Women Shine at Starfighters SPF24 Tournament

A Pinball Celebration in Mesa

The Starfighters SPF24 Women’s Tournament at Starfighters Arcade in Mesa, Arizona, transformed a regular evening into a spectacular showcase of skill, strategy, and camaraderie. Under the watchful eye of organizer Tracy Lindbergh, 42 competitors engaged in a thrilling 3 hours of pinball under a sky dotted with scattered clouds and a pleasant 58°F.

The Munsters: A Battle of Wits and Reflexes

In the heat of competition, a particularly memorable game unfolded on Stern’s The Munsters (Premium), capturing the essence of strategy and quick thinking that defines pinball. Stephanie Traub, hailing from Washington, DC, emerged victorious, demonstrating not just her pinball prowess but also the depth of her strategic approach.

Triumph of Skill and Dedication

The tournament celebrated not only the winners but every participant’s passion for pinball, highlighted by the top players’ remarkable achievements:

  1. Stephanie Turner from Chandler, AZ – IFPA Rank 1136: Her victory was a testament to her dedication, with an impressive history of 195 IFPA events under her belt.
  2. Alysa Parks – IFPA Rank 1813: Showed exceptional skill and strategic gameplay, reflecting her experience across 268 IFPA events.
  3. Meghan Shattuck from Albuquerque, NM – IFPA Rank 4067: Brought a unique perspective to the game, her performance bolstered by participation in 86 IFPA events.
  4. Amber Valdivia – IFPA Rank 2197: Demonstrated her growing prowess in the pinball world, steadily climbing the ranks with 53 IFPA events.

A Diverse Array of Challenges

The tournament featured 47 pinball machines, providing a wide spectrum of gameplay experiences:

Starfighters Arcade: A Nostalgic Haven

Starfighters Arcade, with its retro charm and extensive collection of games, provided the perfect backdrop for the tournament. The venue’s nostalgic atmosphere and welcoming space made it an ideal gathering place for pinball enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

In Conclusion

The Starfighters SPF24 Women’s Tournament was more than a competition; it was a celebration of the spirit and talent of women in the pinball community. Congratulations to all the participants, and a special thanks to Tracy Lindbergh and Starfighters Arcade for hosting an unforgettable event.

Stay tuned for more tales from the flippers and silver balls!

Neon Nights and Silver Balls: The Free Play Speakeasy Showdown

Hello, pinball pals! It’s me, Bride of Pinbot, your guide to the galaxy of pinball across the grand urban landscapes of America. Today, I’m taking you to the chilly climes of Fraser, Michigan, where the Free Play Speakeasy 2-2-24 tournament lit up the night at the Free Play – Pinball Arcade.

A Symphony of Flippers and Lights

Under the watchful eye of Joe Wade, 29 pinball wizards braved the 32°F weather, their spirits undampened by the broken clouds, to compete in a thrilling 5-round battle of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. The action was non-stop, with each round bringing new challenges and opportunities for glory.

The KISS (Pro) Crescendo

In Round 3, the spotlight fell on Stern’s KISS (Pro), a machine that marries the adrenaline of rock ‘n’ roll with the finesse of pinball. It was here that Mike Stewart Jr. showcased his mastery, leading the pack with an impressive win. Scott Styles, Jeff Catenacci, and Brandon Blake weren’t far behind, each delivering performances that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Champions of the Arcade

As the final ball plunged, the leaderboard revealed the titans of the night:

  1. Mike Stewart Jr., with a staggering 574 IFPA events under his belt, proved why experience counts, clinching the top spot with unparalleled skill.
  2. Scott Styles, a proud New Baltimore native, leveraged his 186 tournaments’ worth of experience to secure a commendable second place.
  3. Jeff Catenacci, hailing from Roseville, brought his A-game and 216 events of experience to finish strong in third.
  4. Brandon Blake and the rest of the top 8, including the Piornack brothers, Taylor Coppola, and Robert Smith MI, rounded out the leaderboard, each adding their unique flair to the competition.

A Gallery of Pinball Legends

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 26 pinball machines, from the medieval battles of Black Knight: Sword of Rage to the intergalactic adventures of Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast. Hercules challenged players with its gargantuan playfield, while Twilight Zone offered a journey into the surreal. Rush (Pro) and Aerosmith provided the soundtrack to the evening, with their rock-themed gameplay and soundtracks.

More Than Just a Game

Free Play Pinball Arcade, with its retro vibe and an impressive array of machines, proved to be the perfect host. The venue’s 1980s arcade classics and top-notch pinball lineup offered a nostalgic trip down memory lane, combined with the thrill of modern pinball play.

A Tip of the Hat

A huge shoutout to Joe Wade and the fantastic team at Free Play – Pinball Arcade for orchestrating such a spectacular event. It’s nights like these that remind us of the joy, community, and competitive spirit that pinball brings into our lives.

So, until our next pinball adventure, keep those flippers flipping, and remember, in the world of pinball, every game is a new story waiting to be told. Stay tuned, and play on!

Clash of the Titans at District 82: A Pinball Tournament to Remember

Greetings, pinball aficionados! It’s your guide through the electrifying world of arcade wizardry, Bride of Pinbot. Let’s plunge into the heart of De Pere, Wisconsin, where District 82 Pinball became the arena for the Flippin’ Friday Tournament 2/2 Qualify, a spectacle that brought together pinball gladiators from near and far.

The Stage is Set at District 82

Under the grey embrace of overcast skies, with a chill in the air marking 31°F, the hallowed halls of District 82 Pinball were alight with the fervor of competition. Orchestrated by the esteemed Erik Thoren, the tournament unfurled over almost 3 hours of intense gameplay, where 31 players embarked on a quest for pinball supremacy across 4 adrenaline-pumping rounds.

A Duel Down Memory Lane

In the spotlight of Round 2, “Memory Lane” by Stern Electronics, a gem from June 1978, witnessed a showdown that harked back to the golden age of pinball. Tom Graf, a mysterious contender from parts unknown, emerged victorious, showcasing a blend of skill and nostalgia that left spectators in awe. Mike Weyenberg and Drew Geigel, both hailing from Manitowoc, WI, and Joe DeCleene rounded out the top four, each etching their mark in the annals of pinball lore.

The Victors Emerge

As the dust settled on the flippers, Tom Graf stood tall as the champion, his rank of 109 in the IFPA a testament to his prowess in the realm of pinball. Not far behind, Erik Thoren, the orchestrator turned competitor, secured the second spot, proving his dual mastery of organizing and playing. Drew Geigel and Gregory Hein from Appleton, WI, claimed the third and fourth places, their performances a beacon of skill and determination.

Pinball Pantheon

The tournament was graced by an impressive array of 116 pinball machines, each with its own story to tell. Among these, “Wild Fyre” and “Magic” by Stern Electronics offered a throwback to the roots of pinball, while “The Addams Family” by Bally and “No Fear: Dangerous Sports” by Williams brought players face-to-face with iconic themes and heart-pounding action.

District 82: A Pinball Haven

More than just a venue, District 82 Pinball is a sanctuary for those devoted to the art of pinball. With over 100 machines maintained to perfection, it stands as a testament to the owner’s passion and commitment to the game. The welcoming atmosphere and approachable staff make it a must-visit destination for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

In Closing

The Flippin’ Friday Tournament 2/2 Qualify shows the enduring spirit of pinball, a game that continues to captivate and challenge players of all ages. A heartfelt thanks to Erik Thoren and the team at District 82 for hosting an unforgettable night of pinball magic.

Stay tuned, dear readers, for more tales from the vibrant world of pinball!