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:
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Williams: A gothic journey from 1993.
- Jurassic Park by Data East: Dino-filled adventures of ’93.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams: A 1993 space odyssey.
- Doctor Who by Bally: Time-traveling escapades from 1992.
- Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: The newest in the lineup, from 2017, but the one that stole the show!
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:
- Gina Low: With 151 IFPA Events under her belt, Gina showcased her stellar skills, clinching the top spot.
- Lisa Shore: After her epic Guardians game, Lisa secured second place.
- Elizabeth Dronet from Space City: With an impressive record, she took the third podium position.
- 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:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 508.92 |
| 2 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 446.86 |
| 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 | 222.32 |
| 10 | Kevin Rodriguez | Denton | 219.13 |
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!