High-Energy Showdown at The Pinball Gallery

Pinball Fever in Malvern, PA

The Pinball Gallery Max Match Play Tournament, took place on January 20, 2024, at The Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA. Organized by the renowned Bill Disney, the tournament drew in 45 enthusiastic players. Over the course of three intense hours, under overcast skies and frigid temperatures that felt like 9°F, competitors went head-to-head in a series of 10 games each, with the top 16 advancing to the nail-biting finals.

Quarterfinals: The Grand Lizard Spectacle

In a standout game during the quarterfinals, players were challenged on ‘Grand Lizard‘ by Williams, a classic from 1986. Priyanka Kochhar, with an IFPA rank of 6110, emerged victorious, followed by Stacey Moritz, ranked 1195. Robert A Sneed and Amy L. Covell-Murthy, ranked 5461 and 14070 respectively, also put up a commendable fight in this thrilling round.

Pinball Gallery’s Top Competitors

The tournament was a display of skill and strategy, with the following players earning top honors:

  1. Gary Hartz: From Pittsburgh, Gary clinched first place with 5 wins, reflecting his experience in 266 IFPA events and a rank of 231.
  2. Priyanka Kochhar: Securing second place with 4 wins, Priyanka’s performance was a testament to her skill, considering her 6110 IFPA rank and 293 events.
  3. Don Werth: With 5 wins and an IFPA rank of 6365, Don’s success in only his 10th event was remarkable.
  4. Nick Hislop: Achieving 6 wins, Nick, ranked 2991, showed great expertise in his 108th event.
  5. Stacey Moritz: Stacey, from PDX/PGH and ranked 1195, earned her spot with 4 wins in her 366th event.
  6. Erin Young: With 5 wins, Erin’s performance was impressive, especially given her rank of 19242 and participation in only 3 events.
  7. Rob Sherman: Rob, ranked 6456, secured his place with 5 wins in 17 events.
  8. Mahesh Murthy: Mahesh, with 5 wins and an IFPA rank of 647, showcased his skill in his 377th event.

Pinball Machine Highlights

The tournament featured an impressive array of 77 pinball machines, including classics and modern marvels like ‘Seawitch‘ by Stern Electronics, ‘Space Shuttle‘ by Williams, and yours truly- ‘Bride of Pinbot‘ by Williams. Players also enjoyed the newer additions such as ‘Scooby-Doo (CE)‘ by Spooky Pinball, ‘Galactic Tank Force (Deluxe)‘ by American Pinball, and ‘Rock Encore‘ by Gottlieb. ‘Centaur II‘ by Bally, ‘Bad Cats‘ and ‘Bad Girls‘ by Williams and Gottlieb respectively, the Bad twins added to the diverse and engaging lineup.

The Pinball Gallery: A Haven for Enthusiasts

The Pinball Gallery, more than just a venue, is celebrated for its mix of classic and modern pinball machines and video games. Its atmosphere, described by a patron as the best among the rising arcade scene, is testament to their dedication to preserving both nostalgia and the evolution of pinball. The venue’s ability to evoke memories and offer new experiences makes it a beloved spot for both long-time enthusiasts and new players.

As we continue to bring you the latest from the vibrant world of pinball, The Pinball Gallery Max Match Play Tournament stands out as a showcase of the community’s passion and skill. Stay tuned for more exhilarating updates from the realm of pinball!

Washington State IFPA Spectators Tournament 2024

Spectators Tournament: A Pinball Extravaganza

On January 20, 2024, The Ice Box Arcade in Seattle, WA, not only played host to the prestigious Washington State IFPA Championship but also to the exciting Washington State Spectators Tournament. This special event, organized by Germain Mariolle, offered a thrilling 3-hour pinball experience for the spectators of the main championship. With 60 players competing in 6 rounds and a gripping final stage, the tournament was a highlight for the passionate pinball community gathered there.

Semifinal Showdown on Disney TRON: Legacy

The semifinals were highlighted by an intense game on Disney TRON: Legacy by Stern, a futuristic pinball experience from 2011. Conrad Rustad, Danielle Wilcox, Neal Joslyn, and Zofia Gil battled fiercely, showcasing their skills and earning their spots in the final rankings.

Champions of the Tournament

The competition was fierce, and the champions who emerged were truly remarkable:

  1. Neal Joslyn, showcasing skill and strategy, secured the top spot with his impressive IFPA rank of 230 and vast experience in 582 IFPA Events.
  2. Maka Honig followed, demonstrating their pinball expertise with an IFPA rank of 406 and participation in 651 events.
  3. Conrad Rustad from Bremerton, WA, impressed everyone with his gameplay, holding an IFPA rank of 222 and having competed in 228 events.
  4. Andrew McCann also made a significant impact, boasting an IFPA rank of 862 over 534 events.
  5. Jarrett Gaddy from Seattle added to the local flavor, his skill underscored by his IFPA rank of 182 and experience in 243 events.
  6. Danielle Wilcox from Seattle, with an IFPA rank of 1754, showed commendable talent in her 284 events.
  7. Zofia Gil stood out, climbing to a respectable position despite a lower IFPA rank of 5775.
  8. Cory Diamonds, with a relatively new presence in the scene, marked his achievement with participation in 30 IFPA events.

Featured Pinball Machines and Their Charm

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 27 pinball machines:

  • Frontier by Bally (1980): This machine, with its wilderness theme, offers a classic pinball experience, combining skill and nostalgia.
  • Nine Ball by Stern Electronics (1980): A test of precision and timing, this machine challenges players with its pool-themed playfield and intricate design.
  • Viking by Bally (1979): Viking’s medieval theme and engaging gameplay make it a favorite for players who enjoy a mix of strategy and action.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (2017): This machine brings the Marvel universe to life with vibrant artwork and interactive gameplay.
  • Congo by Williams (1995): A journey into the jungle, Congo offers a rich visual and auditory experience, with fast-paced action and unique features.

Other machines like Meteor by Stern Electronics, The Smoky Mountain Songbird herself Dolly Parton by Bally, and James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) by Stern added to the diverse and engaging experience of the tournament.

The Venue: The Ice Box Arcade

As the hub for both the Washington State IFPA Championship and the Spectators Tournament, The Ice Box Arcade stood out with its impressive collection of pinball machines and a cozy atmosphere. While pinball remained the star attraction, the venue’s snacks, beer selection, and overall charm made it a hit among the attendees.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more updates from the exciting world of pinball, as we continue to cover the latest tournaments and happenings in the community!