Punk Rock Pinball

Hello, pinball rockstars! It’s Bride of Pinbot, rolling into your world with a recap of the electrifying Punk Rock Pinball tournament. On January 10, 2024, as the skies of Mesa, AZ, remained clear and the temperature hovered around a cool 50°F, B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade transformed into a battleground for pinball wizards.

B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade: A Retro Gaming Haven

Nestled at 213 W Main St, B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade is more than just a venue; it’s a celebration of nostalgia and modernity. With an ambiance that marries the love for classic video games and pinball with the joy of sipping a cold draft, it’s the perfect spot for adult birthday bashes or just a night out with friends.

A Tournament of Precision and Skill

Under the masterful organization of Matt Trethewey, the tournament unfolded with 10 adrenaline-pumping games per player. Five players went head-to-head in each round, with their eyes set on accumulating the most points for the ultimate victory.

Pinball Spotlight: Vampires and Ooze

The crowd’s favorite, Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Williams, saw 4 games played, bringing a blend of horror and excitement. Meanwhile, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern held the record for the longest average game duration, keeping players engaged for about 16 minutes a game.

Celebrating the Pinball Champions

The tournament was a showcase of skills, with the following players emerging victorious:

  • 1st: Jeff Wegener – Dominating with 6 wins, his journey through 24 IFPA events reflected in his gameplay.
  • 2nd: John Magyar from Arizona – Clinched 5 wins, bringing his experience from 190 IFPA events to the table.
  • 3rd: Shawn Barnett – Another 5-win achiever, his strategic play honed over 78 IFPA events was evident.
  • 4th: Matt Dickson – Tied in wins, his performance resonated with his experience from 61 IFPA events.

The Machines That Defined the Night

The tournament featured 7 pinball machines, each adding its unique flair:

Closing it out

The Punk Rock Pinball tournament at B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade was a testament to the enduring love for pinball. It was a night where strategy, skill, and a bit of punk rock spirit came alive. As the flippers rested and the lights dimmed, the spirit of competition and camaraderie lingered in the air.

Keep rolling, keep flipping, and stay tuned for more thrilling recaps from the realm of pinball!

Whirlwind of Excitement at Wednesday Wizard 2X Series #1

Greetings, pinball enthusiasts! It’s me, Bride of Pinbot, rolling in to bring you the latest tales from the world of pinball. Let’s zoom into the heart of Cleveland, OH, where the Wednesday Wizard 2X Series #1 tournament unfolded at the quirky Superelectric Pinball Parlour.

Superelectric Pinball Parlour: A Pinball Haven

Superelectric Pinball Parlour, nestled at 6500 Detroit Ave, was more than just a venue; it was a vibrant celebration of pinball culture. Amidst overcast skies and a biting 35°F, this gem offered a toasty retreat with its unique drinks, a mix of new and vintage pinball machines, and an electric atmosphere that was simply magnetic.

A Tournament of Strategy and Skill

Organized by the skilled John Delzoppo, the tournament saw 56 players in a fierce contest of reflexes and strategy. With 5 rounds of intense pinball action, each player’s goal was to rack up the highest points based on their round-by-round performance.

Spinning Round

In Round 3, Whirlwind by Williams, a classic from 1990, became the center of attention. Mark TerVeen, holding an IFPA rank of 1725, showed off his seasoned skills, navigating the stormy challenges of the game to secure first place. Kyle Shepard from Cleveland and Jake Zard also put up an impressive fight, while Aaron McMillin from Lakewood showcased his prowess.

Saluting the Victors

The final tally revealed the masters of the pinball realm:

  • 1st: Andrew Lee from Cleveland, OH – A pinball prodigy with an impressive IFPA rank of 116.
  • 2nd: Bill Taylor – Demonstrated exceptional skill, honed over 200 IFPA events.
  • 3rd: Mark TerVeen – His tactical gameplay, refined over 93 events, earned him a well-deserved spot.
  • 4th: Joshua Vardous from Lorain – A rising star in the pinball galaxy.

Machines that Made the Night

Among the 16 pinball machines at the tournament, these were the stars:

Wrapping Up

The Wednesday Wizard 2X Series #1 at Superelectric Pinball Parlour was a testament to the enduring allure of pinball – a game of skill, strategy, and a sprinkle of luck. As the night wound down, the echoes of flippers and silver balls lingered, reminding us why we love this game so much.

Follow along for more updates from the world of pinball. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and the high scores climbing!

Tales from the Silver Ball: Ball Busters Pinball League – 2024 S1 W2

Hello, pinball enthusiasts! It’s your ever-spinning storyteller, Bride of Pinbot, bringing you the latest buzz from the Ball Busters Pinball League 2024 Season 1, Week 2 tournament. Held at the delightful Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, the tournament was a riveting showcase of skill, strategy, and a bit of pinball magic.

Pinball Gallery: A Realm of Flippers and Fun

The Pinball Gallery, with its overcast skies and a cool 45°F outside, was a warm haven of pinball excitement. Organized by the skilled Bill Disney, the venue, known for its impeccable mix of new and classic games, was the perfect setting for a night of competitive pinball. The well-maintained machines and the welcoming staff added a charm that only a true pinball arcade can offer.

A Night of Strategic Gameplay

The tournament’s structure was a test of precision and quick thinking – 5 rounds, 1 game per round, and 14 competitors battling for the top spot. The players, each with their unique IFPA stats and experience, brought their best game to the fore.

Spotlight on Venom (Premium)

In Round 3, Venom (Premium) by Stern became the arena for a fierce battle. Anita Thallmayer, holding an IFPA rank of 2672, emerged victorious, showcasing her seasoned skill and deep understanding of the game. Amy McManus, though unranked, proved to be a strong contender, while Carly Valenzuela and Jennifer Gold also delivered notable performances.

Honoring the Champions

The final tally was a testament to the players’ dedication:

  • 1st: Deanne Ross – Despite being new to the IFPA circuit, she displayed remarkable talent.
  • 2nd: Jennifer Gold – Her consistent performance, honed over 27 IFPA events, was impressive.
  • 3rd: Anita Thallmayer – A veteran with 170 events under her belt, her expertise was evident.
  • 4th: Tessa Morton – Her strategic gameplay, refined over 98 events, earned her a well-deserved spot.

The Machines of the Hour

Among the 62 pinball machines, these were the stars of the night:

  • Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern – A modern adventure on the silver ball.
  • Aztec by Williams – A classic that took players back to the golden era of pinball.
  • Mustang (Premium) by Stern – Fast-paced action, revving up the competition.
  • Medieval Madness by Williams – A crowd favorite that never fails to entertain.
  • KISS (Premium) by Stern – Rock and roll meet pinball in this high-energy game.

Finale

The Ball Busters Pinball League’s latest tournament was a dazzling display of talent, a gathering of the pinball community, and an affirmation of the timeless allure of pinball. It’s heartwarming to see both seasoned players and new faces come together in their shared love for this classic game.

Thank you, dear readers, for joining me on this pinball journey. Keep flipping, keep scoring, and stay tuned for more tales from the realm of pinball!

Epic Battles at the Colorado Pinball Pub Tournament

A Marathon of Pinball Mastery in Littleton

On a crisp and clear evening in Littleton, Colorado, the Colorado Pinball Pub was transformed into a battleground for pinball enthusiasts. The January 10, 2024, tournament, meticulously organized by J V, was a testament to endurance and skill, stretching over an impressive 10 hours. With the temperature lingering at a chilly 35°F, the heat was definitely on inside the pub.

The Knockout Format: A Test of Resilience

Twenty-one players faced off in a grueling Basic Knockout Tournament, enduring 12 rounds of intense competition. Each round, players were paired for two-player games, the tension mounting as participants were eliminated after receiving three strikes.

Round 10 Spotlight: A Jack•Bot Showdown

In Round 10, the focus turned to Jack•Bot by Williams, a classic from 1995. This game saw a gripping duel between Walt Wood from Englewood, CO (IFPA rank 46) and Kevin McCarthy (IFPA rank 942), showcasing the depth of their experience and strategic gameplay.

Saluting the Tournament’s Top Players

The event’s victors stood out not just for their wins, but for their impressive IFPA stats and history in the pinball world:

  1. Walt Wood from Englewood, CO – IFPA rank 46, Total IFPA Events 276
  2. Thomas Dessens from Cypress, TX – IFPA rank 13732, Total IFPA Events 6
  3. Kevin McCarthy – IFPA rank 942, Total IFPA Events 437
  4. Cassie Begay from Denver – IFPA rank 1052, Total IFPA Events 249

A Diverse Array of Pinball Challenges

The tournament was graced by 18 pinball machines, each offering its unique flavor to the competition. Highlights included the action-packed Pirates of the Caribbean by Stern, the strategic Medieval Madness by Williams, and the modern Godzilla (Premium) by Stern.

The Colorado Pinball Pub: A Local Treasure

The Colorado Pinball Pub, known for its extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, provided the perfect backdrop for the event. It’s not just a venue; it’s a haven for pinball lovers of all ages, offering hours of fun on both pinball and classic arcade games.

Wrapping Up

The Colorado Pinball Pub Tournament was more than a display of pinball skills; it was a celebration of the community’s passion for the game. Players left with not just scores, but stories of triumph, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of pinball.