When Time Warped: The SFPD Fall 2023 #5 Pinball Tournament

On a balmy evening, with temperatures hanging around a comfortable 72°F, the heart of San Francisco pulsated with a different kind of energy. On October 04, 2023, at 7:30 PM, the pinball wizards of the West converged at the iconic Free Gold Watch, ready to face off in the much-anticipated SFPD Fall 2023 #5 pinball tournament.

Venue Vibes: Free Gold Watch

Free Gold Watch wasn’t just another arcade. The retro lighting, the clattering of the pinball machines, and the excited murmurs created a symphony, making it the perfect place for dates, friendships, and of course, some serious pinball action.

A Game That Bent The Fabric of Time

In a peculiar and somewhat humorous turn of events, one game in particular, the Snow Derby by Gottlieb (circa 1970) seemed to stretch the very fabric of time. Clocking in at a mind-boggling 150 minutes, this game magically outlasted the entire tournament’s duration. Whether it was a rift in the space-time continuum or just some very intense gameplay, we might never know.

A hearty shoutout to the players of this marathon match:

  • Josh Campoverde: Leading the pack with the calm composure that comes with an IFPA rank of 3688.
  • Eric Wagensonner: A close second and a force to be reckoned with given his rank of 308.
  • Mikey Lee Barton: Third on the Snow Derby but first in enthusiasm with a rank of 7398.
  • Dominic DiPalantino: Completing the quartet with a respectable fourth position, showcasing his skillset ranked at 4681.

The Crowning Glories of the Evening

Amidst the echoes of flippers and bells, emerged some clear victors:

  1. Zac Wollons: Dominated the evening, backed by his impressive track record with 362 IFPA events.
  2. Jon Oberto: Made a mark despite his relatively newcomer status, landing a proud second.
  3. Jared Garvey: This Berkeley local clinched third with style, leveraging his experience from 277 IFPA events.
  4. Josh Lehan: Another force from Castro Valley, finishing the night strong in fourth place.

The Machines That Made The Night

A stellar line-up of 63 machines entertained the crowd, with some standouts like:

Golden State’s Pinball Giants

While the evening celebrated individual games, it also acknowledged the prowess of California’s finest pinball players:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Tim HansenSunnyvale599.79
2Gabe Da SilveiraOakland553.28
3Escher Lefkoff–532.32
4Raymond AshbyLos Angeles520.25
5Scott MaciasGlendora461.57
6Nic SteinDavis436.01
7Johnny ModicaHacienda Heights420.6
8Andrei MassenkoffSan Francisco415.03
9Keith ElwinCarlsbad409.63
10Leslie Ruckman–408.05

As flippers rested and lights dimmed, the SFPD Fall 2023 #5 came to a close, leaving attendees with memories, stories, and a palpable excitement for the next gathering.

Stay locked on San Francisco Pinball Dept for more adventures in the world of pinball!

Punk Rock Pinball Tournament: A Mesa Marvel

As dusk descended upon Mesa, Arizona, on October 4th, 2023, and the temperature held at a balmy 86°F, pinball enthusiasts began to gather at the famed B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade for an evening of camaraderie, competition, and chilled brews. The Punk Rock Pinball 4th Quarter 2023 #1 Tournament, organized by the renowned Matt Trethewey, was about to kick off.

B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade: More Than Just Another Bar

Nestled at 213 W Main St, the B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade isn’t just any watering hole. Here, a vast assortment of beers meet vintage video games and pinball machines, whisking patrons back to simpler times. The sheer nostalgia of the arcade is sure to tug at the heartstrings of anyone who’s ever flipped a pinball or smashed a joystick.

Machines of Legend and Legacy

Among the eight legendary pinball machines, a few stood out:

  • Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Williams: A 1993 classic that took players on a blood-curdling adventure, earning its spot as the tournament favorite.
  • Grand Prix by Stern: The thrill of the F1 race was encapsulated in this 2005 release, which also boasted the tournament’s longest game duration.
  • X-Men Magneto (LE) by Stern: A 2012 tribute to the mutant saga.
  • The Getaway: High Speed II by Williams: Zoom through the city streets with this 1992 hit.
  • Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally: Dive deep into the mysterious waters with this 1992 masterpiece.

The Grand Showdown

12 players. 10 games each. The atmosphere was charged as the competitors took their positions. While all participants showcased their A-game, the top 4 truly stood out:

  1. Jeff Wegener: With only 8 IFPA events under his belt, Jeff’s skill and focus surprised many, securing his spot at the top.
  2. Shawn Barnett: A seasoned player, Shawn’s experience from 61 IFPA events was evident in his gameplay.
  3. Jim Smith AZ: The Phoenix maestro, with a whopping 457 IFPA events to his name, clinched the third spot with his usual flair.
  4. Mahina Hayashi: Mahina, with only 4 IFPA events to her name, proved that sometimes, passion trumps experience.

The Crème de la Crème of Arizona’s Pinball Scene

As the evening wrapped up, the latest IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 standings were:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau671.64
2Mark PearsonPhoenix598.17
3John ShoppleMesa592.13
4Adam HortonPhoenix352.69
5John MagyarGilbert351.78
6Kevan CarterTempe320.85
7Jason BarreMesa313.21
8Paul BlancoChandler309.72
9Joey RioSurprise309.24
10Walter DonyPhoenix280.56

Until Next Flip!

As the lights dimmed and the pinballs came to rest, the 17-hour-long marathon (or so it seemed!) drew to a close. A night of fierce competition, new friendships, and old rivalries renewed came to an end. Mesa’s pinball enthusiasts departed with memories of a night to remember and the promise of more adventures to come.

Stay plugged in for more from the electrifying world of pinball. Play on, Arizona!

The Electric Ambience of Texas Pinball: A Recap of the Space City Pinball Tournament

The quiet evening of October 4th was soon to be lit up with a blaze of neon lights, resonant “dings”, and fierce competition. The Space City Pinball: Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level #4 pinball tournament kicked off at 7:00 PM sharp. Within the industrial-chic confines of Low’s Sound Lab, an undisclosed location somewhere deep in the heart of Texas, 16 pinball wizards formed groups, eager to face off in a whirlwind tournament that lasted just a bit over 2 hours.

Game Highlights:

Among the 18 gleaming pinball machines present, five particularly stood out, not just for their rich legacy but for the gameplay they hosted during the evening:

  • Taxi by Williams: An old-school beauty that took players on a whirlwind ride.
  • Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming: A relatively newer model that had everyone hooked with its sharp graphics.
  • Diner by Williams: The star of the evening, more on this in a moment!
  • AC/DC (Pro) by Stern: A rock-fest that had many head-banging in between shots.
  • Funhouse by Williams: As quirky and fun as the name suggests.

One could argue the highlight of the night was the intense game on “Diner.” Liz Nebeker, a humble player from Houston with an IFPA rank of 3023, took the lead, closely followed by Dawn Freedkin and Dawn Hayes, with Emily Hoffman rounding out the quartet. The table was surrounded by an eager crowd, with every flipper move eliciting gasps or cheers.

The Night’s Champions:

Kudos to the champions who dominated the evening:

  • Gina Low, with 149 IFPA events under her belt, clinched the top spot.
  • The dynamic duo, Miette Dronet and Elizabeth Dronet, grabbed the 2nd and 3rd spots respectively.
  • Annabeth Dronet made it a family affair by taking the 4th position.

How Did the Texas Top 10 Fare?

A peek into the IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands501.1
2Garrett ShahanDenton442.78
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station327.53
5Fred RevnewThe Woodlands255.08
6Lee BalusekConroe254.5
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi246.12
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio227.23
9Jim MuellerHouston222.34
10Kevin RodriguezDenton219.12

Although none from the top 10 took the crown this time, their stellar past performances are a constant reminder of the evolving landscape of Texas pinball.

This night was an homage to both the old and the new – a celebration of the undying love for pinball. As we wind down, remember, it’s not just about the flippers and the score. It’s about the memories we make, the strategies we employ, and the friends we meet along the way. So, stay tuned and keep those pinballs rolling!

A Night to Remember at the Pinball Gallery: Ball Busters’ Battle Royale!

Amidst the rhythmic hums and dazzling lights, on October 4th at 6:30 PM, the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA transformed into a veritable coliseum of pinball warfare. The Ball Busters Pinball League was in full swing for its 2023 Season #5 Week 5 tournament.

Stage Set for Thrills and Spills

With Bill Disney taking the reins of the event, 12 fervent players went flipper to flipper, vying for glory across 5 nail-biting rounds. The crisp, clear evening was no match for the electric atmosphere inside the gallery.

Air Guitars & Pinballs

But the talk of the tournament was the epic face-off in Round 2 on Aerosmith (Premium) by Stern. Amy McManus, unranked and under the radar, dazzled the competition, clinching the top spot, leaving behind veterans like Stephanie Savy and Jamme Thomas. Charissa Wiley, though valiant in her attempts, stood fourth.

Honoring the Masters of the Machines

As the echoes of the pinballs faded, the champions emerged:

  1. Kim Smith reigned supreme, her experience across 72 IFPA events clearly shining through.
  2. Anita Thallmayer clinched the second spot, proving her prowess.
  3. Terri Morton followed closely in third, showcasing her impeccable gameplay.
  4. The night’s underdog, Stephanie Savy, also found herself among the pinball elite.

Machines of Legacy and Lore

From the 12 magnificent pinball machines present, a few commanded special attention. Earthshaker by Williams transported players back to 1989 with its seismic themes. Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern provided medieval thrills, while the Oktoberfest machine made sure there were ‘cheers’ all around. Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally took players on a cinematic journey and, of course, Aerosmith kept the rock spirit alive and kicking.

An Experience Beyond Points

Visiting the Pinball Gallery isn’t just about the tournament. With a plethora of games and an amazing atmosphere, it’s no surprise attendees leave with an urge to come back for more, as one visitor raved about their fantastic experience and the sheer variety the gallery offers.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Titans

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Cryss Stephens—191.32
2Jared SchmidtPittsburgh156.6
3Lewis BevansPittsburgh141.79
4Aleksander Kaczmarczyk—136.8
5Bob ChoatePhiladelphia115.15
6Stephen LeChesterbrook110.04
7Corey HulseSchwenksville100.8
8Matt GuslerPhiladelphia95.64
9Tony MakowskiLansdale88.05
10Raymond DavidsonElk Grove Village74.72

In the ever-evolving world of pinball, the titans of Pennsylvania continue their quest for glory. From Cryss Stephens at the pinnacle to Raymond Davidson completing the top ten, their competitive spirit remains unyielding.

So, as we tilt away from this week’s competition, the buzz is far from over. The Pinball Gallery and the Ball Busters League promise more thrills, more spills, and of course, more pinballs in action.

Keep flipping, folks!