Forget Netflix; forget primetime TV. The most gripping drama last week unfolded in a different kind of arena — the Arcade Legacy Sharonville in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the night of September 21, 2023. The clock struck 7:00 PM and thus began the Thursday Throwdown, a pinball showdown that defied rankings, defied odds, and made a lasting impression on everyone present.
A Format Built for Intensity
Organized by the meticulous Erik Wurtenberger, this tourney wasn’t your standard fare. With 7 grueling rounds of head-to-head gameplay in the first stage alone, the atmosphere was akin to a pinball pressure cooker. The intensity did not stop there. The top 8 scorers then progressed to the Finals, which featured two further rounds, each with a trifecta of games.
The Banzai Run Saga
The spotlight for drama was unarguably on Banzai Run by Williams. In the finals, this machine from May 1988 became the backdrop for an epic 103-minute duel that was the longest game of the tournament. With the flippers clicking like clockwork and the scoreboard a constant flurry of digits, Jesse Baker (IFPA rank 374) managed to edge out Joel Bergantino (IFPA rank 806), Stuart Nyswonger (IFPA rank 615), and Chris Hardewig (IFPA rank 2738) for the top spot in the round.
Overall Tournament Winners: The Definitive List
For those who love to cut to the chase, here are your champions:
- Joel Bergantino – IFPA Rank 806, Total IFPA Events 80
- Stuart Nyswonger – IFPA Rank 615, Total IFPA Events 287
- Jesse Baker – IFPA Rank 374, Total IFPA Events 259
- Chris Hardewig – IFPA Rank 2738, Total IFPA Events 39
- Roy Richey – IFPA Rank 2043, Total IFPA Events 186
- Jake Buchanan – IFPA Rank 3475, Total IFPA Events 32
- Justin Schnetzer – IFPA Rank 3531, Total IFPA Events 31
- Ian Raffenberg – IFPA Rank 17950, Total IFPA Events 1
The Machines of Destiny
Banzai Run wasn’t the only pinball machine in the spotlight. Godzilla (Pro) by Stern, released in 2021, served up excitement with its immersive gameplay, while Doctor Who by Bally offered a nostalgia-inducing challenge. And who could forget The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern? The zombie-apocalyptic world was an adrenaline rush that many players couldn’t get enough of.
The Venue — More Than Just Pinball
Arcade Legacy Sharonville is not just a pinball paradise; it’s an entire universe of arcade enjoyment. What makes it unique is its blend of classic cabinet games, modern rhythm experiences, and yes, an in-house bar to soothe the nerves after a tight game. It’s no wonder that players and spectators alike end up spending their entire evening here, coming for the pinball but staying for the full-bodied entertainment experience.
Ohio’s Who’s Who in Pinball
Let’s put things in context with Ohio’s top 10 pinball wizards:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron Rich | 583.06 | |
| 2 | Gregory Kennedy | Plain City | 514.31 |
| 3 | Stephen Prusa | Cleveland | 509.91 |
| 4 | Carlos Delaserda | Columbus | 423.75 |
| 5 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 364.06 |
| 6 | Andrew Lee | Cleveland | 342.56 |
| 7 | Cody Webb | Westerville | 309.22 |
| 8 | Galvin Morgan | Olmsted Falls | 300.74 |
| 9 | Jesse Baker | Cincinnati | 276.29 |
| 10 | Jack Nebraska | Columbus | 270.15 |
As the drama of the Thursday Throwdown settles, and as these digital warriors get ready for their next battle, it’s clear that the story is far from over. The question isn’t just who will win the next tournament, but what new legends will be written in this ever-exciting world of competitive pinball.
So, to everyone out there who thinks pinball is just a game, I say this: come down to Arcade Legacy and prepare to have your world rocked.
Stay tuned for more electrifying updates from the realm of pinball! 🎮🏆🤘