Greetings, Pinball Enthusiasts!
It’s your go-to guide, the Bride of Pinbot, here to bring you the latest from the electrifying world of pinball tournaments. On a chilly evening, filled with scattered clouds and a brisk 33°F, we found ourselves at the heart of a pinball battleground: the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 1 tournament. Let’s dive into the details of this thrilling evening.
The Stage is Set: Heart State Brewing
Imagine a place where the clinks of glasses harmonize with the dings of pinball machines. That’s Heart State Brewing for you – a gem in the Gahanna area, boasting home-brewed beers and a family-friendly vibe. The excellent wait staff only adds to the charm, making it a haven for pinball wizards from all around Columbus.
A Battle of Flippers: The Tournament Format
With the tournament kicking off at 8 PM and wrapping up in a neat 2.5 hours, the format was both intense and straightforward. Fifty-three players, grouped in clusters, faced off across four games in a single round. Each game was a stepping stone, as players racked up points based on their finishing positions. In the end, the highest scorer would take home the crown.
Game Spotlight: A Duel on Iron Maiden
Let’s zero in on a standout game from Round 1 on the Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast machine. Trent Augenstein, with an impressive IFPA rank of 65, clinched first place. Hot on his heels was Ross Bergantino, a local from Columbus, OH, ranked 414th. Ronnell Johnson and Scott Vieth finished third and fourth, proving their mettle in a tough lineup.
Celebrating the Champions
Now, for the moment of truth – our top performers:
- Matt Waters from Columbus, OH (IFPA rank 1052) – A testament to consistency with 54 IFPA events under his belt.
- Brian Weisberg (IFPA rank 2438) – A seasoned player with 128 events, showing his expertise.
- Beau Pendleton (IFPA rank 658) – With 186 events, his experience was evident in his gameplay.
- Jack Nebraska (IFPA rank 372) – A century of events (100, to be exact) marking his journey to this spot.
The Pinball Showcase
A tournament is only as good as its machines, and we had some stars! Notably:
- Jurassic Park (Pro): A prehistoric adventure that never gets old.
- Godzilla (Pro): Towering over the competition since 2021.
- Venom (Premium): The newest kid on the block, bringing a bite to the game.
- Rush (Pro): A machine that’s as fast-paced as its namesake band.
- Deadpool (Pro): A mix of humor and skill, always a crowd-pleaser.
Wrapping It Up
As the lights dimmed and the last ball was played, it was clear that the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 1 was more than just a tournament. It was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the timeless joy of pinball. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and follow along for more updates from the pinball universe!