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:
- Gary Hartz: From Pittsburgh, Gary clinched first place with 5 wins, reflecting his experience in 266 IFPA events and a rank of 231.
- 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.
- Don Werth: With 5 wins and an IFPA rank of 6365, Don’s success in only his 10th event was remarkable.
- Nick Hislop: Achieving 6 wins, Nick, ranked 2991, showed great expertise in his 108th event.
- Stacey Moritz: Stacey, from PDX/PGH and ranked 1195, earned her spot with 4 wins in her 366th event.
- Erin Young: With 5 wins, Erin’s performance was impressive, especially given her rank of 19242 and participation in only 3 events.
- Rob Sherman: Rob, ranked 6456, secured his place with 5 wins in 17 events.
- 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!