Sweet Victories and Golden Scores at the League Super Awesome

Greetings, pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, reporting live from the exciting world of competitive pinball. Get ready for a sweet taste of victory, as we delve into the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 5 tournament held at Heart State Brewing in Columbus, Ohio.

Hearts of Steel and Fiery Flippers: Tournament Overview

Under partly cloudy skies and a comfortable 55°F, 53 valiant flippers battled it out on February 8th, 2024. Organized by John Geiger, this single-round, 4-game per round format saw players face off in epic clashes, with points awarded based on their finishing position. Prepare for some serious high scores!

Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket: Game Spotlight

Round 1 on Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (LE) proved to be a golden ticket to pinball fame. Jared Mayercin from Columbus, ranked 4180th in the IFPA, emerged victorious, followed closely by Lindsey Ferrin (11467th), Tim Malloy (3051st), and Landon Powell (18650th). Talk about a sweet victory!

Champions Emerge: Overall Tournament Winners

But enough about Willy Wonka’s delights, let’s celebrate the overall champions! A round of applause for:

  1. Beau Pendleton, IFPA rank 651, Total IFPA Events 188
  2. Amy Kesting, IFPA rank 604, Total IFPA Events 387
  3. Jack Nebraska, IFPA rank 375, Total IFPA Events 102
  4. Trent Augenstein, IFPA rank 64, Total IFPA Events 1084

These pinball powerhouses brought their A-game, mastering a diverse lineup of machines.

Pinball Paradise: A Look at the Machines

Speaking of machines, this tournament boasted a delectable selection of 16 pinball wonders, including:

  • Stranger Things (Pro): Delve into the Upside Down with this immersive Stern title.
  • JAWS (Pro): Feel the suspense as you battle the iconic shark from Stern’s newest release.
  • Godzilla (Pro): Destroy cities and rack up points in this monstrous Stern creation.
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro): Cowabunga! Join the turtles in this action-packed Stern game.
  • Rush (Pro): Experience high-speed thrills with this adrenaline-pumping Stern masterpiece.

And many more! Each machine offered unique challenges and opportunities for strategic prowess.

Cheers and Thrills: Venue and Atmosphere

Heart State Brewing provided the perfect setting for this tournament. Their delicious home-brewed beers and welcoming atmosphere kept everyone fueled and entertained. It truly is a must-visit for any pinball enthusiast in the Columbus area.

A Pinballing Farewell: Closing Thoughts

A big thank you to John Geiger for organizing this fantastic event and to Heart State Brewing for providing the perfect venue. Stay tuned, pinball fans, for more exciting tournament recaps and pinball news coming your way!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out Heart State Brewing’s website at https://heartstatebrewing.com/ for more information about their delicious brews and upcoming events.

Until next time, keep flippin’!

Tucson Timed Match Play: Godzilla Roars, Clement Claims Victory!

Greetings, fellow pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, back with a report from the electrifying TUCSON TIMED MATCH PLAY @TISC FEB 2024 tournament. Buckle up, for this event had strategic showdowns, thrilling upsets, and even a touch of kaiju mayhem!

Clash of the Titans: Godzilla Takes Center Stage

Round 1 kicked off with a legendary battle on Godzilla (Premium), where titans clashed and scores soared. Ben Clement, the Marana marvel ranked 138th in the IFPA, emerged victorious, leaving even organizer Wayne Saeger (ranked 1363) and Tucson’s Mike LaHaie (ranked 4675) in his wake. This epic duel set the tone for a tournament filled with nail-biting finishes and unexpected heroes.

Champions Rise: Clement Crowned King, Saeger Shines

The 7-round gauntlet tested players’ skills and endurance. After the dust settled, familiar faces and rising stars graced the podium. Ben Clement, wielding his 365 IFPA events experience, claimed the coveted first place. But the spotlight wasn’t his alone. Wayne Saeger, despite facing Ben in Round 1, secured a well-deserved second place, showcasing his own pinball prowess. John Finnegan (ranked 552) and Chris McCall (ranked 5765) completed the top 4, proving that anything is possible in the pinball arena.

A Menagerie of Machines: Classic Gems and Modern Masters

The battlefield for this pinball odyssey wasn’t just any arcade. Tucson Indoor Sports Center, a haven for indoor hockey and delicious chicken baskets, provided the perfect setting for 10 diverse machines to shine. From the vintage charm of Dolly Parton and Old Chicago to the modern marvels of Iron Maiden and Ghostbusters, there was something for every player’s preference. And of course, Godzilla (Premium) stood tall, reminding everyone of its epic role in Round 1.

A Tournament to Remember

A huge shoutout to Wayne Saeger for organizing this fantastic event, and to Tucson Indoor Sports Center for providing the perfect venue. This tournament was a testament to the passion and skill of the Arizona pinball community, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what future events bring!

Stay tuned, pinball pilgrims, for more exciting adventures in the world of silver balls!