An Evening of Pinball Excitement in Cincinnati
On January 11, 2024, Arcade Legacy Sharonville in Cincinnati, Ohio, became the stage for a gripping pinball showdown. The Thursday Throwdown tournament, orchestrated by Erik Wurtenberger, was a whirlwind of flippers and silver balls, unfolding over 2 hours and 45 minutes amidst the backdrop of a chilly 38°F evening.
Tournament Dynamics: A Display of Pinball Prowess
A diverse group of 33 players engaged in 7 rounds of intense pinball action, each round a crucial step towards the final goal. The top 8 players advanced to the finals, where they faced off in 2 rounds of 3 games each, showcasing their skills and strategies under pressure.
Semifinal Highlight: A Marathon on Gold Wings
A standout moment of the tournament was the semifinal game on Gottlieb’s Gold Wings, a classic from 1986. This marathon game stretched an incredible 65 minutes, with Chad Hobbs from Cincinnati taking the lead, followed by Stuart Nyswonger and Justin Schnetzer.
Celebrating the Victors
The tournament’s top players were not just skilled at pinball; their IFPA stats spoke volumes about their dedication to the game:
- Bradley Baker from Cincinnati – IFPA rank 2270, Total IFPA Events 36
- Justin Schnetzer – IFPA rank 3240, Total IFPA Events 50
- Stuart Nyswonger – IFPA rank 868, Total IFPA Events 307
- Jesse Baker – IFPA rank 422, Total IFPA Events 276
- Ken Guenther from Burlington, KY – IFPA rank 1549, Total IFPA Events 193
- Chad Hobbs from Cincinnati – IFPA rank 1036, Total IFPA Events 252
- Shawn Kenter from Kentucky – IFPA rank 2727, Total IFPA Events 98
- Doris Bachman from Erlanger, KY – IFPA rank 6713, Total IFPA Events 54
A Selection of Legendary Pinball Machines
The tournament featured 18 pinball machines, each adding its unique challenge and excitement. Metallica (Pro) by Stern, Laser Cue by Williams, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern were just a few of the machines that players battled on, offering a diverse range of themes and gameplay experiences.
Arcade Legacy Sharonville: A Pinball Haven
Arcade Legacy Sharonville proved to be an exceptional venue. With its vast array of pinball machines and classic video games, it was like stepping back into a golden era of arcades. The incredible staff and the owner’s passion for creating such a space added to the tournament’s unforgettable atmosphere.
Signing Off
The Thursday Throwdown at Arcade Legacy was more than a competition; it was a celebration of pinball, bringing together players of all ranks and backgrounds in a display of skill, strategy, and sheer enjoyment of the game.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the world of pinball!