On the evening of October 9th, amidst the backdrop of a Dallas sky painted with a few soft clouds and a breezy temperature of 82°F, an epic showdown unfurled. The Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday tournament, buzzing with fervor, began at precisely 7:00 PM and spanned a thrilling 2 hours and 43 minutes.
The Venue:
Set in the heart of the city, Free Play Dallas is an arcade paradise, a treasure trove of games that makes one’s heart race. From the neon lights of the pinball machines to the nostalgic hum of arcade classics, it’s hard not to feel like a kid again. “Omg! Best place! So many games I love!” exclaimed an enthusiastic gamer, drink in hand, soaking up the lively atmosphere. And for those who wished to take a breather, the sight of the gorgeous nearby bridge provided a serene escape.
The Heart of the Action:
Organized by Chris Delp, whose reputation is echoed through his dedicated tournament website, the event saw 17 players clashing in 6 intense rounds. With each game, strategies evolved, rivalries deepened, and scores climbed. But only the top 8 would proceed to the all-important Finals.
Game of the Night:
The Finals were the pinnacle of nail-biting tension, especially on the Venom (Pro) by Stern, a machine released just a few months prior. The leaderboard was dominated by Garrett Shahan, a formidable player with an IFPA rank of 137, closely followed by the organizer himself, Chris Delp, and then Ken Kemp and Randy Nelson. This round was the culmination of strategy, skill, and perhaps a bit of luck.
Tournament Titans:
By the end, Garrett Shahan reigned supreme, with Chris Delp securing a proud second. Ken Kemp, Randy Nelson, Greg Gibson, Clark McCoy, Faulkner Turner, and Mike Archuleta rounded off the top 8, each marking their territory in the world of pinball.
A Machine Legacy:
Of the staggering 78 machines at the venue, some stood out for their history and design:
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro): A modern epic echoing the grandeur of the MCU.
- AC/DC (Pro): Rocking players since 2012.
- Venom (Pro): The star of the night and a fresh face in the arcade.
- Baby Pac-Man: A delightful fusion of arcade and pinball from ’82.
- Super Mario Bros.: The plumber’s iconic journey in pinball form.
- Attack from Mars: A ’95 classic that continues to thrill.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: An adventurous dive into Jack Sparrow’s world.
- Led Zeppelin (Pro): A rhythmic journey with the rock legends.
- Lord of the Rings: A timeless epic brought to life through flippers and lights.
The Lone Star Pinball Legends:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 508.96 |
| 2 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 442.78 |
| 3 | Phil Grimaldi | Houston | 338.48 |
| 4 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 331.69 |
| 5 | Fred Revnew | The Woodlands | 256.06 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 254.5 |
| 7 | Brian Krivonak | Corpus Christi | 254.14 |
| 8 | Collier Whitefield | San Antonio | 228.33 |
| 9 | Jim Mueller | Houston | 222.33 |
| 10 | Kevin Rodriguez | Denton | 219.12 |
As the neon lights dimmed and the scores settled, the night might have ended, but the legends born would be spoken of for weeks to come. The realm of pinball has its heroes, its tales, and its undying spirit. Until the flippers rise again, stay tuned for more pinball chronicles!