It’s not every day you find a venue that melds the buzzing energy of pinball with the aromatic allure of freshly roasted coffee. But on September 12, 2023, at 6:30 PM, that’s precisely what was brewing at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters in San Antonio, Texas.
Coffee, Machines, and a Little Competitive Spirit
Over the course of approximately 2.5 hours, 14 passionate pinball players faced off, darting between 46 pinball machines, each round fueled by the café’s exquisite coffee. Organized by the dynamic Christina Cheeseman, the Belles & Chimes SATX – Fall 2023 #1 pinball tournament had the perfect blend of competition and camaraderie.
A Joker’s Wild Throwback
The highlight reel moment? Round 2’s game on the vintage Joker Poker machine by Gottlieb, a throwback from January 1978. Alice Young, with an impressive IFPA rank of 2385, outperformed the competition, leaving Kelsea Gass and Valli Irvine in her wake. Joker Poker might be a game from yesteryears, but it proved that in the world of pinball, old is indeed gold!
Top Players and Timeless Machines
By the end of the evening, the cream of the crop emerged. Alice Young clinched the top spot, followed closely by Melody Zisman and Hope Love. Valli Irvine, hailing from Austin, TX, also made her mark by securing the 4th position.
The venue was replete with machines ranging from classics to new-age marvels. “Centaur” by Bally, “Evel Knievel” by Bally, “Champion Pub” by Bally, and “James Bond 007 (Pro)” by Stern were just a few that stood out. Whether players fancied the heroics of James Bond or the raw thrill of No Fear: Dangerous Sports, there was a game for every taste.
More Than Just a Coffee Shop
What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters isn’t your typical caffeine haunt. The ambiance screams innovation, from the transparent process flavor experimentation to the symphony of coffee beans teasing your curiosity. The real icing on the cake? An astounding collection of pinball machines, striking a balance between the inner child and the mature coffee connoisseur in every visitor. It’s a crescendo of flavors, sights, and sounds – a future trendsetter in the realm of coffee shops.
Texas’s Top Pinballers
The Lone Star State’s pinball scene is nothing short of electric. Here’s a glimpse of Texas’s pinball prowess:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 490 |
| 2 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 442.76 |
| 3 | Phil Grimaldi | Houston | 338.48 |
| 4 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 320.83 |
| 5 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 254.5 |
| 6 | Fred Revnew | The Woodlands | 248.59 |
| 7 | Brian Krivonak | Corpus Christi | 246.12 |
| 8 | Collier Whitefield | San Antonio | 223.13 |
| 9 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 211.3 |
| 10 | Kevin Rodriguez | Denton | 206.72 |
In a world where pinball and premium coffee collide, the Belles & Chimes SATX tournament was more than just a competition. It was an experience, an aromatic journey filled with flashing lights, clinking flippers, and the soft murmur of excited conversations.
Stay flipping fantastic, and catch you at the next update from the radiant realm of pinball!