Imagine spending 7 hours and 18 minutes in a room filled with the nostalgia-laden dings and whizzes of pinball machines. That’s exactly what transpired at the Belles & Chimes GR Sept 2023 tournament on September 9th, organized by the indefatigable Karen Cummings. But don’t let the nostalgia fool you; the tournament format brought a modern, intense structure that made the experience even more electrifying.
The Format: Where Every Flipper Counts
Unique to the event was its format. With a total of 9 players, the tournament featured 12 games for each contestant in the initial phase. Players went head-to-head, earning points based on their finishing positions. Talk about marathon pinballing! But that wasn’t all. The top 4 players moved onto the Finals, which consisted of two grueling rounds with three games per round. This format not only tested the players’ skill but also their endurance and strategy, making it a holistic pinball championship.
A Venue with a Pinball Soul
RLM Amusements in Grand Rapids, Michigan, provided an atmosphere that felt like every pinball lover’s dream living room. The venue hosted 27 machines ranging from vintage to modern, all in pristine working condition.
The Unforgettable Godzilla Round
Amidst the pinball pandemonium, a stand-out game took place on the Godzilla machine from 1998. Lisa LaBelle took the win, stamping her authority on the game and marking herself as one to watch for the rest of the tournament.
Machines That Were More Than Just a High Score
Several machines became the unsung heroes of the event, including the evergreen “300” by Gottlieb and the Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) which had the longest average game duration. Newcomers like Venom (Pro) by Stern showcased the bright future of pinball.
The Grand Finale
The Finals were a high-tension affair, with Lisa LaBelle from Holland, MI, clinching the first place. Robin Abbott, Karin Tessin, and Karen Cummings followed, each with an impressive number of wins and IFPA events under their belt.
Michigan’s Best: A Quick Look
And since we’re talking champions, let’s give a nod to the IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sterling Mitoska | Brooklyn | 450.93 |
| 2 | Rodney Minch | Grand Rapids | 444.74 |
| 3 | Rick Knopik | Evansville | 376.77 |
| 4 | Matthew Stacks | Grand Rapids | 306.04 |
| 5 | Dominic Labella | Bay City | 296.29 |
| 6 | Alex Harmon | Spring Lake | 273.51 |
| 7 | Ethan Magnum | – | 249.27 |
| 8 | Jason Humphrey | Jackson | 240.07 |
| 9 | Sean Burke | Waterford Township | 219.34 |
| 10 | Philip Salminen | Midland | 212.86 |
All said and done, the Belles & Chimes GR Sept 2023 tournament proved to be a pinball extravaganza unlike any other. It showcased the skill and passion of players who dedicated their day to the love of the game. No wonder folks were flipping out. Stay tuned for more updates from the buzzing, clattering, tilting world of pinball!