Punk Rock Pinball – The 4th Quarter 2023 Showdown in Mesa

The streets of Mesa, Arizona were abuzz with excitement as the sun cast a gentle warmth of 85°F under a clear sky. As the golden hour approached, the B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade’s neon lights gleamed, signaling the onset of the “Punk Rock Pinball 4th Quarter 2023 #2” tournament on October 11, 2023.

An Enigmatic Elapsed Time – A Glitch in the Matrix?

Starting at a prompt 6:30 PM, this pinball showdown was noted to last a whopping 37 hours and 54 minutes! Could it be a slip in the time-space continuum or a mere mishap by MatchPlay Matt? Only the machines might know!

At the Heart of the Game

Hosted at the iconic B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade on 213 W Main St, Mesa, the event was orchestrated by the savvy Matt Trethewey. With 10 games a pop, 14 players unleashed their skills, battling flipper to flipper for the ultimate glory.

Machines of Honor

Victory Bells Ring!

  • 1st: Mayia Hayashi – The surprise package with 6 magnificent wins.
  • 2nd: Nick Goegan of Chandler AZ – An impressive tally of 4 victories.
  • 3rd: Dave Halley – An embodiment of experience and strategy.
  • 4th: John Magyar of Arizona – With 6 wins, proving that rankings aren’t everything.

The Venue – A Portal to the ’80s

B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade offers more than games. Its 80’s ambiance, heady with tunes from The Cure and a splendid variety of beers, creates the perfect setting for both kid and adult players. Just remember, the young ones need to teleport out by 7 pm!

Arizona’s Pinball Titans

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau–671.64
2Mark PearsonPhoenix607.87
3John ShoppleMesa591.98
4Adam HortonPhoenix378.21
5John MagyarGilbert351.77
6Paul BlancoChandler341.8
7Kevan CarterTempe320.85
8Jason BarreMesa313.19
9Joey RioSurprise309.16
10Walter DonyPhoenix280.56

As the night drew to an end and the neon lights dimmed, stories of prowess, rivalries, and nail-biting finishes remained etched in the memories of those present. Keep those flippers ready, Arizona; the pinball saga continues!

Guardians, Galaxies, and Girl Power: A Night of Pinball Prowess in the Heart of Texas

On October 11, 2023, the silhouettes of pinball machines stood tall against the fading Texas sunset. At precisely 7:00 PM, the LOWer Level buzzed with a unique energy – 16 fierce competitors were about to embark on a thrilling journey at the Space City Pinball: Belles and Chimes League at the LOWer Level #5 pinball tournament.

Enter the LOWer Level Lab

Although the exact coordinates of Low’s Sound Lab remain enigmatic (come on, Space City Pinball, spill the beans on MatchPlay already!), one could imagine its electric atmosphere. Dim lights, the pulsating sounds of pinball machines, and the hushed tones of competitive strategy discussions filled the space.

From 1990 to 2017: A Pinball Time Machine

The game roster was a delightful mix, teleporting players through various eras:

A 64-Minute Galactic Odyssey

In Round 2, the Guardians of the Galaxy machine became the star of the night. Four pinball warriors – Lisa Shore, Karen Ward, Leslie Speights, and Summer Ellington – embarked on an intense battle that stretched for an incredible 64 minutes. Lisa Shore emerged victorious, proving why she’s a force to be reckoned with in the pinball community.

Championing the Night

At the end of an electrifying evening:

  1. Gina Low: With 151 IFPA Events under her belt, Gina showcased her stellar skills, clinching the top spot.
  2. Lisa Shore: After her epic Guardians game, Lisa secured second place.
  3. Elizabeth Dronet from Space City: With an impressive record, she took the third podium position.
  4. Miette Dronet: Not far behind, she showcased her pinball prowess, ending in the fourth position.

The Lone Star Pinball Titans

Behold, the IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Jack RevnewThe Woodlands508.92
2Garrett ShahanDenton446.86
3Phil GrimaldiHouston338.48
4Wesley JohnsonCollege Station331.66
5Fred RevnewThe Woodlands256.06
6Lee BalusekConroe254.5
7Brian KrivonakCorpus Christi254.11
8Collier WhitefieldSan Antonio228.33
9Jim MuellerHouston222.32
10Kevin RodriguezDenton219.13

Till the Balls Roll Again

As the night drew to a close, the echoes of pinball bells and triumphant cheers lingered. Texas had once again proved its mettle in the realm of pinball.

Stay with us for more electrifying tales from the pinball world!

Under Clear Skies: A Legendary Evening at the Pinball Gallery

The gentle hum of pinball machines, the vibrant lights blinking rhythmically, and the unmistakable sounds of silver balls ricocheting off bumpers — this was the setting on the evening of October 11, 2023, at the illustrious Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA. This wasn’t just any evening. It marked the continuation of a thrilling saga: The Ball Busters Pinball League’s 2023 Season #5 Week 6 tournament.

Setting the Stage: Atmospheric Excellence

Situated at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, the Pinball Gallery — a temple for pinball enthusiasts — was brimming with excitement. Organized by the ever-charismatic Bill Disney, the tournament attracted 18 pinball wizards ready to duel. And while the weather outside, a refreshing 60°F under a clear sky, might have made for a pleasant evening stroll, inside, the competition was heating up.

Grand Lizard: The Battle of the Titans

The highlight of the early rounds? A face-off on the vintage Grand Lizard machine by Williams from 1986. Anita Thallmayer, with an IFPA rank of 2403, showcased her mastery by clinching the top spot. Following close was the enigmatic Ana Dult, who despite having an IFPA rank of 0, proved that numbers aren’t everything. Kim Smith and Terri Morton wrapped up the top four, setting the stage for what was going to be an epic battle for the top.

Machines of the Night

From a spectacular collection of 63 pinball machines, a few stood out:

  • Joker Poker by Gottlieb: A card-game-based classic from 1978.
  • Star Trek by Bally: Transporting players to space since 1978.
  • Venom (Pro) by Stern: A new entry from 2023, filled with superhero action.
  • Rock Encore by Gottlieb: A throwback to the vibrant music of the 80s.
  • Black Knight 2000 by Williams: A medieval adventure dating back to 1989.

Night’s Champions: Skill & Precision

  • Kim Smith took the throne showcasing skills honed over 73 IFPA events.
  • Anita Thallmayer and Ana Dult followed closely in second and third, with the former bringing experience from 157 IFPA events.
  • Terri Morton, or “Terri the Tenacious” as fans might say, clinched the fourth spot.

The Gallery Vibe

A peek at the Pinball Gallery’s website reveals a sterling recommendation: “I went to my friend’s birthday party that was being held here, and I had so much fun!! The bad cats pinball was my favorite! Def recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.”

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Powerhouses

The IFPA Pennsylvania Top 10 rankings stood as follows:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Cryss Stephens191.32
2Jared SchmidtPittsburgh157.84
3Lewis BevansPittsburgh142.41
4Aleksander Kaczmarczyk138.63
5Stephen LeChesterbrook117.63
6Bob ChoatePhiladelphia116.68
7Tony MakowskiLansdale103.31
8Corey HulseSchwenksville100.8
9Matt GuslerPhiladelphia96.01
10Cliff Albert89.06

Pinball Dreams Continue…

As the silver balls came to rest and the flippers went silent, another thrilling chapter in Pennsylvania’s pinball history concluded. Until next time, keep those flipper fingers nimble and stay tuned for more tales from the pinball realm!

Colorado Pinball Pub Tournament: Sippin’, Flippin’, and Some Incredible Pinball Action!

The sounds of bells, buzzers, and flippers echoed through the Colorado Pinball Pub on October 11, 2023. With scattered clouds in the sky and the temperature at a perfect 73°F, pinball enthusiasts gathered at 6209 S Santa Fe Dr, Littleton, CO 80120, for an epic evening of “sippin’ and flippin’.”

The Tournament Lowdown

Under the watchful eyes of organizer J V, 18 players dove headfirst into a Basic Knockout Tournament that spanned a marathon 9 hours and half hours. The premise was simple yet ruthless: in two-player games, players were given the boot after accumulating three strikes.

Stellar Game Spotlight

In the very first round, Warren Brown from Arvada, CO, with an IFPA rank of 4657, faced off against Lewis Ritenour on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, released in 2021. Brown showcased why rank isn’t everything, emerging as the victor in this nail-biting encounter.

Meet The Champions

At the end of this pinball endurance test, Kevin McCarthy, with an impressive IFPA rank of 928, stood tall. Marshall Weasel snagged second place, with Ross Unruh and Lewis Ritenour rounding off the top four. A standing ovation to these pinball wizards for their stellar gameplay!

Pinball Line-Up: A Vintage and Modern Mix

The tournament boasted an eclectic range of 18 pinball machines. Among these, the following were the show stealers:

About The Venue: Colorado Pinball Pub

The Colorado Pinball Pub is where nostalgia meets modern flair. Nestled near Old Town Littleton, the venue exudes a cozy charm that makes pinball enthusiasts feel right at home. From whiskey that can rival any connoisseur’s collection to an extensive beer lineup, the CPP ensures you’re well hydrated as you embark on your pinball adventures. The pinball lineup here? Let’s just say if pinball machines were a band, CPP’s would be headlining every major festival!

But what truly sets the pub apart is its people. The ever-friendly Lora and her team are always ready to make your experience one for the books. It’s not just about pinball; it’s about community.

IFPA Colorado Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Walt WoodEnglewood593.24
2Ryan AltermattDenver297.47
3Zach McCarthyConifer194.6
4Mark AbbottDenver176.98
5Donavan SteppLakewood166.33
6Daniel AndersonEnglewood150.31
7Ryan WangerBoulder137.44
8Robert Slyker132.68
9Lewis Ritenour131.25
10David Johnson COAurora129.73

In the ever-evolving realm of pinball, the Colorado Pinball Pub Tournament has set new benchmarks. Until the flippers flip again, keep those pinballs rolling and stay tuned for more thrilling updates!