A Dynamic Evening in San Jose
The MINIBOSS MULTIBALL Jan 24 pinball tournament, unfolding on January 16, 2024, at Miniboss in San Jose, was a whirlwind of excitement and skill. Despite the moderate rain outside, the atmosphere inside was charged with energy as 32 players competed in a rapid-fire, 1 hour and 47-minute tournament.
Tournament Format: Quickfire Rounds
Players dove into 4 rounds of intense gameplay, each round featuring a single game. The pressure was palpable as each player’s performance in these rounds determined their place in the final showdown, consisting of one round with three games.
Game Spotlight: An Epic Battle on Medieval Madness
The highlight of the tournament was a marathon game on Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming. Lasting an incredible 70 minutes, this game showcased the endurance and skill of the players, with Russ Sweetser taking the lead.
Honoring the Champions
The tournament’s top players demonstrated not just skill, but a commendable IFPA history:
- Randy Barrick – IFPA Rank 8528, Total IFPA Events 2: A surprising and impressive victory from a relative newcomer.
- Russ Sweetser – IFPA Rank 1601, Total IFPA Events 173: Showcased his extensive experience and strategic gameplay.
- Lucy Cachux from CA – IFPA Rank 2249, Total IFPA Events 110: Demonstrated her growing prowess in the pinball world.
- Dustin Goldbarg – IFPA Rank 436, Total IFPA Events 55: Displayed competitive skill and strategy in the tournament.
A Showcase of Pinball Excellence
The tournament featured a curated selection of 11 pinball machines, each a testament to the evolution and diversity of the game:
- Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern: A modern take on a classic title, it challenges players with an interactive Black Knight figure, offering a blend of nostalgia and innovation.
- AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition) by Stern: A rock-themed pinball machine that lets players experience the high voltage of one of rock’s most iconic bands. It’s known for its unique jukebox feature, allowing players to select their favorite AC/DC hits during gameplay.
- Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern: Brings the thrill of the dinosaur theme park to life, offering an immersive experience with interactive dinosaur toys and a captivating playfield design.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Premium/LE) by Stern: Captures the spirit of the beloved comic and TV series, challenging players to fight villains alongside the Turtles. The game stands out for its dynamic layout and unique features like the spinning pizza disc.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: Inspired by the popular Netflix series, this game features iconic locations and characters from the show, offering a nostalgic and eerie adventure in the small town of Hawkins.
- Attack From Mars (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming: A remake of the classic 1995 game, retaining its humor and addictive gameplay while enhancing the experience with updated technology.
- Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming: A reimagining of one of the most beloved pinball titles, offering the same whimsical medieval theme with modern enhancements.
The Vibrant Venue: MINIBOSS
MINIBOSS, known for its fun and nostalgic atmosphere, provided the perfect setting for the tournament. The combination of exciting gameplay, great drinks, and a merry vibe made it a standout destination for both pinball enthusiasts and casual visitors.
Closing Thoughts
The MINIBOSS MULTIBALL Jan 24 tournament was a showcase of quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and pinball passion, proving that the spirit of competitive pinball is alive and thriving in San Jose.
Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the world of pinball!