On a mysterious evening, September 7, 2023, the sun set somewhere in Texas, not just to bring forth the starry night, but to signal the onset of the Wrath of Pinball tournament. And as darkness enveloped the Lone Star State, 13 elite pinball enthusiasts gathered at a location so secretive even the owls and coyotes were left guessing.
An Evening of Unpredictability
Organized by the enigmatic Ray Ford, the tournament started at 8 PM and ran for an impressive 7 and a half hours. With 5 grueling rounds, each player battled the machines, gravity, and, of course, their fellow competitors. The objective? Simple, yet daunting: amass the most points and emerge as the ultimate pinball wizard.
The Surprise Standout Round
Round 2 witnessed an unexpected twist, played on Cactus Canyon by Bally. It wasn’t just about the ball and flippers, but the dramatic turnaround of ranks. Dave Parisotto, with an IFPA rank of 18863, clinched the top spot, leaving Jonathon Morales and Lee Thibodeau in wonderment. Lee, despite having no official rank, showcased sheer talent. A true testimony that sometimes, it’s the spirit of the game that truly counts.
And The Winners Are…
At the end of this undisclosed rollercoaster:
- Keb Gallows: A regular with 32 IFPA events, claiming his victory.
- Ray Ford: The man himself, not just an organizer, but a fierce competitor from Austin, Texas.
- Larry Morales: Another Austin native, showing that this city isn’t just about live music.
- Alex Johnson305: A wild card, first-time player making a mark.
The Machines That Made The Night
Among the 17 majestic pinball machines present, a few stood out with their legacy:
- Tales from the Crypt by Data East, a ghoulish delight from the 90s.
- Metallica (Premium) by Stern, blending rock music and pinball.
- Centaur by Bally, a classic from the early 80s.
- Indianapolis 500 by Bally, a high-speed thrill from mid-90s.
- The Who’s Tommy Pinball Wizard by Data East, a musical journey through pinball.
Texas’s Pinball Legends
Amidst the secrecy of the event, one thing remains transparent: 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 |
Until Next Time…
Though the venue remains a secret, the passion and skill of these pinball enthusiasts are undeniable. As the night faded and the flippers rested, the world was left with tales of a thrilling tournament somewhere in Texas. One can only hope Ray Ford will drop us a hint about the next location. Stay tuned for more updates from the mysterious world of pinball!