.

Venue Vibes: Pinball Gallery, Malvern

Nestled snugly at 81 Lancaster Ave, the Pinball Gallery reverberated with the nostalgic pings and clangs of 68 resplendent machines, each offering its unique adventures. As one wandered through the maze of gleaming tables, the ‘Guns ‘n Roses’ machine caught many an eye. Nearby, ’80s kids were teleported back to their childhood, mastering Super Mario Brothers on a vintage television, much to the amazement of the younger generation. If someone wanted a reprieve from the pinball frenzy, board games were at hand. But what really stole the show? The PacMan video game-pinball machine combo. The cherry on the top: an amiable staff member, brimming with stories and facts about these mechanical marvels.

A Semifinal to Remember

The tournament, diligently orchestrated by Bill Disney, saw 29 players dueling over 10 games. Among these, a pulsating game on ‘The Getaway: High Speed II‘ emerged as the showstopper during the Semifinals. Phoenixville’s Daniel Piombino raced ahead, closely tailed by Malvern’s pinball prodigy, Tessa Morton. Not too far behind were John Bowman, a fresh face with no IFPA rank to his name, and the seasoned Nick Hislop.

The Night’s Best: Pinball Champions Steal the Show

  1. Tessa Morton (Malvern, PA) – Defying her IFPA rank of 1999, Tessa emerged as the undeniable champion of the night, bagging a staggering 6 wins.
  2. Daniel Piombino (Phoenixville, PA) – Trailing close behind, Daniel showcased some impeccable skills, bagging 5 wins against his name.
  3. Tony Makowski (Lansdale, PA) – Sporting an IFPA rank of 773, Tony’s vast experience in the realm of pinball shone brightly as he too clinched 5 wins.
  4. Dave Runk (PA) – Dave, coming from the underdog rank of 6224, surprised many by matching the top players with 6 wins.
  5. John Bowman – The dark horse of the tournament. With no prior IFPA rank or events, John showcased natural talent, securing 5 impressive wins.
  6. Jamme Thomas (PA) – Another formidable competitor, Jamme played fiercely, marking the scoreboard with 5 wins against his IFPA rank of 3433.
  7. Nick Hislop – With nearly a century of IFPA events under his belt, Nick lived up to expectations by adding another 5 wins to his legacy.
  8. Stephen Le (Chesterbrook, PA) – Stephen, ranking 1177, might’ve clinched 3 wins, but his performance throughout the night was nothing short of remarkable.

For a detailed view of the pinball elite:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Cryss Stephens–180.56
2Jared SchmidtPittsburgh152.25
3Lewis BevansPittsburgh141.78
4Aleksander Kaczmarczyk–136.81
5Stephen LeChesterbrook109.02
6Bob ChoatePhiladelphia98.16
7Matt GuslerPhiladelphia94.96
8Tony MakowskiLansdale76.73
9Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village74.72
10Jay Robinson–70.23

In the Glare of the Neon: Pinball Machines that Defined the Tournament

A slew of machines, old and new, served as the battleground. ‘Deadpool (Pro)‘, from 2018, drew players into its vortex with an average game time of 22 minutes. Meanwhile, the popular ‘The Getaway: High Speed II‘, with 6 games played, witnessed the most action.

  1. Rush (LE) by Stern (2022) – The newest on the block, it dazzled with its sharp graphics and adrenaline-pumping gameplay, reminiscent of the legendary rock band it’s named after.
  2. Mars God of War by Gottlieb (1981) – A vintage delight, it reminded players of a time when pinball was the king of arcades.
  3. Fish Tales by Williams (1992) – With its aquatic theme and catchy sound effects, this machine had many a player hooked!
  4. Genesis by Gottlieb (1986) – A nostalgic trip down memory lane, with its retro graphics and sounds, Genesis remains a fan favorite.
  5. Space Station by Williams (1987) – Promising an interstellar experience, this machine’s gravitational pull was irresistible to many.

The Final Flippers

In a world where mechanical precision meets human skill, the Pinball Gallery Monthly Tournament was more than just a game—it was an experience. As the evening drew to a close, one thing was evident: the world of pinball, with its blend of nostalgia and innovation, is very much alive and flippin’.

Stay in the loop for more dazzling dispatches from pinball paradise!

Electric Bat Rises: A Day Under the Pinball Sun!

Picture this: It’s a blazing 90°F, the sun’s rays piercing through a clear sky, casting a bright glow on the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, AZ. Inside, the atmosphere is electric (pun intended!), contrasting the warmth outside with the cool competitive spirit that is about to take over for the next ten and a half hours.

An Epic of Flipping Proportions

Organized by the indomitable Rachel Bess, the Electric Bat Season 9 Series 1 #1 pinball tournament kickstarted with the battle cry of 98 contenders on September 19, 2023. These pinball wizards formed groups, took to the machines, and played their hearts out over five thrilling rounds.

Bond… James Bond Takes Center Stage

Among the heroes of the day, a standout performance in Round 2 saw Paul Blanco, a Chandler native, outshine all on the James Bond 007 (Premium). He was closely tailed by Gavin Bowman and Mark Kelber. And let’s not forget Rachel Buck, who despite having an IFPA rank of 0, played her way into the round. This Bond certainly had its share of players both shaken and stirred!

Pinball Palace Par Excellence

The Electric Bat Arcade is a treasure trove of pinball machines. The alluring pull of “Game Of Thrones (Pro)” by Stern, the roaring thrill of the recently released “Godzilla (Premium)“, the mystique of the classic “Twilight Zone“, and the action-packed sequences of “Demolition Man” and “Johnny Mnemonic” kept players and spectators hooked.

Champions of the Day

When the flippers stopped flipping, it was Greg Davis from Phoenix who rose as the undisputed champion, followed by Nicholas Zachry, John Shopple, and Cody Winant. Their consistent performance over multiple games solidified their standings, reminding everyone of the dedication it takes to reign supreme in the pinball world.

Arizona’s Top Pinball Maestros

The tournament wasn’t just a one-day wonder. It reflected Arizona’s rich legacy of pinball enthusiasts:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau671.68
2Mark PearsonPhoenix588.16
3John ShoppleMesa569.41
4John MagyarGilbert351.79
5Kevan CarterTempe320.85
6Jason BarreMesa312.2
7Adam HortonPhoenix307.57
8Paul BlancoChandler305.5
9Joey RioSurprise282
10Walter donyPhoenix280.57

Beyond the Game

For those who ventured into Electric Bat for the first time, it was more than just a pinball arena. The venue served as a delightful respite where one could grab a bite, sip on a refreshing drink, and indulge in arcade memories. To quote a visitor, “this is the first place I have been where all the games actually worked; all the buttons functioned.”

Whether you’re a pinball pro, an arcade aficionado, or someone looking to relive some cherished memories, Electric Bat Arcade offers something for everyone. This tournament might have ended, but the echoes of the games played, the laughter shared, and the competition faced will linger on.

Until next time, keep those balls rolling and stay tuned for more updates from the exciting realm of pinball!

Tik Tok’s Pinball Showdown: When Fierce Competition Meets Classic Fun

Under an overcast sky with temperatures lingering around 59°F, pinball aficionados gathered at Tik Tok’s Workshop in Bremerton. But despite the slight chill in the air, the action inside was nothing short of fiery. The event of the evening on September 18, 2023? The ‘Tik Tok’s Fair Strikes 9/18’ pinball tournament!

Setting the Scene: Tik Tok’s Workshop

Nestled at 1216 Sylvan Way, Tik Tok’s is more than just a pinball hub. The place hums with energy, be it from the thrumming of the machines or the chatter of enthusiasts. And while we did visit on a busier night some time ago and enjoyed their tantalizing drink options like pudding shots and the delightful “Dirty and Dry”, this evening was all about the pinball.

Discover more about Tik Tok’s here: http://www.tiktoksworkshop.com/

The Tournament Rundown

Richard Godwin, the man behind the magic, had the tournament running in top gear. With 14 players and a Basic Knockout format, the tension was palpable across the 12 rounds. And with the looming threat of elimination after seven strikes, every move mattered.

The ‘Monster Bash (Remake)‘ game in Round 10 was a sight to behold. Andrew McCann, leveraging his extensive experience, took top honors, while Donovan Haga and Conrad Rustad gave stellar performances.

Champions of the Evening

Here are the stars of the night:

  1. Andrew McCann – Clearly in his element with an impressive 495 IFPA events experience.
  2. Donovan Haga – Proving that skill and strategy can go hand in hand.
  3. Conrad Rustad – A consistent player who never ceases to impress.
  4. Richard Godwin – Not just an organizer but a pinball maestro himself!

Legendary Machines

Amidst the 12 pinball machines echoing the sounds of hits, bings, and buzzers, a few stood tall:

IFPA Washington Pinball Top 10 Standings

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Germain MariolleRedmond625.95
2Lonnie LangfordSeattle532.98
3Richie TerrySeattle498.2
4Sean IrbySeattle469.74
5Jarrett GaddySeattle444.49
6David ChernicoffSeattle436.44
7Dave StewartCarnation387.17
8Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village364.81
9Neal JoslynBremerton364.69
10Zach McCarthyConifer325.25

As the final scores settled and the machines dimmed, Tik Tok’s workshop echoed with laughter, clinks of glasses, and perhaps, plans for the next showdown. Stay tuned for more exhilarating updates from the pinball universe! 🍹🎤

The IFPA Pinball Showdown in the Heart of Arizona: A Night of Strategy, Surprises, and Silver Balls!

In a place where the sun meets the desert and cacti reign supreme, pinball enthusiasts converged on an undisclosed location in Arizona. The date? September 18, 2023. The time? 6:30 PM. The mission? Victory at the ‘Player 1 Arcade 2023 S3A #6’ pinball tournament!

The Venue – A Mystery Worth the Hype

When we say “undisclosed location,” we mean it. Jim Smith, the brilliant mind behind the event, left everyone intrigued about the venue. Here’s a challenge for you, dear reader – ask Jim to spill the beans for next time! Your curious writer wants to know as much as you do.

The Play-by-Play: Tournament Highlights

With 37 passionate players battling through 5 rounds, strategy and split-second decisions ruled the evening. The goal was simple yet compelling – earn the most points across all rounds to be crowned the pinball wizard of the night.

One particular face-off became the talk of the evening. Round 3 on ‘James Bond 007 (Premium)‘ saw Mike McClure, a seasoned player from Glendale, claiming victory. But what caught everyone’s attention was the wild card, Juan Gonzalez. Despite having an IFPA rank of zero, Gonzalez finished a close second, proving that in the game of pinball, anything is possible!

Machines of the Hour

Among the 13 pinball machines that graced the floor, some stood out not just for their gameplay but also their legacy:

Top Dogs of the Tournament

While every player showcased outstanding skills, a few stole the show:

  1. Joey Rio from Surprise, Arizona, clinched the top spot. With an IFPA rank of 390 and 55 IFPA events under his belt, Rio is no stranger to the pinball elite.
  2. Kevin Ehlers followed in second place, showcasing that experience matters with 73 total IFPA events.
  3. Vincent De La O, a newcomer with an IFPA rank of zero, shocked everyone by grabbing the third spot. Talk about an underdog story!
  4. Rob De La O wrapped up the top four, proving that pinball might just be in the De La O genes.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau671.68
2Mark PearsonPhoenix588.16
3John ShoppleMesa569.41
4John MagyarGilbert351.79
5Kevan CarterTempe320.85
6Jason BarreMesa312.2
7Adam HortonPhoenix307.57
8Paul BlancoChandler305.5
9Joey RioSurprise282
10Walter donyPhoenix280.57

The silver balls have stopped rolling, the scores are set, but the memories of the night linger. Here’s to more flippers, tilt warnings, and high scores! Arizona, keep those pinball machines buzzing! 🌵🔮

An Electric Evening in Denton: The IFPA Pinball Showdown

As the last golden rays of a sunlit evening painted Denton, the Free Play Arcade on West Hickory Street brimmed with a unique energy. The temperature outside was a comfortable 89°F, but inside, the competitive heat was palpable.

A Venue Buzzing with Nostalgia

Free Play Arcade – Denton, often recognized for its impressive lineup of classic games, added another feather to its cap by hosting the eagerly-awaited Free Play Denton Pinball Monday. Early attendees, especially families, made the most of the venue, reminiscing old memories with every flip and tilt of the pinball machines. One visitor recounted, “The game choices were top-notch! It felt like a steal for the admission price. Only wish they had air hockey!”

The Game’s Afoot: Tournament Overview

Organized by the ever-enthusiastic Chris Delp, the tournament ran for a tight 3 hours, adopting a structure of 5 qualifying rounds where 26 players hustled in groups. The strategy was simple yet tricky: earn points based on your finishing position in each round. The top 8, having proved their mettle, would then move onto the electrifying finals consisting of 2 rounds. The formula ensured thrill, skill, and a few upsets along the way!

The Machines That Echoed Legends

Among the 77 pinball machines, standouts included Stern’s futuristic ‘Disney TRON: Legacy‘ and the spooky ‘Scared Stiff’ by Bally. Fans of movies and comics found solace in machines like ‘Jurassic Park (Premium)‘, ‘Iron Man (Vault)‘, and ‘Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro)‘. And for those seeking a blast from the past, ‘Vector‘ by Bally, a gem from 1981, provided just that.

The Clash of Titans: Game Spotlight

The finals saw an unforgettable face-off on ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro)‘. Randy Nelson, with an IFPA rank of 3548, surprised everyone by clinching the top spot, narrowly defeating Denton’s very own Kevin Rodriguez.

Champions of the Evening

The tournament crowned Randy Nelson as its champion. Kevin Rodriguez from Denton, Mike Archuleta from Corinth, and the Shahan brothers from Abilene and Denton respectively, rounded off the top 5, with impressive scores and skillful gameplay.

IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands490
2Garrett ShahanDenton442.76
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station320.83
5Fred RevnewThe Woodlands255.09
6Lee BalusekConroe254.5
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi246.12
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio223.13
9Gilbert HerreraSan Antonio212.23
10Kevin RodriguezDenton206.92

As flippers ceased flipping and the neon glow dimmed, one thing was clear: the heart of Texas beats in sync with the pulsating rhythm of pinball. Until the next showdown, keep those scores soaring!

Locavore Beer Works: Pinballs, Pints, and Unexpected Reunions!

On a sun-kissed day at a cozy 81°F, the pinball wizards of Colorado gathered. The Locavore Beer Works September Pinball Tournament was set in motion, and Littleton’s air was thick with excitement.

Brews and Ballers at Locavore

Tucked away at 5950 South Platte Canyon Road, Locavore Beer Works is not just another brewery—it’s where camaraderie meets competition. A pair from Glendale, Arizona, who came to savor Locavore’s brews, found themselves entranced by the pinball fervor. They raved about the Rush-themed machine, and the beer—simply awesome! But the most unexpected twist? Bumping into a neighbor miles away from home. Their experience? An echoing sentiment: “Fantastic location, delightful beer, and a spirited crowd. A must-visit on any trip to Denver!”

Bond’s Puzzling Pinball Thriller

Round 1 on the James Bond 007 (LE) by Stern, a sleek beauty from September 2022, saw a game stretching an astonishing 100 minutes! It’s a head-scratcher: this single game outlasted the entire 1 hour 38-minute tournament. The scoreboard showcased Lewis Ritenour’s top skills, followed by Danny Casto’s unexpected prowess. Dan Ulrich and Cait Brennan also made commendable plays, each leaving a mark in this marathon match.

Champions of the Day

Here’s a glance at the pinball prodigies of the tournament:

  1. Ross Unruh (Littleton, CO) – IFPA rank 2002, Total IFPA Events 89
  2. Lewis Ritenour – IFPA rank 1183, Total IFPA Events 56
  3. Tim Bruner (Northglenn, CO) – IFPA rank 1599, Total IFPA Events 144
  4. Elliott Peters – IFPA rank 0, Total IFPA Events 0

Machines That Made the Magic

Ah, the pinball machines—the beating heart of any tournament. Elvira’s House of Horrors took players on a spine-tingling journey, while Foo Fighters provided a rock-infused rollercoaster. Godzilla and James Bond 007 showcased cinematic flair, and the rhythmic odyssey of the Rush machine had players (and some onlookers) humming along. A diverse set, each machine brought its own charm to the showdown.

Colorado’s Pinball Elite

A peek into the top tier in the pinball circuit of Colorado:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Walt WoodEnglewood503.77
2Ryan AltermattDenver232.91
3Zach McCarthyConifer193.11
4Mark AbbottDenver122.02
5Lewis Ritenour117.74
6David Johnson COAurora110.53
7Mat BrundageDenver107.26
8Daniel AndersonEnglewood103.76
9Donavan SteppLakewood103.49
10Adam LefkoffBoulder95.67

Hats off to Jason Smith for masterminding a memorable pinball affair. The buzz in the world of pinball is undeniable, and we’re all ears (and flippers) for what’s next! Stay dialed in for more exhilarating pinball updates!

An Unexpected Triumph at Dangerzone Arcade’s Knockout Pinball Tournament

It was a sweltering afternoon in Gilbert, Arizona, but inside Dangerzone Arcade, the atmosphere was electric. With temperatures soaring to 99°F outside, the real heat was on inside, where 28 pinball wizards gathered to compete in the much-anticipated Dangerzone Arcade Knockout Tournament.

Tournament at a Glance

Starting at 12:30 PM and wrapping up almost seven hours later, the day was packed with flips, tilts, and, of course, unexpected strikes. The tournament followed a Group Knockout format, with players getting eliminated after accruing three strikes. In four-player groups, the bottom two players received strikes, making the competition brutal yet exhilarating.

Round 7: An Epic Showdown

One game that had everyone’s flipper fingers tingling was Round 7 on Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) by Stern. Mark Pearson, ranked 34th in IFPA standings, emerged victorious in the game but wasn’t so fortunate in the overall tournament. Special mention also goes to Gavin Gurule and Greg Mohs, whose IFPA ranks couldn’t foretell their game performance, proving that numbers can sometimes lie.

The Dark Horses Triumph!

The biggest surprise of the day? The overall tournament winners were players not featured in the Arizona Top 10 IFPA standings. A hearty congratulations to:

  1. Hailey Buhrman – From Chandler, AZ, Hailey took home the gold with her IFPA rank at 2570.
  2. Nicholas Zachry – Despite being the 980th in IFPA rankings, Nicholas clinched the silver.
  3. Adam Horton – His solid IFPA rank of 241 couldn’t predict his 3rd place win.
  4. Dave Halley – A veteran in the pinball world, taking the 4th place.

Someone, please tell Roland Nadeau that his top spot in Arizona’s IFPA rankings was not enough to predict the outcome of this competition!

Pinball Machines that Held Court

Although 16 pinball machines graced the venue, a few stole the show:

  1. Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) – Stern’s 2020 masterpiece was a focal point of the tournament.
  2. Foo Fighters (LE) – The latest release that had everyone jamming along.
  3. Guns N’ Roses (LE) – A classic brought back to life by Jersey Jack Pinball.
  4. The Mandalorian (LE) – Who knew fighting off stormtroopers could be this fun?
  5. Black Knight (LE) – This Williams machine from 1981 proved some things get better with age.

Venue Details

Though no official reviews were available for Dangerzone Arcade, the quality of the games and the competition speak for themselves. If the pinball machines could talk, they’d tell you how much action they saw that day!

IFPA Arizona Top 10

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau671.68
2Mark PearsonPhoenix588.17
3John ShoppleMesa569.41
4John MagyarGilbert351.79
5kevan carterTempe320.85
6Jason BarreMesa312.19
7Adam HortonPhoenix310.26
8Paul BlancoChandler305.5
9Joey RioSurprise282.01
10Walter donyPhoenix280.57

As the day ended, players filed out of Dangerzone Arcade, both elated and exhausted. For those who took home the win, it was a day of unexpected glory. For the others, it was a lesson in the unpredictability of the pinball universe. Either way, everyone’s already buzzing about the next big showdown.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!