October 10, 2023 - Gobble Hole

Pinball and Pudding Shots: Tik Tok’s Matchplay Magic!

On a slightly chilly evening with only a few clouds adorning the sky, the pulse of pinball rang loud and clear from Tik Tok’s Workshop in Bremerton. The reason? The much-anticipated Tik Tok’s Matchplay 10/10 pinball tournament!

The Countdown Begins

Kicking off at 7:00 PM on October 10, 2023, the Tik Tok’s Matchplay tournament, organized by the talented Richard Godwin, saw 8 competitive players battle it out over 8 gripping rounds. The challenge was simple yet intense: earn those points and rise to the top.

Over the Rainbow and Down the Yellow Brick Road

The 7th round of the tournament became the talk of the town, thanks to the enchanting The Wizard of Oz (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball. Richard Godwin led the charge, clinching the top spot, with Sarah Bay following suit. Jessica Barron and Rachel Kahalekulu showcased their prowess, landing in the third and fourth positions respectively.

Pinball Royalty Crowned

Emerging victorious after an evening of flips and tricks were:

Anna Francolini, a relatively new face with an impressive win.
Sarah Bay, proving yet again her mettle on the pinball machine.
Jessica Barron, with her consistent performance, bagged third place.
Rachel Kahalekulu, showing off her extensive experience, stood strong in fourth place.

Pinball Paraphernalia

With 14 dazzling pinball machines at the venue, some stood out prominently:

The vintage Firepower by Williams
The mesmerizing The Wizard of Oz (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball
The classic Sharpshooter by Game Plan
The thrilling Cyclone by Williams
And, the crowd-pleasing Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming.

Venue Vibes

Tik Tok’s Workshop was more than just about pinball. With a drink menu that screamed fun (hello, pudding shots!) and a Dirty and Dry that left a lasting impression, it’s a haven for pinball and drink enthusiasts. Though a note for the eager visitor: patience is a virtue, especially on a busy night.

The Best of the Best in Washington

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Germain Mariolle	Redmond	636.33
2	Lonnie Langford	Seattle	572.92
3	Richie Terry	Seattle	519.37
4	Sean Irby	Seattle	472.6
5	Jarrett Gaddy	Seattle	464.81
6	David Chernicoff	Seattle	436.46
7	Dave Stewart	Carnation	409.94
8	Raymond Davidson	Elk Grove Village	364.69
9	Neal Joslyn	Bremerton	364.69
10	Zach McCarthy	Conifer	325.12

Stay with us as we keep you updated on the thrilling escapades in the world of pinball!

ifpa washington

The Sizzle of the Silver Ball: A Night at the Electric Bat Arcade

In the heart of Tempe, AZ, where the temperature still touches 90°F even as the sun bids adieu, there’s a place where things get even hotter. The Electric Bat Arcade came alive on October 10, 2023, with the thrills, spills, and flippers of the Season 9 Series 1 #4 pinball tournament. An impressive turnout of 98 players, some seasoned pros and others pinball patriots, made for an electrifying event.

A Venue of Vintage Vibe and Vivid Videogames

A trip to the Electric Bat Arcade isn’t just another outing; it’s an experience. This arcade epitomizes the golden era of gaming while also embracing the new age. It’s a paradise where machines from the 70s converse harmoniously with those released just last year. The most commendable aspect? Each machine, from the oldest to the newest, is impeccably maintained, ready for the next eager player to test their mettle. And if you’re feeling competitive, their mid-week tournaments are a must-visit, drawing in a whopping 100+ attendees. Now that’s what we call ‘pinball fever’!

Pinball Picks of the Night

Among the 64 machines lined up for the tournament, a few shone brighter, attracting players and spectators alike:

Centaur by Bally: A blast from 1981, this machine still boasts intricate gameplay.
Night Rider by Bally: Representing 1976, it’s a testament to the timeless allure of pinball.
Rush (Pro) by Stern: Fresh from 2022, this machine harmonizes music and pinball.
Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming: Transporting players back to a time of knights and castles.
James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) by Stern: A recent addition from 2022, shaken, not stirred, with elements from the iconic spy series.

A Tribute to the Dead

Highlighting the event was the tribute to The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern, commemorating its anniversary. Unleashing the horror and thrill of the acclaimed TV series, this machine stands as a testament to the fusion of pop culture and pinball. Manufactured in 2014, its playfield sets a haunting atmosphere. Unique features, like the “Animated prison” with a bashable zombie head and the “Well Walker” bash toy, promise relentless action, making every game an adrenaline-pumping escapade. During a nail-biting Round 4, John Shopple from Mesa navigated through its post-apocalyptic challenges and emerged victorious, trailed by the skilled Andrew Kohtz and Roland Nadeau. Truly, “The Walking Dead (Pro)” isn’t just a pinball machine; it’s an exhilarating journey into AMC’s The Walking Dead universe, adding depth and excitement to the tournament.

Titans of the Tournament

A shoutout to our champions:

Jard Cassell: With an IFPA rank of 1160, he clinched the top spot.
Henry Hanshaw: Following close, with numerous tournaments under his belt.
Matt JohnsonAZ: Another gem from Mesa, securing the third place.
Paul Blanco: A pinball veteran, finishing strong at fourth.

Arizona’s Pinball Pantheon

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Roland Nadeau		671.63
2	Mark Pearson	Phoenix	607.41
3	John Shopple	Mesa	591.98
4	Adam Horton	Phoenix	377.73
5	John Magyar	Gilbert	351.77
6	Paul Blanco	Chandler	341.29
7	Kevan Carter	Tempe	320.85
8	Jason Barre	Mesa	313.19
9	Joey Rio	Surprise	309.16
10	Walter Dony	Phoenix	280.56

The Electric Bat tournament proved once again that in the world of pinball, age is just a number. Whether you’re playing on a machine from the 70s or one released last year, the thrill remains timeless. Until the next flip, keep those scores high and the balls in play!

arizona ifpa

A Rainy Evening of Coffee and Pinball: The Belles & Chimes SATX Showdown!

On a lightly rain-soaked evening in San Antonio, as the temperature hovered at a cool 67°F, a unique blend of caffeine and pinball came alive. The venue? The unconventional What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters, where the fragrant aroma of fresh coffee beans intermingled with the electrifying sounds of pinball.

The Perfect Brew: Coffee & Pinball

It’s not every day you find a venue that feels like it’s straight out of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. With the alluring scent of roasting beans, What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters stands as a testament to the marriage of nostalgia and contemporary vibes. It’s the kind of place where you can witness the art of coffee roasting, grab a flaming hot coconut mocha, and then challenge a buddy to a game of pinball.

A Twist in the Pinball Tale

With 48 machines, including legends like Black Hole and newer hits like Foo Fighters (LE), players were spoilt for choice. But the standout was a heated face-off on the iconic Twilight Zone machine by Bally. Sophie Gronnevik, with an IFPA rank of 6745, managed to outplay higher-ranked players Lori Love and Rebecca Salam, proving that in the world of pinball, anything is possible!

The Crowned Chimes of the Evening

The tournament was a rollercoaster ride, with players navigating through 5 rounds and 2 games each round. The final chimes rang out in favor of:

Alice Young: Gracefully navigating her way to the top with expertise from 83 IFPA events.
Hope Love: Just a stone’s throw away from the crown, with a record from 70 IFPA events.
Rebecca Salam: Making a mark, yet again, after her notable performance in the Twilight Zone round.
Lori Love: Her experience from 100 IFPA events clearly showing in her gameplay.

The Texan Titans of Pinball

The best in the Lone Star state as of now:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Jack Revnew	The Woodlands	508.94
2	Garrett Shahan	Denton	442.78
3	Phil Grimaldi	Houston	338.48
4	Wesley Johnson	College Station	331.66
5	Fred Revnew	The Woodlands	256.06
6	Lee Balusek	Conroe	254.5
7	Brian Krivonak	Corpus Christi	254.11
8	Collier Whitefield	San Antonio	228.33
9	Jim Mueller	Houston	222.33
10	Kevin Rodriguez	Denton	219.11

Until the Next Flip

With every tilt, ding, and buzz, the Belles & Chimes SATX – Fall 2023 #3 pinball tournament reminded everyone of the magic of pinball. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual coffee drinker, the charm of the silver ball is undeniable. San Antonio, keep those reflexes sharp; we’ll be back for another round of pinball pandemonium soon!

ifpa texas

Pinball Pursuits: A Chilly October Night Warms up in Pennsylvania

On a clear and brisk evening, with temperatures hovering around 55°F, the Pinball Gallery on Lancaster Avenue was abuzz. While most might snuggle up indoors in such weather, for the pinball community, the atmosphere was heated with fierce competition and palpable excitement.

The Venue – More Than Just Pinball

The Pinball Gallery offers more than a retreat for pinball enthusiasts. For 80s kids, it’s a nostalgic journey. One visitor recalled playing Super Mario Brothers on a vintage television, stating, “It was like muscle memory – I beat the first world like it was nothing and my 12-year-old was in awe.” From vintage board games to the PacMan video game and pinball machine combo, there’s an arcade treasure at every corner. Not to mention the super friendly staff adding to the charm of the place.

Of Knights, Wizards, and Galactic Battles

The event showcased 72 pinball machines, with some making their mark more than others.

Black Knight 2000 by Williams saw the maximum action, with 5 games played.
The longest play time? That was on Excalibur by Gottlieb, with an average game stretching to 27 minutes.
Legends of Valhalla and Galactic Tank Force, both from American Pinball, reflected the industry’s newest innovations, while classics like Sorcerer and Blackout took players on a nostalgic trip.
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast and Aerosmith (Premium) by Stern rocked the players with their musical themes.

Quarterfinal Quake

Amid the flurry of flippers and flashing lights, the game on “The Addams Family” by Bally stood out. Tony Lastowka, with an impressive IFPA rank of 1302, bagged the first position. He was closely followed by Michael Reimer, Jamme Thomas, and Sam Fowler, making it a game to remember.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Titans

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Cryss Stephens		191.32
2	Jared Schmidt	Pittsburgh	156.6
3	Lewis Bevans	Pittsburgh	141.79
4	Aleksander Kaczmarczyk		136.8
5	Bob Choate	Philadelphia	115.15
6	Stephen Le	Chesterbrook	110.04
7	Corey Hulse	Schwenksville	100.8
8	Matt Gusler	Philadelphia	95.64
9	Tony Makowski	Lansdale	88.05
10	Raymond Davidson	Elk Grove Village	74.72

Celebrating the Champions

At the end of nearly 5 hours, Bob Choate from Delco, PA, emerged victorious. Not far behind were Michael Reimer and Tony Lastowka, securing the 2nd and 3rd spots, respectively. What’s notable is Billy Gianakopoulos’s performance, reaching 5th place despite it being his first IFPA event!

To all the players, attendees, and pinball enthusiasts, here’s to many more flippin’ fantastic tournaments. Keep those scores high, and spirits higher! Stay tuned for more updates from the enthralling realm of pinball.

ifpa pennsylvania

The Pinball Lounge – Bonanza 10-10-23: When Steel Balls Tell Tales

On October 10, 2023, as a clear sky watched over Florida and the temperature nudged a pleasant 76°F, inside The Pinball Lounge @Oviedo Bowling Center, a different tempest was brewing. At 7:00 PM, flippers flipped, bells chimed, and scores soared as the Pinball Bonanza unfurled.

The Arena and Its Gladiators

Located at 376 E Broadway Street in Oviedo, The Pinball Lounge is no stranger to pinball aficionados. Organized by the ever-passionate Kurt van Zyl, this latest edition saw 19 competitors, each eager to leave an indelible mark on the leaderboard. Over 6 intense rounds, strategies were deployed, rivalries flared, and champions emerged.

Rushing to Glory on Rush (LE)

One cannot talk about this evening without shining a spotlight on Round 6. Stern’s Rush (LE), a modern marvel, became the stage for an epic battle. Garrett Smoke emerged victorious, closely trailed by Dawn Ziatyk, Mike Zink, and the spirited Doug Bernard from Orlando.

Here’s to the Champions!

1st: Mike Zink – Proving that experience, with 73 IFPA Events under his belt, indeed counts.
2nd: Garrett Smoke – A rising star, with a game as fiery as his surname suggests.
3rd: John Osborne – Consistency is key, and John is its master.
4th: Dawn Ziatyk – Earning respect with each flick of her flipper, and accounting for a 10-point adjustment.

A Pinball Time Machine

The machines at the Lounge are not just tables; they’re portals to different eras:

Black Pyramid – A trip to the mysteries of 1984.
Attack from Mars – Reliving the 1995 alien invasion with every ball.
Jurassic Park (Premium) – A 2019 adventure with the T-Rex.
Monster Bash (Remake LE) – Party with monsters, 2018-style.
Foo Fighters (Premium) – The 2023 rock anthem in pinball form.

The Pinball Lounge: A Realm Beyond the Flippers

It’s not just about the game; it’s about the experience. As one vacationer shared on The Pinball Lounge’s website, their brief detour turned into a two-hour love affair with pinball, sans the food and drinks.

The Titans of Florida Pinball

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Shannon Stafford	Orange Park	329.53
2	Eric Stone	Fort Myers	312.68
3	Sebastian Bobbio		279.04
4	Vince Gelormine	Fort Lauderdale	272.4
5	Dan Coyle	St. Petersburg	194.72
6	Dr. Frank Sposaro	Lakeland	151.96
7	Adam Gray	Temple Terrace	147.87
8	David Miller FL	Tampa	142.44
9	Brayden Derazza	Lake Mary	139.7
10	John Moschella	Winter Springs	127.5

The echoes of clashing steel balls might have subsided for now, but the stories, rivalries, and dreams live on. Here’s looking forward to the next battle under the neon lights! Until then, stay flippin’, Florida!

florida ifpa