The Thrills of Flippers and Flashing Lights

Greetings, Pinball Enthusiasts!

It’s your go-to guide, the Bride of Pinbot, here to bring you the latest from the electrifying world of pinball tournaments. On a chilly evening, filled with scattered clouds and a brisk 33°F, we found ourselves at the heart of a pinball battleground: the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 1 tournament. Let’s dive into the details of this thrilling evening.

The Stage is Set: Heart State Brewing

Imagine a place where the clinks of glasses harmonize with the dings of pinball machines. That’s Heart State Brewing for you – a gem in the Gahanna area, boasting home-brewed beers and a family-friendly vibe. The excellent wait staff only adds to the charm, making it a haven for pinball wizards from all around Columbus.

A Battle of Flippers: The Tournament Format

With the tournament kicking off at 8 PM and wrapping up in a neat 2.5 hours, the format was both intense and straightforward. Fifty-three players, grouped in clusters, faced off across four games in a single round. Each game was a stepping stone, as players racked up points based on their finishing positions. In the end, the highest scorer would take home the crown.

Game Spotlight: A Duel on Iron Maiden

Let’s zero in on a standout game from Round 1 on the Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast machine. Trent Augenstein, with an impressive IFPA rank of 65, clinched first place. Hot on his heels was Ross Bergantino, a local from Columbus, OH, ranked 414th. Ronnell Johnson and Scott Vieth finished third and fourth, proving their mettle in a tough lineup.

Celebrating the Champions

Now, for the moment of truth – our top performers:

  1. Matt Waters from Columbus, OH (IFPA rank 1052) – A testament to consistency with 54 IFPA events under his belt.
  2. Brian Weisberg (IFPA rank 2438) – A seasoned player with 128 events, showing his expertise.
  3. Beau Pendleton (IFPA rank 658) – With 186 events, his experience was evident in his gameplay.
  4. Jack Nebraska (IFPA rank 372) – A century of events (100, to be exact) marking his journey to this spot.

The Pinball Showcase

A tournament is only as good as its machines, and we had some stars! Notably:

Wrapping It Up

As the lights dimmed and the last ball was played, it was clear that the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 1 was more than just a tournament. It was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the timeless joy of pinball. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and follow along for more updates from the pinball universe!

Thrilling Moments at the Tucson Timed Match Play Pinball Tournament

High Stakes at Tucson Indoor Sports Center

On a cool January evening, the Tucson Indoor Sports Center at 1065 W Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ, buzzed with excitement as 16 skilled pinball players gathered for the Tucson Timed Match Play @TISC. Wayne Saeger orchestrated this spectacular event on January 11, 2024, starting at 6:00 PM and spanning just over 3 hours. The clear skies and a temperature of 47°F set a perfect backdrop for the intense competition inside.

Godzilla Showdown: A Round to Remember

In the sixth and final round, players were treated to a riveting match on the Godzilla (Premium) machine by Stern. Derek Jordan, ranked 2592nd in the IFPA, clinched first place, showcasing remarkable skill. He was closely followed by Ben Clement from Marana, AZ, ranked 311th, and Thomas Urban from Portland, OR, ranked 2297th, taking second and third places respectively. Bob Bodman, ranked 9404th, also put up a strong performance, finishing fourth.

Celebrating the Champions

The top players of the tournament were celebrated for their exceptional skill and dedication:

  1. Ben Clement: Hailing from Marana, AZ, and ranked 311th in the IFPA, Ben led the pack with his incredible performance across 357 IFPA events.
  2. Mike LaHaie: From Tucson, AZ, and ranked 4610th in the IFPA, Mike demonstrated great skill, with participation in 255 IFPA events.
  3. Wayne Saeger: The organizer himself, ranked 1365th, showed his expertise on both sides of the event, securing the third spot.
  4. Andy Nicholls: With an IFPA rank of 3114, Andy showcased his growing prowess, marking his 118th event.

Pinball Extravaganza: A Showcase of Classics and Modern Marvels

This tournament was a pinball enthusiast’s dream, featuring a total of 10 machines, each bringing its unique challenge and history. Highlights included F-14 Tomcat by Williams, a classic from 1987, and the recent hit Godzilla (Premium) by Stern. Fans also enjoyed the vintage charm of Lost World by Bally, released in 1978, and the modern vibes of Metallica (Pro) by Stern from 2013. Ghostbusters (Pro), another Stern creation, Stars from Stern Electronics, Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast, and The Walking Dead (Pro) added to the diverse and engaging lineup.

A Perfect Setting for Pinball Enthusiasts

The Tucson Indoor Sports Center, more than just a venue, provided an ideal atmosphere for the tournament. Known for its excellent indoor hockey facilities, the center also impressed with its casual dining options – the chicken basket was a particular favorite among players and spectators alike.

As the pinball world continues to thrive with such exciting events, we look forward to bringing you more updates from this dynamic and exhilarating realm. Keep flipping, and stay tuned for more pinball adventures!

Thrills and Skills at Arcade Legacy’s Thursday Throwdown

An Evening of Pinball Excitement in Cincinnati

On January 11, 2024, Arcade Legacy Sharonville in Cincinnati, Ohio, became the stage for a gripping pinball showdown. The Thursday Throwdown tournament, orchestrated by Erik Wurtenberger, was a whirlwind of flippers and silver balls, unfolding over 2 hours and 45 minutes amidst the backdrop of a chilly 38°F evening.

Tournament Dynamics: A Display of Pinball Prowess

A diverse group of 33 players engaged in 7 rounds of intense pinball action, each round a crucial step towards the final goal. The top 8 players advanced to the finals, where they faced off in 2 rounds of 3 games each, showcasing their skills and strategies under pressure.

Semifinal Highlight: A Marathon on Gold Wings

A standout moment of the tournament was the semifinal game on Gottlieb’s Gold Wings, a classic from 1986. This marathon game stretched an incredible 65 minutes, with Chad Hobbs from Cincinnati taking the lead, followed by Stuart Nyswonger and Justin Schnetzer.

Celebrating the Victors

The tournament’s top players were not just skilled at pinball; their IFPA stats spoke volumes about their dedication to the game:

  1. Bradley Baker from Cincinnati – IFPA rank 2270, Total IFPA Events 36
  2. Justin Schnetzer – IFPA rank 3240, Total IFPA Events 50
  3. Stuart Nyswonger – IFPA rank 868, Total IFPA Events 307
  4. Jesse Baker – IFPA rank 422, Total IFPA Events 276
  5. Ken Guenther from Burlington, KY – IFPA rank 1549, Total IFPA Events 193
  6. Chad Hobbs from Cincinnati – IFPA rank 1036, Total IFPA Events 252
  7. Shawn Kenter from Kentucky – IFPA rank 2727, Total IFPA Events 98
  8. Doris Bachman from Erlanger, KY – IFPA rank 6713, Total IFPA Events 54

A Selection of Legendary Pinball Machines

The tournament featured 18 pinball machines, each adding its unique challenge and excitement. Metallica (Pro) by Stern, Laser Cue by Williams, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern were just a few of the machines that players battled on, offering a diverse range of themes and gameplay experiences.

Arcade Legacy Sharonville: A Pinball Haven

Arcade Legacy Sharonville proved to be an exceptional venue. With its vast array of pinball machines and classic video games, it was like stepping back into a golden era of arcades. The incredible staff and the owner’s passion for creating such a space added to the tournament’s unforgettable atmosphere.

Signing Off

The Thursday Throwdown at Arcade Legacy was more than a competition; it was a celebration of pinball, bringing together players of all ranks and backgrounds in a display of skill, strategy, and sheer enjoyment of the game.

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