Amidst the light drizzle and cool 58°F weather of Dallas, Texas, the Free Play Dallas arcade became the epicenter of a thrilling pinball showdown. The Pinball Monday tournament, meticulously organized by Chris Delp, was a display of flickering lights, strategic flips, and the clatter of pinballs against vibrant machines.
The Setting: Free Play Dallas
Free Play Dallas, located at 3015 Gulden Ln, offers more than just pinball; it’s a retro haven with beloved video games like Super Mario, creating an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and electrifying. The venue’s spacious layout, clean restrooms, and relaxed vibe made it an ideal spot for players to unwind and get their game faces on.
Tournament Format
The competition was fierce yet friendly, with 19 players battling through 8 intense rounds. The structure was simple yet challenging: players earned points based on their performance in each round, and the top 8 scorers advanced to the nail-biting finals, which comprised 2 rounds of intense gameplay.
Finals Spotlight: Gorgar by Williams
The finals witnessed a captivating game on “Gorgar,” a classic Williams machine dating back to 1979 which is notable for being the first talking pinball machine in the industry. It featured a vocabulary of seven words and used a synthesizer to create its speech, making it a groundbreaking achievement in the world of pinball at the time. The machine also had a fantasy-horror theme, centered around a character named Gorgar, adding to its appeal and distinctiveness. Savannah Archuleta emerged victorious, displaying a remarkable blend of skill and strategy. Hot on her heels were Josh Gulley, Colin Wood from Richardson, Texas, and Lee Stokely from Fort Worth, TX, each delivering impressive performances that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
The Victors
The tournament crowned Savannah Archuleta as the champion, with Josh Gulley as the runner-up. Colin Wood and Lee Stokely clinched the third and fourth spots, respectively, showcasing their prowess in this arcade art form. The top eight were rounded out by Erin Clarner, Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX, Ethan Wade, and Greg Gibson from Plano, TX, all of whom demonstrated exceptional skill and determination.
Featured Pinball Machines
The tournament highlighted an array of 22 pinball machines, each adding its unique flair to the event. Notable mentions include:
- Tales from the Crypt by Data East (1993): A spooky favorite that challenged players with its eerie theme.
- Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021): A monstrous challenge that roared with excitement.
- AC/DC (LUCI Vault Edition) by Stern (2018): A rock ‘n’ roll adventure that electrified the crowd.
- The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern (2021): A galactic quest that transported players to a faraway galaxy.
Conclusion
The Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday was more than a tournament; it was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the timeless appeal of pinball. As players left the arcade, their spirits were high, undampened by the light rain outside. The night was a testament to the joy and excitement that a good old pinball game can bring.
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