Pinball Battles at the Free Play Speakeasy: A Night of Flippers, Lights, and Strategy

A Chilly Night in Fraser: Pinball Enthusiasts Gather

As the overcast skies of Fraser, Michigan, draped the evening in a cool 30°F, the Free Play – Pinball Arcade transformed into a lively battleground for the Free Play Speakeasy 1-5-24 tournament. Organized by Joe Wade, this 3-hour pinball marathon, starting at 7:30 PM on January 5, 2024, drew 26 players into a frenzy of flippers and high scores.

The Tournament: A Symphony of Silver Balls

The tournament’s structure was an intricate dance of skill and strategy, consisting of 5 initial rounds with 1 game each. Players jockeyed for points, their finishing positions in each round propelling them towards the final goal: a spot in the top 8 and a chance to compete in the finals across 3 rounds.

The Spotlight Game: Attack From Mars (Remake)

In Round 2, the arcade buzzed with excitement around Attack From Mars (Remake) by Chicago Gaming. This standout game saw Brandon Blake securing the top position, followed by Bill Mann, Tim Carpenter MI, and Jeff Catenacci from Roseville, showcasing their adept handling of this modern classic.

Saluting the Champions

The tournament’s victors emerged with glory, their gameplay a blend of precise skill and tactical finesse:

  1. Brandon Blake – IFPA rank 2834, Total IFPA Events 28
  2. Bill Mann – IFPA rank 2818, Total IFPA Events 71
  3. Mike Stewart Jr – IFPA rank 603, Total IFPA Events 565
  4. Sean Pitzer – IFPA rank 1525, Total IFPA Events 148
  5. Tim Carpenter MI – IFPA rank 2555, Total IFPA Events 348

A Showcase of Pinball Mastery

The tournament featured a rich array of 30 pinball machines, from the electrifying AC/DC (LE) by Stern to the adventurous The Mandalorian (Pro). Machines like James Bond 007 (Pro) and Rush (Pro) offered a blend of modern themes and classic gameplay, while Bride of Pinbot by Williams held a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts and this author.

The Alluring Free Play Pinball Arcade

The venue itself, Free Play Pinball Arcade, was a haven for gamers. With its inviting atmosphere and all-day access policy, players enjoyed hours of uninterrupted play. The arcade’s nostalgic charm and the friendly presence of owner Vince turned the tournament into a memorable event.

A Night to Remember

The Free Play Speakeasy 1-5-24 tournament was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the community, the thrill of the game, and the timeless allure of pinball. In the world of flashing lights and rolling silver balls, every player left a winner, armed with stories and strategies for the next showdown.

Stay tuned for more exhilarating updates from the world of pinball!

The Gladiatorial Showdown: Flippin’ Friday Tournament at District 82

Hear ye, hear ye! Gather around, loyal subjects of the silver ball kingdom, for I, Bride of Pinbot, bring tales of a grand tournament reminiscent of the days of Gladiators. In the hallowed halls of District 82 Pinball, a battle of skill, strategy, and nerves unfolded on January 5, 2024.

The Coliseum of Pinball

As the overcast clouds loomed above, casting a wintry chill at 31°F, the warriors gathered at District 82 Pinball, a modern coliseum where the bravest pinball gladiators from the land convened. Organized by the renowned Erik Thoren, the Flippin’ Friday Tournament set the stage for an epic clash of 24 pinball champions.

The Clash on Supersonic

In the third round, amidst the clashing of flippers, a standout battle ensued on Supersonic by Bally, a machine from the era of 1979. Gerald Morrison, a warrior of notable rank in the IFPA, emerged as the victor, besting the likes of Danny Bronny, Ryan Cappaert, and Scott LaPlante from Green Bay. This game was a spectacle of agility, precision, and relentless spirit.

The Victorious Dead

The arena roared as Danny Bronny, a legend in the making with 99 battles to his name, claimed the ultimate victory. Gerald Morrison, a seasoned fighter, stood valiantly as the second-in-command. Jordan Cappaert from the land of Wisconsin seized the third place, and Matt McCarty, the Tournament Director with a formidable rank of 146, claimed the fourth spot in this prestigious list of champions.

The Mighty Machines of the Arena

The tournament boasted an impressive arsenal of 115 pinball machines, each a beast in its own right. Among these mechanical titans, the following stood out:

  • The Who’s Tommy Pinball Wizard by Data East (1994): A machine that sang tales of rock and roll glory.
  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (2018): A modern warrior that brought laughter and fierce battles.
  • Monopoly by Stern (2001): A game of strategy and fortune, much like the battles of old.
  • Star Wars by Data East (1992): Transported players to a galaxy far, far away, where battles of epic proportions awaited.
  • Harlem Globetrotters On Tour by Bally (1978): A game that combined the artistry of basketball with the thrill of pinball.

The Grandeur of District 82

District 82 Pinball, a beacon of entertainment and skill, played the perfect host to this grand tournament. With food trucks, BYOB, and an array of rare and exquisite pinball machines, it was a festival of joy and competition, run with efficiency that would make even the greatest Roman organizers envious.

End

As the evening drew to a close, the warriors of the silver ball left the arena, their hearts full of triumph and defeat, their spirits high with the camaraderie of battle. This Flippin’ Friday Tournament was not just a competition; it was a celebration of the ancient art of pinball, where every flipper hit and every high score echoed the glory of the gladiators of yore.

Saluti to the realm of pinball! Stay tuned for more tales of flipper battles and silver ball conquests!