Amidst overcast skies and a pleasant 60°F temperature, pinball enthusiasts descended upon the iconic Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro, Oregon, on September 29, 2023. The lure? The Max Match Play at Next Level pinball tournament, a spectacle of lights, flippers, and of course, the pursuit of that elusive high score.
Rolling Through Time at Next Level
Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum isn’t just a venue; it’s a time capsule. With a vast collection of games and pop culture memorabilia, it transports players and visitors alike to a bygone era. And it’s not just the pinball aficionados that love it here. With a unique pay-once-play-all model and the freedom to bring in food and non-alcoholic drinks, it’s an arcade paradise where everyone – gamer or not – can have a fantastic time.
Vintage Vibes with Modern Twists
The machines at the tournament were a perfect blend of old-school classics and new-age marvels:
- Whirlwind by Williams: Where Mother Nature meets pinball!
- Houdini: Master of Mystery by American Pinball: A magical escape into the world of the famous illusionist.
- The Beatles by Stern: A melodic journey with the Fab Four.
- Lost World by Bally: A prehistoric adventure in a world where dinosaurs ruled.
- The Munsters (LE) by Stern: A monstrous good time with Herman, Lily, and the gang!
Special mention goes to Bad Cats by Williams, a 1989 classic that had everyone’s tails wagging, and Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) by Stern, which saw the longest games at around 15 minutes a pop!
Battle of the Pinball Wizards
With 13 games for each player and 14 contenders in the fray, the competition was fierce. Here’s a tip o’ the hat to our top performers:
- Jeff Monroe: Cruising to the top with 6 wins and a wealth of experience from 145 IFPA events.
- Derek Jennings: With a single win more but a slightly lower rank, he proved his mettle.
- Thomas Urban: Another 6-win maestro, showcasing his skills honed over 285 IFPA events.
- Joseph Rembecki: An underdog story if there ever was one; no prior IFPA events, yet making it to the top four!
The Best in Oregon: Pinball Prodigies
Presenting the creme de la creme of Oregon’s pinball scene:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathew Peterson | Portland | 218.49 |
| 2 | Ken Martin | Coatsville | 217.17 |
| 3 | Dana Valatka | Portland | 192.57 |
| 4 | Colin Urban | Portland | 173.51 |
| 5 | Daniel Rone | Portland | 156.86 |
| 6 | Erik Graciosa | Portland | 155.45 |
| 7 | Matt Walton | Eugene | 153.35 |
| 8 | James Adamson | Portland | 120 |
| 9 | Paul Robertson | Portland | 109.32 |
| 10 | Adam Jones | Eugene | 106.67 |
Pinball: More Than Just A Game
With the echoes of pinball bells still ringing, another phenomenal event at Next Level came to a close. Whether it’s the thrill of the game, the camaraderie among players, or the sheer nostalgia of it all, pinball continues to enthrall.
Oregon, keep those flippers ready and eyes peeled; the silver ball will be back soon for more!