Epic Battles at the Emporium: The Hi-Scorium Jan 31 Pinball Tournament
On a cool, light-rain evening of January 31, 2024, the Emporium Arcade Bar in San Francisco buzzed with excitement and the clattering sounds of pinball machines. The Emporium Hi-Scorium tournament, organized by Myriad Pinball, drew in 29 enthusiasts for a night of flippers, silver balls, and high scores. Over 3.5 hours, players engaged in a strategic battle across 4 rounds, with the top 4 advancing to a nail-biting final.
The Marathon on Spider-Man
The highlight of the tournament was a marathon game on Stern’s Spider-Man, a pinball classic since June 2007. This 85-minute epic in Round 1 was not just a test of skill but endurance, setting the tone for the intense competition to follow. Jackie Olson from San Francisco emerged victorious, with Shannon Sweetser, Russ Sweetser, and Reed Silverstein close behind, each showcasing remarkable resilience and strategy.
The Champions of the Night
The final rounds were a showcase of talent, precision, and perhaps a touch of pinball wizardry:
- Jackie Olson, with her strategic gameplay and quick reflexes, claimed the top spot, proving her prowess with an impressive IFPA rank of 408.
- Shannon Sweetser, also from San Francisco, demonstrated skill and determination, securing second place and solidifying her standing in the pinball community.
- Reed Silverstein, despite being a less familiar name in the rankings, made a memorable mark by landing in third place.
- Russ Sweetser, with a wealth of experience evident in his gameplay, rounded out the top four, showing that in pinball, every game is a new opportunity.
The Mechanical Stars of the Tournament
The Emporium’s lineup of 9 pinball machines was nothing short of spectacular, offering a diverse challenge to the competitors:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern: A fast-paced adventure with the beloved heroes in a half shell.
- Metallica (Pro) by Stern: A rock and roll journey with one of the greatest bands in history.
- Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern: A tribute to the iconic band, combining great music with engaging gameplay.
- Godzilla (Pro) by Stern: A monstrous battle to save the city, challenging players to harness the power of the king of monsters.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern: An adventure on Isla Nublar, where strategy and skill meet prehistoric peril.
The Venue: Emporium Arcade Bar
The Emporium Arcade Bar, with its eclectic mix of arcade games, pinball machines, billiards, and air hockey, provided the perfect backdrop for the tournament. The token-operated games, tasty drinks, and vibrant atmosphere, complemented by DJ sets, made the Emporium not just a venue but a pinball haven.
In Closing
A special thanks to Myriad Pinball for organizing this thrilling event and to the Emporium Arcade Bar for hosting. The Emporium Hi-Scorium Jan 31 tournament was a testament to the enduring appeal of pinball, bringing together a community that thrives on the joy of the game.
Stay tuned for more captivating stories from the pinball world!