On a clear evening, with temperatures dipping to a brisk 56°F, the retro walls of the Pinball Gallery on Lancaster Ave in Malvern, PA were filled with the electrifying sounds of flippers, bells, and cheers. The reason? The Venom Pro Launch Party OPEN Tournament.
History Meets Modern Day:
The venue was a pinball enthusiast’s dream, featuring a total of 62 machines ranging from classic vintage to the latest releases. Highlights from this retro-modern fusion included:
- Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern: An adrenaline-packed ride from 2023.
- Fish Tales by Williams: Taking players back to ’92 with its fishing adventures.
- El Dorado City of Gold by Gottlieb: A venture into the heart of a legendary city from 1984.
- Toy Story 4 (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball: A 2022 release that brought Pixar’s magic to the arcade.
- KISS (Premium) by Stern: A tribute to the rock legends from 2015.
The Venomous Climax:
But, of course, the star of the evening was Venom (Pro) by Stern, released just a few months prior in July 2023. With its stellar team comprising Lead Game Designer Brian Eddy, Technical Lead Artist Jeremy Packer (AKA Zombie Yeti), and music tracks by Mark Tremonti, it was the machine everyone had their eyes on.
During the finals, the tension was palpable. Each flipper action was a statement, each ball release a breath of anticipation. Stephen Le, with an IFPA rank of 1228, demonstrated impeccable skill, making his mark as the undisputed champion of the evening. Following closely were Kevin Lubanski, Stephen Haberman, and Tony Makowski, showcasing their prowess and passion for the game.
Pennsylvania’s Pinball Titans:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cryss Stephens | 191.32 | |
| 2 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 157.84 |
| 3 | Lewis Bevans | Pittsburgh | 142.41 |
| 4 | Aleksander Kaczmarczyk | 138.63 | |
| 5 | Stephen Le | Chesterbrook | 117.63 |
| 6 | Bob Choate | Philadelphia | 116.68 |
| 7 | Tony Makowski | Lansdale | 103.31 |
| 8 | Corey Hulse | Schwenksville | 100.8 |
| 9 | Matt Gusler | Philadelphia | 96.01 |
| 10 | Cliff Albert | 89.06 |
More than Just Machines:
Beyond the competition and the iconic machines, the atmosphere of the venue itself was noteworthy. The Pinball Gallery, with its rich array of machines and energetic ambiance, is more than just an arcade. As one visitor recounted, “I went to my friend’s birthday party that was being held here and I had soo much fun!! The bad cats pinball was my favorite!”
With another exciting tournament wrapped up, the journey of pinball continues, bringing together generations, blending nostalgia with modern-day thrills. Keep flipping, and stay tuned for more updates from the dazzling realm of pinball!