The MFStrikes!!! Birthday Pinball Tournament

In Seaside’s Lynn’s Arcade, under skies partly gray,
Pinball wizards gathered to celebrate and play.
With flippers flipping, and the silver ball in flight,
We sang out for Linda G, on this vibrant night.

Happy birthday, Linda G, let the pinball bells ring,
In every game and laughter, joy we bring.
With every tilt and bonus score,
We wish you happiness and so much more.

Demolition Man stood proud, a machine of yore,
Sam Stanko took the lead, with scores that soared.
Eric, Matt, and Vincent, through the rounds they spun,
Underneath the arcade’s glowing neon sun.

Happy birthday, Linda G, in the arcade’s gleam,
Among friends and flippers, a pinball dream.
May your year ahead be bright and bold,
Like a high score, precious, never old.

In the heart of California, by the seaside’s glow,
The pinball’s magic in the air, amidst friends we know.
Cary Carmichael led the fest, with games lined in rows,
A knockout tourney, where the pinball spirit flows.

From Evel Knievel to the Stranger Things‘ crew,
The games we played, the memories we drew.
Lynn’s Arcade, our haven, with joy so vast,
In this tournament, where every moment’s a blast.

Happy birthday, Linda G, with the pinball’s cheer,
Celebrating with you, year after year.
May the flippers guide you, the silver ball shine bright,
On this birthday evening, filled with delight.

So here’s to Linda, with all our arcade wishes,
For laughter, love, and endless pinball riches.
In the glow of the machines, your spirit shines so true,
Happy birthday, Linda G, this song’s for you.

Thrilling Evening at League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 4

The heart of Columbus, Ohio, pulsed with the vibrant energy of pinball enthusiasts on the evening of February 1, 2024, as Heart State Brewing hosted the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 4 tournament. Under the guidance of organizer John Geiger, 53 competitors embarked on a pinball journey, navigating through 4 intense games in a single round that spanned a concise 2.5 hours.

Spotlight Game: The Premiere of JAWS (Pro)

The tournament was marked by the debut of Stern’s JAWS (Pro), released just a month prior, making waves as a standout game of the night. Mike Malloy from Ohio, showcasing skill and determination with an IFPA rank of 9227, clinched the top spot in this nail-biting round. Close behind were Nate Welch (IFPA rank 8552), Alan McClelland from Reynoldsburg, Ohio (IFPA rank 5907), and Carolyn Cottrell (IFPA rank 13978), each contributing to the round’s high stakes and excitement.

Celebrating the Champions

The night concluded with four players rising above the rest, their strategic gameplay earning them top honors:

  1. Taylor Schaar: With an IFPA rank of 9760, Taylor’s performance across 13 events culminated in a well-deserved first place.
  2. Mike Hedrick: Close on Taylor’s heels, Mike, ranked 7908th, displayed prowess in his 13th tournament appearance.
  3. Amy Kesting: A seasoned player with an impressive IFPA rank of 604, Amy has competed in 387 events, showcasing her enduring skill and passion for pinball.
  4. Trent Augenstein: With a staggering 1084 events under his belt and an IFPA rank of 63, Trent’s expertise was unmistakable, securing him the fourth spot.

A Diverse Array of Pinball Challenges

The tournament featured a collection of 16 pinball machines, each offering unique themes and gameplay:

A Night to Remember at Heart State Brewing

The tournament’s venue, Heart State Brewing, offered the perfect backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Renowned for its exceptional beers, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch customer service, it provided a welcoming space for players and spectators alike. The brewery’s commitment to quality and affordability made it a standout in the Columbus brewery scene, much to the delight of all who attended.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to John Geiger for organizing such a memorable event and to Heart State Brewing for hosting. The pinball community continues to thrive with each flipper press and high score achieved. Stay tuned for more electrifying updates from the dynamic world of pinball!