Deep in the heart of Texas, amidst broken clouds and warm, yet comfortable temperatures, 18 pinball aficionados converged at Free Play Dallas on September 11, 2023. An evening which became a testament to dexterity, strategy, and the pure, unadulterated love of pinball.
Setting The Stage
It was 7 PM sharp when the players, organized by Chris Delp, put on their game faces. The atmospheric vibe, reminiscent of arcade glory days, was ideal for some old-school competition. The venue, equipped with an incredible array of 77 pinball machines, was a haven for lovers of the game.
But it wasn’t just fun and games – the stakes were high. Only the top eight players would move on to the finals, where two nail-biting rounds awaited them.
The Game of The Night
Amidst the whirl of flippers and flash of lights, the semifinals stood out for one game on Rush (Pro) by Stern. Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX, may have an IFPA rank of 4208, but he proved that rank isn’t everything, finishing ahead of several higher-ranked competitors. However, Garrett Shahan, with a towering rank of 125, secured the top spot, asserting his prowess.
The Conquerors of The Night
When the final ball had settled, the leaderboard shone with these names:
- Clark McCoy from Denton, TX: A force to reckon with.
- Greg Gibson from Plano, TX: A dark horse that took many by surprise.
- Garrett Shahan: No stranger to the pinball elite.
- Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX: A testament to the spirit of the game.
- Chris Delp from North Texas: The organizer, proving he can play as well as he can host.
…and the list went on, featuring players from all over Texas who brought their A-game.
Machines That Made History
While every machine at the venue had its charm, a few stood out for their legacy and gameplay experience:
- Monster Bash (Remake) – a hauntingly delightful play.
- Twilight Zone – transporting players to another dimension.
- Metallica (Pro) and Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast – a rock enthusiast’s dream.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) – an adventure waiting to unfold.
The Venue: A Blast from The Past
Free Play Dallas is a treasure trove for retro game enthusiasts. However, a word to the wise – while the games transport you to a fantastical world, the pizzas bring you back to reality with their not-so-generous size and price. The pro-tip? Come for the games, stay for the drinks, but maybe dine elsewhere.
The Elite of Texas Pinball
While the night celebrated the champions, it’s worth mentioning Texas’s Top 10 Pinball Maestros:
| 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 |
To The Future and Beyond
As the evening came to an end, the buzz of excitement, competition, and camaraderie lingered in the air. Stay tuned to the realm of pinball for more such nights of thrilling gameplay and dramatic showdowns!