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:
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: An eerie trip to Hawkins from 2019.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern: The 2023 marvel that had every player vying for the top spot.
- Godzilla (Pro) by Stern: A monstrous challenge from 2021.
- AC/DC (Pro) by Stern: Rocking players since 2012.
- James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern: The 2022 release transporting players into the world of espionage and action.
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:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Miller MO | St. Louis | 313.49 |
| 2 | Kendell Holder | St. Louis | 264.54 |
| 3 | Brennan Sullivan | St. Louis | 218.59 |
| 4 | Adam McKinnie | Columbia | 214.23 |
| 5 | Steve Rolsing | St. Louis | 189.82 |
| 6 | Chris Ward | St. Louis | 167.42 |
| 7 | Jacob Fischer | St. Louis | 158.63 |
| 8 | Carleton Plourde | St. Louis | 124.65 |
| 9 | Mike Howard | St. Louis | 122.79 |
| 10 | Steve Hill MO | Kansas City | 119.17 |
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!