The League Super Awesome Pinball Tournament

On the evening of January 18, 2024, pinball enthusiasts descended upon Heart State Brewing in Columbus, Ohio, for the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 2 pinball tournament. Organized by John Geiger, this marathon event spanned over 15 hours of intense gameplay. With 56 players forming groups to compete in a single round of four games, the tournament tested skill, strategy, and endurance. Despite the overcast skies and chilly temperatures outside, the atmosphere within was warm with competition and camaraderie.

Game Spotlight: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Showdown

One of the tournament’s highlights was a face-off on Stern’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro), a machine released in June 2020. The game saw a mix of ranked and unranked players battling it out, with Joshua Doroda, an unranked player, taking the first place. He was closely followed by Landon Powell, Ohio’s own Mike Malloy, and another unranked player, Prince M, who finished in fourth place.

Overall Tournament Winners: Pinball’s Finest

The tournament concluded with an exciting mix of veterans and newcomers emerging as champions:

  1. Player One: An anonymous, unranked player who demonstrated exceptional skill. Or maybe Wade Watts….
  2. Chris Stephenson: Holding an IFPA rank of 14009, with a history of 11 IFPA events.
  3. Chelsea Pomeroy (Columbus, OH): IFPA rank 3707, a seasoned player with 72 IFPA events under her belt.
  4. Joshua Doroda: Another unranked player, proving that rankings aren’t everything in the world of pinball.

The Machines of the Tournament

Among the 15 pinball machines at the tournament, several stood out, drawing players with their unique themes and challenging gameplay:

Venue and Atmosphere: Heart State Brewing

Heart State Brewing, located in the Gahanna area of Columbus, is more than just a brewery. It’s a family-friendly establishment known for its great home-brewed beers and top-notch wait staff. The venue’s welcoming atmosphere made it a perfect location for the pinball tournament, drawing enthusiasts from all parts of Columbus.

Stay tuned for more updates from the exciting world of pinball. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the scene, there’s always a new challenge and adventure waiting in this dynamic and ever-evolving sport. Keep those flippers ready, and who knows, you might just find yourself in the spotlight at the next tournament!

Flipping Through Challenges at Stern Army’s 3rd Thursdays Tournament

A Chilly Evening of Pinball Mastery in Roscoe

The Stern Army- 3rd Thursdays @ Louie’s Tap House- January tournament, held on January 18, 2024, brought warmth to a frosty evening in Roscoe, Illinois. Despite the overcast skies and a biting cold of 11°F, Louie’s Tap House hosted an electrifying 3 hours of pinball competition, expertly organized by Tom Menge.

Tournament Dynamics: Skillful Play in Freezing Temperatures

The tournament drew 20 players into a battle of dexterity and strategy, divided into 3 rounds with 2 games per round. Their focus: accumulate points and secure a place in the finals, a thrilling endgame consisting of 4 games in one round.

Epic Game on Spider-Man

The highlight of the night was an 81-minute epic on Stern’s Spider-Man, a classic from 2007. Ryan Eggers emerged victorious, showcasing his skill and concentration, a testament to his IFPA rank of 869.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament’s winners brought their A-game, underscored by their impressive IFPA records:

  1. Ryan Eggers – IFPA Rank 869, Total IFPA Events 105: Demonstrating seasoned skill and strategic gameplay.
  2. Scott Slifka – IFPA Rank 2076, Total IFPA Events 107: Showed exceptional prowess, rising through the ranks.
  3. Dan Kurowski – IFPA Rank 5673, Total IFPA Events 29: A rising star in the competitive pinball world.
  4. David Slaymaker from Rockford IL – IFPA Rank 2267, Total IFPA Events 53: A consistent player with a knack for maintaining composure under pressure.

A Stellar Lineup of Pinball Machines

The 11 pinball machines at the tournament were not just games, but gateways to diverse worlds:

  • Scooby-Doo (CE) by Spooky Pinball: A recent release immersing players in mystery and adventure.
  • Venom (Premium) by Stern: Launched players into the dark, thrilling world of the iconic Marvel character.
  • Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern: Recreated the suspense and supernatural intrigue of the popular TV series.
  • Big Game by Stern Electronics: A classic from 1980, challenging players with its jungle safari theme.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern: Delivered high-stakes espionage and action.

Louie’s Tap House: A Welcoming Venue

Louie’s Tap House, with its spacious layout and friendly atmosphere, was the perfect setting for this pinball showdown. The satisfying food and chill ambiance added to the enjoyment, making it more than just a competition but a social gathering for pinball enthusiasts.

Closing Thoughts

The Stern Army- 3rd Thursdays @ Louie’s Tap House- January tournament was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the enduring appeal of pinball, proving the game’s ability to bring people together, even on the coldest of nights.

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

Arcade Legacy’s Thursday Throwdown: A Pinball Extravaganza in Cincinnati

Hello, pinball enthusiasts! It’s me, Bride of Pinbot, here to bring you the electrifying details from the Arcade Legacy’s Thursday Throwdown on January 18, 2024. Amidst the overcast skies of Cincinnati, OH, with a brisk 31°F, the Arcade Legacy Sharonville turned into a hotspot for pinball wizards and enthusiasts.

A Dive into the Arcade Legacy Sharonville

Arcade Legacy Sharonville, more than just a venue, was a treasure trove of gaming nostalgia. Filled with a vast array of arcade games and pinball machines, this gem offers an hour or two of playtime or an all-day pass, making it a paradise for gamers of all ages. The helpful staff and the amazing collection have earned it rave reviews – a must-visit for any gaming enthusiast in the area.

The Tournament: A Showdown of Pinball Skills

Under the guidance of Erik Wurtenberger, 51 players engaged in a tactical battle over 7 rounds. The top 16 moved on to the finals for a gripping conclusion. Each player’s strategic gameplay was crucial in their journey towards the top.

The Marathon Game on Galaxy

One of the tournament’s highlights was an epic 72-minute battle on Stern Electronics’ Galaxy from 1980 during the quarterfinals. Evan Crouch from Cincinnati, Ohio, showcased his endurance and skill, securing the top spot in this marathon game. Jake Buchanan, Aaron Rich, and Matt Gauslin also delivered commendable performances, proving their mettle in this pinball classic.

Celebrating the Pinball Masters

The tournament culminated in a display of sheer pinball mastery:

  • 1st: Jesse Baker – His remarkable gameplay reflects his experience in 276 IFPA events.
  • 2nd: Chad Hobbs from Cincinnati – Demonstrated his skill honed over 252 IFPA events.
  • 3rd: Holly Koskinen from Columbus, Ohio – A seasoned player with an impressive 355 IFPA events.
  • Other notable winners like Jake Buchanan and Aaron Rich also left their mark in the tournament.

The Machines That Made the Magic

Among the 28 pinball machines, these were the highlights:

Signing Off

The Arcade Legacy’s Thursday Throwdown was a celebration of skill, strategy, and community within the world of pinball. As players relished their victories and camaraderie, it was clear that the spirit of pinball is alive and well in Cincinnati.

Stay tuned for more thrilling stories and updates from the pinball universe!