The scorching Texan heat at 101°F wasn’t the only thing setting Austin on fire on September 24th, 2023. By 3:00 PM, with rain cooling down the fervor outdoors, inside Epic Fun, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The Bat City Epic Fun Monthly pinball tournament was unfolding, and it was indeed Epic.
The Round Robin Rumble
Dick Curtis, the grandmaster of the event, had the venue buzzing with the energy of a true unsupported round-robin. With 102 players battling on 12 pinball machines simultaneously, the sheer logistics of the event were dizzying. After what must have been a marathon session of 20 hours and 37 minutes, the top four emerged, ready to enter the finals with four rounds of fierce pinball competition.
Dirty Harry’s Dominance
The 1995 Williams classic, Dirty Harry, was the undoubted darling of the event with a whopping 19 games played on it. As the flippers clacked and bells rang, players navigated the crime-filled streets of San Francisco, channeling Clint Eastwood with every shot.
Mandalorian Magic in the Finals
However, the most talked-about game was during the finals on The Mandalorian (Pro). This modern marvel by Stern from 2021 became the backdrop of an intense face-off. Colin MacAlpine, with an IFPA rank of just 24, showcased his expertise and secured first place, leaving Jason Newman, Jonathon Morales, and John Walter in his wake.
The Clash of Titans
- 1st – Colin MacAlpine, demonstrating why he’s ranked 24 in the IFPA, clinched the top spot.
- 2nd – Jonathon Morales, not far behind in skills and passion, secured the second position.
- 3rd – John Walter, a rising star in the pinball world.
- 4th – Jason Newman, proving that every game, every flip, and every point counts in a tournament of this scale.
The Pinball Pantheon
The venue featured a bevy of 16 pinball machines, with some real legends in the mix:
- The Addams Family by Bally, a hauntingly fun experience.
- Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure, which took players on a thrilling archeological quest.
- Batman by Data East, for the superhero enthusiasts.
- Godzilla (Pro) and Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern – the recent sensations.
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) – an epic battle to save the universe.
- Cirqus Voltaire by Bally, a visual spectacle.
- Street Fighter II, reminiscent of the classic arcade game.
And of course, The Mandalorian (Pro), which undoubtedly stole the show.
Where Fun Meets Epic
The venue, Epic Fun, lived up to its name. More than just pinball, it’s a wonderland of games and entertainment. Bowling, bumper cars, arcade games – the possibilities were endless. With its top-notch maintenance, friendly staff, and family-friendly ambiance, it’s no wonder this venue has become a weekly retreat for many Austin locals.
The Lone Star State’s Pinball Leaders
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 501.13 |
| 2 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 442.74 |
| 3 | Phil Grimaldi | Houston | 338.48 |
| 4 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 327.55 |
| 5 | Fred Revnew | The Woodlands | 255.07 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 254.5 |
| 7 | Brian Krivonak | Corpus Christi | 246.12 |
| 8 | Collier Whitefield | San Antonio | 227.22 |
| 9 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 212.66 |
| 10 | Kevin Rodriguez | Denton | 210.54 |
With the Bat City Epic Fun Monthly culminating in such a grand fashion, Austin’s pinball community is already eagerly awaiting the next showdown. As they say in pinball – the ball is wild, and so was this tournament!