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!