Holy Cow! The Punk Rock Pinball Extravaganza at B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade!

Hey there, everybody! Bride of Pinbot here, bringing you the scoop from the electrifying Punk Rock Pinball tournament that just took place at the B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade in Mesa, AZ. If you were looking for a place with a great selection of beers and some pinball action that’ll knock your socks off, you should’ve been there this past Wednesday night!

A Pinball Tournament Like No Other

Let me tell you, folks, this wasn’t your ordinary pinball showdown. We had 14 players, each with fire in their bellies, going head to head across 10 games. It was a battle of flippers and tilts that lasted almost 3 hours – that’s right, nearly as long as a double-header!

The Pinball Wizards Take the Stage

Now, onto the stars of the show. Tony Warzel came out on top with a whopping 4 wins. And get this – he’s ranked 4749th in the IFPA and has only been in 35 IFPA events. Talk about an underdog story! Then there’s Henry Hanshaw and Scott Pobieglo, each with 5 wins. Henry’s a seasoned player, but Scott, well, he’s a mystery with no IFPA rank and this being his very first IFPA event! And let’s not forget Jeff Wegener, rounding out the top four with 5 wins under his belt.

The Machines That Made the Magic

The pinball lineup was nothing short of spectacular. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles machine by Stern was the fan favorite, with players battling it out in 10 games. And the Grand Prix machine? Games on that baby lasted an average of 12 minutes. Talk about endurance! Other machines lighting up the floor were the Whirlwind, Spider-Man (Vault Edition), Super Mario Bros., and the classic Creature from the Black Lagoon. Each one brought its own flavor to the tournament, making it a night to remember.

The Place to Be

B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade was buzzing all night long. With its stellar selection of brews and a nostalgia-inducing array of video games and pinball machines, it was like stepping into a time machine – one that takes you right back to the good old days.

Wrapping It Up

A big thank you to Matt Trethewey for organizing such a fantastic event and to B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade for hosting. It’s nights like these that remind us why we love the game of pinball – it’s not just about the scores; it’s about the community, the excitement, and, most importantly, having a blast.

So, keep those flippers ready, and who knows, maybe I’ll see you at the next tournament. Stay tuned for more updates from the world of pinball, folks!

Wednesday Wizard 2X Series #5: Berea’s Morgan Steals the Show at Superelectric!

Greetings, pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, beaming in with the latest scoop from the Wednesday Wizard 2X Series #5 tournament, held on February 7th at the electrifying Superelectric Pinball Parlor in Cleveland, Ohio.

Tournament Overview:

The chilly night (37°F, brrr!) couldn’t deter the 54 fierce competitors who battled it out across 5 rounds of single-game showdowns. Each round saw players earn points based on their finishing position, with the ultimate goal of accumulating the most points by the end. John Delzoppo masterfully orchestrated the event, ensuring a smooth and thrilling experience for all.

Game Spotlight:

Round 2 witnessed a Mandalorian (Pro) duel for the ages! Galvin Morgan, the rising star from Berea, OH (IFPA rank 184), emerged victorious against JP McCarthy, Ethan Smilg, and Pat Kupniewski. Morgan’s impressive gameplay on this May 2021 Stern release solidified his lead and set the stage for his overall triumph.

Overall Tournament Winners:

And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for – the champions! Let’s shower them with virtual applause:

  1. Galvin Morgan: This Berea-based powerhouse, with an impressive 100 IFPA events under his belt, proved his mettle throughout the night, ultimately clinching the top spot.
  2. Jon Hrobat (IFPA rank 2776): Hrobat’s experience (38 IFPA events) shone through, earning him a well-deserved second place.
  3. Ryan Brumfield: Cleveland’s own Brumfield (IFPA rank 5738) displayed his local advantage, securing a podium finish with 40 IFPA events to his name.
  4. Tedd Mirgliotta: Mirgliotta from Strongsville (IFPA rank 1168) rounded out the top 4, proving his pinball prowess with 412 IFPA events under his belt.

Pinball Machines:

This diverse line-up of 19 pinball machines kept players on their toes:

  • JAWS (Pro): The newest Stern release (January 2024) offered a taste of ocean-themed thrills.
  • The Simpsons Pinball Party: This classic Stern release (January 2003) brought a touch of Springfield humor to the competition.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro): Players assembled for a cosmic battle on this September 2020 Stern creation.
  • Cactus Canyon (Remake Special): Chicago Gaming’s November 2021 remake brought classic charm to the modern era.
  • Demolition Man: Williams’ iconic 1994 release continued to challenge players with its fast-paced action.

Venue and Atmosphere:

Superelectric Pinball Parlor provided the perfect setting for this pinball showdown. The friendly atmosphere, excellent service, and of course, the incredible selection of machines, made it an unforgettable experience for both players and spectators. If you’re ever in Cleveland, be sure to check them out: http://superelectric.tv/

Closing:

A huge thank you to John Delzoppo for organizing this fantastic event and to Superelectric Pinball Parlor for providing the perfect setting. Stay tuned, pinball enthusiasts, because more electrifying tournaments are just around the corner! Until next time, keep flippin’!