Flippers and Wizards: Capturing the Excitement of the Wizard Pinball Tournament

Overview: Wednesday Wizard 2X Series #2

The Wednesday Wizard 2X Series #2 pinball tournament, held on January 17, 2024, at Superelectric Pinball Parlour in Cleveland, Ohio, was a showcase of pinball talent. Organized by John Delzoppo, this tournament lasted for about 2.5 hours and brought together 47 competitors across 5 rounds. Players earned points based on their finishing positions in each round, culminating in a thrilling finale to determine the overall winner.

Highlighted Game: Round 1 on Whirlwind

The tournament’s opening round was highlighted by an intense game on Whirlwind by Williams, a classic from January 1990. John Delzoppo, a local player with an IFPA rank of 41, secured the top spot. He was closely followed by Andrew Lee, another Cleveland resident, showcasing the local talent in this competition.

Champions of the Tournament

The tournament ended with some unexpected and remarkable results. The highlight was JP McCarthy, an unranked player, who defied expectations to win the tournament. Cleveland’s own Timmy Breidenstein and Andrew Lee clinched second and third places, respectively, while John Delzoppo finished in a commendable fourth position.

Featured Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an exciting array of 14 pinball machines with a few highlights below:

  1. Bride of Pinbot by Williams (1991): This machine is known for its engaging storyline and interactive gameplay, featuring a transforming bride figure that captivates players. And happens to be yours truly!
  2. Frontier by Bally (1980): A classic machine with wilderness-themed artwork, offering a nostalgic trip with its straightforward yet engaging gameplay.
  3. Elvira and the Party Monsters by Bally (1989): This machine combines humor and a spooky theme, adorned with fun artwork and entertaining audio commentary from Elvira.
  4. Venom (Pro) by Stern (2023): A modern marvel with high-intensity gameplay and cutting-edge technology, it challenges even the most seasoned players.
  5. The Simpsons Pinball Party by Stern (2003): A fan favorite, this machine is rich in color and references to the popular TV show, offering a comprehensive Simpsons experience.

Other remarkable machines included Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming and Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern, each contributing to the diverse and engaging tournament lineup.

The Venue: Superelectric Pinball Parlor

The Superelectric Pinball Parlor, known for its $6 unlimited play offer, provided an ideal backdrop for the tournament. The venue’s atmosphere, filled with pinball machines and lively energy, made it a perfect spot for both competitive and casual play.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more updates from the world of pinball, as we bring you the latest from tournaments and the ever-exciting pinball community!