In the heart of Cincinnati, on a slightly cool evening with broken clouds, the unmistakable sounds of flippers and bells resonated at the Arcade Legacy Sharonville. The occasion? None other than the eagerly awaited “Thursday Throwdown at Arcade Legacy 9/28/23” pinball tournament, which kicked off at 7:00 PM on September 28, 2023.
An Evening at Arcade Legacy Sharonville
Nestled in the urban expanse of Cincinnati at 2241 Crowne Point Dr, the venue is a haven for arcade lovers. And its website doesn’t do justice to the electrifying atmosphere inside. It’s not just about the games, but the impeccable staff, tantalizing cocktails, and the overall vibe. As one enthusiast put it, “Gonna have to make it a regular stop on my hometimes!” High praise indeed.
The Legendary 69-Minute Game
While each round had its moment, the semi-finals on Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) took the cake. Clocking in at a whopping 69 minutes, it was a test of skill, patience, and endurance. Stuart Nyswonger emerged victorious, with Jesse Baker, Shawn Kenter, and Sam McConnell trailing closely.
Champions Rise
In the world of pinball, every point counts, every flipper move matters, and every strategy can make or break the game. And at the end of a fiercely competitive evening, the champions emerged:
- Jesse Baker – A pinball maestro with an IFPA rank of 405.
- Roy Richey – Who punched well above his IFPA rank of 2071.
- Stuart Nyswonger – Fresh from his semi-final victory, securing third place.
- George Cavalaris – A consistent player with an IFPA rank of 2911.
- Evan Crouch – Cincinnati’s very own, representing with an IFPA rank of 6536.
- John Holliday – With an impressive showing despite his rank of 5461.
- Shawn Kenter – Not just a semi-finalist, but seventh place overall.
- Sam McConnell – Rounding out the top eight with his skillful gameplay.
Pinball Machines That Stood Out
Several machines were the star attractions of the night:
- James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern: A 2022 release taking players on a spy adventure.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: A journey into the Upside Down.
- Grand Prix by Williams: A classic from 1976.
- Barracora by Williams: Taking players back to 1981.
- Disney TRON: Legacy by Stern: A light-cycle filled joyride.
- The Addams Family by Bally: A quirky fun ride from 1992.
- Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming: Storming the castle since 2016.
- Doctor Who by Bally: A time-travel adventure from 1992.
- Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern: Released in 2023, a rocking experience.
The Best of Ohio Pinball
The cream of the crop in Ohio’s pinball scene:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron RIch | 587.63 | |
| 2 | Gregory Kennedy | Plain City | 515.95 |
| 3 | Stephen Prusa | Cleveland | 511.83 |
| 4 | Carlos Delaserda | Columbus | 424.33 |
| 5 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 364.06 |
| 6 | Andrew Lee | Cleveland | 343.81 |
| 7 | Cody Webb | Westerville | 309.65 |
| 8 | Galvin Morgan | Olmsted Falls | 301.32 |
| 9 | Jesse Baker | Cincinnati | 277.88 |
| 10 | Jack Nebraska | Columbus | 271.44 |
Till the flippers flip again, and the silver ball bounces back, stay tuned for more pulse-pounding updates from the world of pinball!