Blizzard Mountain November 2023 Max Matchplay: A Pinball Tournament of Epic Proportions

On a brisk November afternoon in Conifer, Colorado, with a clear sky and temperatures sitting at a cool 46°F, Blizzard Mountain Pinball transformed into a bustling arena for the Max Matchplay Tournament. The event, held on November 12, 2023, was not just a tournament; it was a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and a deep love for the game of pinball.

A High-Energy Venue for Pinball Aficionados

Blizzard Mountain Pinball, located at 25797 Conifer Rd, is more than just a gaming spot. It’s a vibrant community hub where laughter, cheers, and the occasional bout of gamer rage (all in good fun) fill the air. Kevin McCarthy, the organizer, created an environment where both the seasoned and the new could find excitement. Clean, welcoming, and full of pinball magic, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to dive into the world of pinball.

The Classic and the Contemporary: King Kool and Venom

The tournament saw an impressive lineup of 38 machines, with the 1972 classic King Kool by Gottlieb stealing hearts as the favorite. Meanwhile, Stern’s Venom (Premium), released in July 2023, challenged players with its lengthy gameplay, averaging around 15 minutes per game. These machines, along with others like Ghostbusters (Premium) and Jurassic Park (Pro), created a diverse playground that tested every aspect of the players’ skills.

A Marathon Game on Ghostbusters (Premium)

A remarkable highlight was an 84-minute marathon on Stern’s Ghostbusters (Premium) during the quarterfinals. This epic showdown saw Justin Hinman claim victory in a battle that tested not just skill but endurance and strategy. Robert Slyker, Lewis Ritenour, and Daniel Anderson from Englewood, CO, also put forth commendable efforts, adding to the game’s intensity.

Honoring the Champions

The tournament’s format of 12 games per player and subsequent finals rounds brought out the best in the competitors. Emerging victorious were:

  • 1st: Ryan Altermatt with 5 wins – A display of consistent excellence.
  • 2nd: Drew Donohue with 6 wins – Showcasing tactical brilliance.
  • 3rd: Daniel Anderson from Englewood, CO, with 7 wins – A testament to resilience and skill.
  • 4th: Mike Paproski with 5 wins – Proving that strategy is key in pinball.

A Pinball Tournament to Remember

As players left the Blizzard Mountain Pinball, they took with them memories of epic battles, triumphant wins, and the shared camaraderie that defines the pinball community. The Blizzard Mountain November 2023 Max Matchplay Tournament was more than just a competition; it was an exhilarating celebration of the spirit of pinball.

Follow along for more updates from the exciting realm of pinball, where every flipper hit weaves a new story!

A Day of Flipper Frenzy: Shortys Annual Pinball Tournament 2023

On a sunny day with the thermometer reading a pleasant 79°F, Shorty’s, a charming dive bar known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious hotdogs, transformed into a battleground for pinball enthusiasts. The Shortys Annual Pinball Tournament, orchestrated by Germain Mariolle, was not just a competition; it was a celebration of pinball in its most authentic and spirited form.

The Setting: Shorty’s, More Than Just a Bar

Shorty’s, with its unique blend of a dive bar ambiance and a sprinkling of arcade games, provided a perfect backdrop for the day’s events. The atmosphere was casual yet charged with excitement. The highlight for many was the tables made from old pinball machines, adding a creative touch to the venue. The friendly bartenders and the array of affordable drinks and snacks only added to the day’s charm.

The Tournament: A Test of Skill and Patience

Seventy-four players entered the fray, battling through 8 intense rounds. The structure was straightforward, with players earning points based on their finishing positions. The top 16 players moved onto the finals, where the competition intensified over four grueling rounds.

Game Spotlight: Genie by Gottlieb

A standout moment of the tournament was the final round’s epic game on Genie by Gottlieb, a classic from 1979. The game was a marathon, lasting an incredible 69 minutes, showcasing the endurance and skill of the finalists. David Chernicoff emerged victorious, with Richie Terry closely contending for the top spot.

Celebrating the Champions

David Chernicoff clinched the title with his exceptional gameplay, followed by Richie Terry, who demonstrated remarkable skill and strategy. The tournament also saw impressive performances from Eden Stamm, Sean Irby, and Seattle’s own Nate Carter and Robert Islas. Jaran Jones and organizer Germain Mariolle, from Redmond, rounded out the top eight.

Featured Pinball Machines

Among the 15 machines at the tournament, several stood out for their unique themes and gameplay:

  • The Addams Family by Bally (1992): A crowd favorite for its engaging theme and challenging gameplay.
  • The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern (2021): A newer addition, bringing the excitement of the Star Wars universe to the pinball world.
  • Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern (2023): The latest entry, rocking the tournament with its energetic music and gameplay.
  • Funhouse by Williams (1990): A nostalgic machine beloved for its unique and quirky design.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern (2022): Offering players a taste of espionage and adventure.

Conclusion

The Shortys Annual Pinball Tournament 2023 was more than a mere competition; it was a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and the timeless magic of pinball. As players and spectators left Shorty’s, they took with them memories of clattering pinballs, strategic plays, and the friendly, unpretentious vibe of a beloved local dive bar.

Stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!

A Thrilling Day at the Pinsomniacs Venom Launch

On a misty afternoon in Jacksonville, Florida, the Pinsomniacs Pinball @ VGR Venom Launch Party tournament brought excitement and intense competition to the Video Game Rescue Arcade. With the temperature sitting at a comfortable 60°F, pinball enthusiasts gathered on November 12, 2023, for a showdown that promised both skill and strategy.

Venue Vibes: Video Game Rescue Arcade

Nestled at 2415 Blanding Blvd, the Video Game Rescue Arcade, known for its excellent selection of games and fair prices, turned into a battleground for pinball wizards. This cozy arcade was bustling with energy and enthusiasm, making it a perfect spot for a pinball face-off.

Video Game Rescue Arcade

The Tournament: A Test of Skill and Endurance

Organized by Nick Byrd, the tournament spanned nearly 5 hours, featuring 13 nail-biting rounds of pinball. Eleven players competed fiercely, with each round offering a chance to climb the leaderboard. The top four players then advanced to the finals, consisting of three intense rounds.

Round 1 Spotlight: Venom Takes Center Stage

The tournament kicked off with a bang on the Venom (Premium) machine by Stern. The game saw Tristan Stafford clinching the top spot, followed closely by Shannon Stafford. Drake Abbott from Jacksonville, FL, and Breanne Abbott, also from Jacksonville, rounded out the top four, setting a high standard for the rounds to come.

Celebrating the Champions

In a turn of events, Shannon Stafford emerged as the overall winner, showcasing remarkable skill and consistency. Drake Abbott claimed the second spot, with Tristan Stafford and Breanne Abbott securing third and fourth places, respectively.

Featured Pinball Machines

The tournament highlighted some of the best pinball machines, including:

Wrapping Up

The Pinsomniacs Pinball @ VGR Venom Launch Party tournament was a testament to the enduring popularity of pinball. As players and spectators left Video Game Rescue Arcade, they took with them memories of an afternoon filled with friendly rivalry, strategic plays, and the unmistakable sound of pinball machines.

For the latest in pinball tournaments and news, stay tuned for more updates from the realm of pinball!