On a balmy evening, with the thermometer nudging 93°F, the distinct chimes and electronic bleeps of pinball machines filled the spacious confines of What’s Brewing? in San Antonio. This wasn’t any ordinary pinball evening; this was the much-anticipated “Belles & Chimes SATX – Fall 2023 #2.”
Tournament Insights
Taking place precisely at 6:30 PM on September 26, 2023, this fiesta of flippers and silver balls witnessed a nail-biting competition, lasting just shy of 3 hours. Organized by the passionate pinball aficionado, Christina Cheeseman, 19 fervent players faced off over 5 grueling rounds, competing two games per round, all in the pursuit of pinball glory.
An atmosphere of friendly rivalry pervaded the air, with players sharing both tips and banter between rounds. The competition was tight, with the top 8 players then progressing to the Finals – a 2 round showdown with 3 games in each round.
In the Limelight: Game of the Tournament
While each game had its moments, a special mention must be given to a dramatic showdown in Round 2. The game: Deadpool (Pro) by Stern, a recent classic from 2018. Christina Cheeseman, our organizer, showed her mettle by securing first place in this game, but not without fierce competition from Jovanna Barrientez, Cinthia Guadiana, and Lori Love.
Pinball Wizards of the Evening
As the last ball plunged down the table and the scores were tallied, the top contenders emerged:
- Alice Young – A maestro with an IFPA rank of 2385, and a veteran of 82 IFPA events.
- Don Dura – Close on Alice’s tail with an IFPA rank of 1310.
- Brian Fults from Longville, LA, a spirited competitor with a respectable IFPA rank of 1461.
- Elizabeth Dronet from Space City, and several others, showcased their skills, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
Machines of Majesty
Though all pinball machines at the venue were fantastic, some that captured the heart and imagination included:
- Funhouse by Williams, a true vintage classic from 1990.
- Firepower by Williams, lighting up the scene since 1980.
- Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming, a relatively fresh face from 2021.
- Twilight Zone by Bally, a game that has taken players to another dimension since 1993.
- … and many more, each telling its unique tale of design, gameplay, and history.
Venue Vibes
But it wasn’t all about pinball. What’s Brewing? offers more than just arcade games. As described on their website, it’s a coffee lover’s paradise. The scent of freshly brewed coffee perfectly complemented the electrifying atmosphere of the tournament. And with beans from burlap sacks being weighed and brewed in the background, it truly provided a unique, multisensory experience.
Top Players in the Lone Star State
A look at Texas’s cream of the crop:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 501.14 |
| 2 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 442.72 |
| 3 | Phil Grimaldi | Houston | 338.48 |
| 4 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 327.55 |
| 5 | Fred Revnew | The Woodlands | 255.08 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 254.5 |
| 7 | Brian Krivonak | Corpus Christi | 246.12 |
| 8 | Collier Whitefield | San Antonio | 227.24 |
| 9 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 212.67 |
| 10 | Kevin Rodriguez | Denton | 210.54 |
Pinball may be an age-old game, but in the heart of Texas, it’s very much alive and thumping. With venues like What’s Brewing? and tournaments like Belles & Chimes, the silver ball continues to mesmerize. Whether you’re a pinball wizard or a coffee connoisseur, there’s always something brewing in San Antonio. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the world of pinball!