Friday the 13th Frights and Flippers: A Spooky Night at the IFPA Pinball Tournament

The air was charged with excitement and a hint of eerie anticipation on Friday the 13th, October 2023. Pinball enthusiasts from near and far gathered at Atomic Age Modern on Main Street, Mesa, Arizona, for the highly anticipated IFPA pinball tournament. Bob Kennedy, the mastermind behind the event, transformed the venue into a pinball paradise, complete with the latest and greatest machines that had players buzzing with excitement.

As the sun set, casting eerie shadows over the venue, the stage was set for an unforgettable night of flipper-fueled fun. With clear skies and a temperature of 82°F (feeling like 80°F), it was the perfect backdrop for an evening of pinball mastery.

Game Spotlight: Cactus Canyon Strikes Fear

One of the standout moments of the tournament came in Round 4 when players gathered around the mesmerizing Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming. The game unfolded with nail-biting intensity, and when the dust settled, the results were spine-tingling:

1st Place: Jason Barre, hailing from Mesa, AZ, with an IFPA rank of 258. 2nd Place: Miguel Martinez, a local player with an IFPA rank of 4282. 3rd Place: Connor Kennedy, ranked 1877 in IFPA. 4th Place: Everett Day, a rising star with an IFPA rank of 0.

Jason Barre’s eerie precision on Cactus Canyon was a sight to behold, earning them the top spot and sending shivers down the spines of their competitors.

Champion of the Night: John Shopple’s Haunting Victory

When the final ball rolled to a stop, it was John Shopple who emerged as the champion of the night. With an IFPA rank of 104 and a whopping 360 IFPA events under his belt, Shopple’s victory was a testament to his unwavering dedication to the game.

Mark Farina Jr., another local player from Gilbert, Arizona, took the second spot with an IFPA rank of 1865 and 89 IFPA events. Nate Tornero, with a 10-point adjustment, secured third place, while Jason Barre, who left a mark with their Cactus Canyon victory, finished fourth.

The Spooky Lineup of Pinball Machines

The tournament featured a spine-chilling lineup of 12 pinball machines, each with its own unique charm and terror. Among them were classics like The Party Zone, Taxi, Gilligan’s Island, Night Rider, Pinbot, The Getaway: High Speed II, Flight 2000, and the recently released Godzilla and Rush by Stern. These machines added an extra layer of thrill and excitement to the tournament.

Venue and Atmosphere: A Pinball Haven

The Atomic Age Modern venue was nothing short of a pinball haven, boasting a super cool Mid-Century Modern cedar chest with reversible panels, creating an atmosphere that was both retro and mysterious. The venue’s unique ambiance added to the allure of the tournament, making it a night to remember for all attendees.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Roland Nadeau671.64
2Mark PearsonPhoenix607.86
3John ShoppleMesa591.98
4Adam HortonPhoenix378.21
5John MagyarGilbert351.77
6Paul BlancoChandler341.8
7Kevan CarterTempe320.85
8Jason BarreMesa313.18
9Joey RioSurprise309.15
10Walter DonyPhoenix280.56

The top 10 rankings in Arizona’s pinball scene showcase the fierce competition and talent that was on display at the tournament.

In the realm of pinball, Friday the 13th proved to be more thrilling than spooky, leaving everyone with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the art of the silver ball. Stay tuned for more updates as the world of pinball continues to captivate players and fans alike.

Pinballs, Players, and Points: A Night at Murphy’s On 21

With scattered clouds above and a cozy 64°F on the ground, Murphy’s On 21 in St. Louis transformed into a pinball haven on the night of October 13th, 2023. For over four hours, the bells, buzzers, and excited gasps echoed throughout the venue as players locked horns in the Venom Launch Party – Murphy’s pinball tournament.

Machines that Made the Magic:

While the tournament boasted 12 magnificent pinball machines, some stood out, whisking players away on adventures of pop culture nostalgia and thrill:

The Game that Had Everyone Buzzing:

Round 3 on Venom (Pro) had onlookers on the edge of their seats. John Miller from MO, with an impressive IFPA rank of 175, snatched first place, proving why he’s a top contender in the pinball realm. But Ryan Willenbrock, Aurora Bihler, and Darrin Bosco weren’t far behind, each showcasing their skills and strategy.

Missouri’s Pinball Maestros:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1John Miller MOSt. Louis313.49
2Kendell HolderSt. Louis264.54
3Brennan SullivanSt. Louis218.59
4Adam McKinnieColumbia214.23
5Steve RolsingSt. Louis189.82
6Chris WardSt. Louis167.42
7Jacob FischerSt. Louis158.63
8Carleton PlourdeSt. Louis124.65
9Mike HowardSt. Louis122.79
10Steve Hill MOKansas City119.17

A Venue that Scores a Perfect 10:

Murphy’s On 21 wasn’t just the backdrop for a tournament; it was an integral part of the experience. As one attendee recalled, “Went to Murphy’s on 21 for a pinball tournament (I’m not good but it’s fun) and this place was great. Busy – the bartender rocked and got all orders out quickly.” Kudos to the bartender and the entire crew of Murphy’s for making the night memorable!

So, as the flippers rest and the lights dim, we wrap up another thrilling chapter in the world of pinball tournaments. The balls will roll, the scores will rise, and the passion for pinball will continue to light up arcades around the world. Stay flipping, and stay tuned for more updates from the dazzling realm of pinball!

Terror and Triumph: The Horror-Themed Showdown at the Sparks Pinball Museum

In the darkest depths of the night, when overcast clouds shrouded the moon, and the temperature hovered around a spine-chilling 52°F, a sinister gathering took place on Friday the 13th, October 2023. It was no ordinary night—it was the Sparkseasy Friday the 13th pinball tournament, a chilling battle of flippers and nerves that unfolded at the Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar in Chesterfield, MI. Organized by the enigmatic Joe Wade, this event would go down in history as a spine-tingling showdown.

The Tournament: A Battle of Horror and Skill

As the clock struck 7:30 PM, 32 brave souls gathered to face the terror of 10 grueling pinball games. These players fought relentlessly for a coveted spot in the top 8, where the finals would take place over three harrowing rounds, with no margin for error.

The atmosphere was electrifying, as the arcade’s eerie lighting and the sounds of countless pinballs filled the air. The top players brought their A-game, determined to outshine the competition.

Godzilla: The King of the Pinball Monsters

One machine reigned supreme with six spine-tingling games played—Godzilla (Premium/LE) by Stern, released on September 14, 2021. This monstrous pinball machine was a favorite among the contestants, offering a relentless challenge reminiscent of the iconic movie monsters.

Elvira’s House of Horrors: A Standout Nightmare

The Mistress of the Dark’s spectacle reached its peak in Round 1 when players gathered around Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) by Stern, born from the nightmares of September 18, 2019. The game unfolded with heart-pounding intensity, leaving us with these results:

1st Place: Scott Styles, hailing from New Baltimore, with an IFPA rank of 2009. 2nd Place: Daniel Walczak, an IFPA contender with a rank of 2282. 3rd Place: Chris Beaugrand, whose IFPA rank added to the mystery. 4th Place: Mike Stewart Jr., from parts unknown, with an IFPA rank of 513.

Scott Styles’ gameplay was nothing short of supernatural, earning him the top spot and sending shivers down the spines of his competitors.

Champions of Horror and Glory

When the final ball settled, it was Joe Wade who emerged as the champion of this bone-chilling tournament. With five wins under his belt and an IFPA rank of 1720, his victory was a testament to his mastery of the eerie pinball realm. He was closely followed by Daniel Walczak, who proved to be a formidable adversary with a rank of 2282 and 93 IFPA events.

Other notable champions included Mike Bradley, Chris Grace, Scott Styles, Chris Phillips, Chris Beaugrand, and Mike Stewart Jr., each showcasing their own unique brand of pinball terror.

The Haunting Lineup of Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an astonishing array of 45 pinball machines, each one a portal to a different dimension of fright and excitement. Among them were classics like Champion Pub, The Getaway: High Speed II, The Addams Family Gold, Rush (Pro), Monster Bash, hey look, it’s me! Bride of Pinbot, Star Wars Episode I, Elvira and the Party Monsters, and The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern. These machines added an extra layer of thrill and horror to the tournament.

Venue and Atmosphere: Where Scares and Fun Collide

The Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar provided the perfect backdrop for this night of horror-themed pinball mayhem. The atmosphere was infused with a unique blend of nostalgia and eeriness, with most pins priced at just 75 cents, including the newer Stern machines at a dollar.

IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings:

RankPlayer NameCityWppr Points
1Sterling MitoskaBrooklyn458.31
2Rodney MinchGrand Rapids450
3Rick KnopikEvansville402.06
4Dominic LabellaBay City328.72
5Matthew StacksGrand Rapids313.85
6Alex HarmonSpring Lake301.12
7Jason HumphreyJackson276.37
8Ethan Magnum257.11
9Sean BurkeWaterford Township220.52
10Philip SalminenMidland212.95

These rankings demonstrate the sheer talent and horror-infused competition that the Michigan pinball scene has to offer.

In the realm of pinball, Friday the 13th was more than a date; it was an unforgettable experience of terror, triumph, and flippers. Stay tuned for more updates from the spine-tingling world of pinball!

Venom and Vintage: The Pinball Tournament at Pinball Gallery

On a clear evening, with temperatures dipping to a brisk 56°F, the retro walls of the Pinball Gallery on Lancaster Ave in Malvern, PA were filled with the electrifying sounds of flippers, bells, and cheers. The reason? The Venom Pro Launch Party OPEN Tournament.

History Meets Modern Day:

The venue was a pinball enthusiast’s dream, featuring a total of 62 machines ranging from classic vintage to the latest releases. Highlights from this retro-modern fusion included:

The Venomous Climax:

But, of course, the star of the evening was Venom (Pro) by Stern, released just a few months prior in July 2023. With its stellar team comprising Lead Game Designer Brian Eddy, Technical Lead Artist Jeremy Packer (AKA Zombie Yeti), and music tracks by Mark Tremonti, it was the machine everyone had their eyes on.

During the finals, the tension was palpable. Each flipper action was a statement, each ball release a breath of anticipation. Stephen Le, with an IFPA rank of 1228, demonstrated impeccable skill, making his mark as the undisputed champion of the evening. Following closely were Kevin Lubanski, Stephen Haberman, and Tony Makowski, showcasing their prowess and passion for the game.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Titans:

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

More than Just Machines:

Beyond the competition and the iconic machines, the atmosphere of the venue itself was noteworthy. The Pinball Gallery, with its rich array of machines and energetic ambiance, is more than just an arcade. As one visitor recounted, “I went to my friend’s birthday party that was being held here and I had soo much fun!! The bad cats pinball was my favorite!”

With another exciting tournament wrapped up, the journey of pinball continues, bringing together generations, blending nostalgia with modern-day thrills. Keep flipping, and stay tuned for more updates from the dazzling realm of pinball!