In the world of pinball, every flicker of light, every bounce of the ball, and every tilt warning can spell victory or defeat. On September 27th, 2023, enthusiasts and competitors gathered under a clear sky with a temperature of a pleasant 60°F, at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, to test their skills in the Ball Busters Pinball League – 2023 Season #5 Week 4 tournament.
Diving Into the Action
With Bill Disney at the helm as the organizer, the tournament saw 18 players diving deep into intense battles, spread across 5 enthralling rounds. Each round, with its intense moments, defined the skill, strategy, and sometimes, the sheer luck of the player.
The Galactic Battle
A moment worth the spotlight was the Round 3 face-off on the “Galactic Tank Force (Deluxe)” by American Pinball. This machine, a recent marvel from 2023, became the stage for a fierce battle. Anita Thallmayer, with her IFPA rank of 2330, showcased stellar gameplay to secure the top spot, followed by Kim Smith, Barb Britt, and Tina Kirby.
Celebrating the Champions
As the flippers settled and the scores were tallied, the victors emerged:
- 1st – Terri Morton, a seasoned player with a rank of 2570 and a history of 108 IFPA events.
- 2nd – Anita Thallmayer, proving her mettle once again with a rank of 2330.
- 3rd – Stephanie Savy from Media, Pa, a passionate player with a rank of 5477.
- 4th – Kim Smith, showcasing her skills with an IFPA rank of 5082.
The Machines That Made The Magic
From retro classics to modern masterpieces, the tournament flaunted an impressive array of 11 pinball machines. Some machines that caught everyone’s attention included:
- “Deadly Weapon” by Gottlieb, a 1990 classic.
- “The Addams Family” by Bally, always a crowd favorite since 1992.
- “Galactic Tank Force (Deluxe)” by American Pinball, the recent 2023 hit.
- “Spider-Man” by Stern, swinging in from 2007.
- “Monster Bash (Remake LE)” by Chicago Gaming, a hauntingly fun game from 2018.
- “Venom (Pro)” by Stern, a new sensation from 2023.
- “Fathom” by Bally, diving deep from 1981.
The Venue – Pinball Gallery
The Pinball Gallery was abuzz with energy. As one attendee gushed, “I went to my friend’s birthday party that was being held here and I had soo much fun!! The bad cats pinball was my favorite! Def recommend”
Shining a Light on Pennsylvania’s Best
Lastly, it’s crucial to highlight the top pinball wizards in Pennsylvania:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cryss Stephens | 180.56 | |
| 2 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 152.25 |
| 3 | Lewis Bevans | Pittsburgh | 141.78 |
| 4 | Aleksander Kaczmarczyk | 136.81 | |
| 5 | Stephen Le | Chesterbrook | 110.04 |
| 6 | Bob Choate | Philadelphia | 98.16 |
| 7 | Matt Gusler | Philadelphia | 94.96 |
| 8 | Tony Makowski | Lansdale | 78.75 |
| 9 | Raymond Davidson | Elk Grove Village | 74.72 |
| 10 | Jay Robinson | 70.23 |
With that, we wrap up our coverage of the Ball Busters Pinball League tournament. Stay flipped, and keep those balls bouncing, because in the realm of pinball, the game is always on!