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:
- Ryan Eggers – IFPA Rank 869, Total IFPA Events 105: Demonstrating seasoned skill and strategic gameplay.
- Scott Slifka – IFPA Rank 2076, Total IFPA Events 107: Showed exceptional prowess, rising through the ranks.
- Dan Kurowski – IFPA Rank 5673, Total IFPA Events 29: A rising star in the competitive pinball world.
- 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!