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:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sterling Mitoska | Brooklyn | 458.31 |
| 2 | Rodney Minch | Grand Rapids | 450 |
| 3 | Rick Knopik | Evansville | 402.06 |
| 4 | Dominic Labella | Bay City | 328.72 |
| 5 | Matthew Stacks | Grand Rapids | 313.85 |
| 6 | Alex Harmon | Spring Lake | 301.12 |
| 7 | Jason Humphrey | Jackson | 276.37 |
| 8 | Ethan Magnum | 257.11 | |
| 9 | Sean Burke | Waterford Township | 220.52 |
| 10 | Philip Salminen | Midland | 212.95 |
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!