Electric Bat Sizzles with Season 10 Showdown in Tempe AZ!

The Electric Bat Arcade buzzed with excitement on February 20th as pinball wizards gathered for the Season 10- Series 2 #5 IFPA tournament. Over 100 players battled it out across 60 machines, each vying for pinball glory and a chance to etch their names in the silver ball annals.

Rush Hour Heroics:

Round 2 saw a heart-pounding duel on Stern’s Rush (Pro). Amber Valdivia, ranked 2004th, unleashed a strategic masterpiece, edging out the higher-ranked Jay Bondelli and seasoned player John Shopple. Valdivia’s mastery of the “Time Machine” multi-ball  proved decisive, leaving the crowd buzzing with her brilliant approach.

Cale Takes the Crown:

The tournament culminated in a nail-biting final, with Cale Bess Hernandez emerging victorious. Hernandez, known for his aggressive playstyle, navigated the diverse lineup with impressive consistency. He fended off challenges from Valdivia, Andrew Roesch , and local favorite Jason Barre to claim the top spot.

Pinball Paradise:

From the adrenaline-pumping Iron Maiden to the classic charm of Hotdoggin’, the tournament offered a smorgasbord of pinball experiences. The historic Cleopatra stood alongside the modern marvel James Bond 007, showcasing the evolution of the game. Each machine presented unique challenges and opportunities, keeping players on their toes throughout the night.

Electric Atmosphere, Electrifying Play:

The Electric Bat, nestled alongside the Yucca Taproom, provided the perfect backdrop for the competition. The camaraderie between players, the cheers of the crowd, and the clanging of flippers created an unforgettable atmosphere. It was a true testament to the passion and dedication of the pinball community.

A Huge Thank You:

A massive shoutout to Rachel Bess for organizing this fantastic event and to the Electric Bat for hosting such a vibrant pinball haven. We can’t wait for the next round of pinball action!

Stay tuned for more pinball updates!

T-Rex Tilt! DeRazza Reigns Supreme at The Pinball Lounge Bonanza

The ground trembled, flippers clacked, and balls flew as the Pinball Lounge – Bonanza 2/20/24 tournament roared to life on February 20th. 23 players, pinball prowess unleashed, battled it out for flipper glory. But it was Brayden DeRazza, a rising star from Lake Mary, FL, who emerged victorious, leaving a trail of fallen flippers in his wake.

Jurassic Smackdown: DeRazza’s Prehistoric Prowess

DeRazza, ranked 1024th in the IFPA, put on a masterclass throughout the 6-round tournament. His secret weapon? A Jurassic Park (Premium) mastery that saw him dominate Round 6, edging out players like Anton Samilian (IFPA rank 4109) and John Osborne (IFPA rank 4685). DeRazza’s triumph wasn’t just about brute force; it was about strategic shot selection and a deep understanding of the dino-licious machine’s nuances. Watch out, Spielberg, there’s a new raptor in town!

Beyond the T-Rex: A Pinball Paradise Awaits

But pinball isn’t just about one prehistoric kingpin. The Pinball Lounge @Oviedo Bowling Center was a treasure trove of excitement. Godzilla (Premium) towered over the competition with its intense gameplay, while the classic Champion Pub by Bally held court with its quirky charm and devious uppercut. From the dark alleys of Game of Thrones to the web-slinging action of Spider-Man, there was a machine for every mood and skill level.

More Than Just Machines: A Winning Atmosphere

The true heart of the tournament wasn’t just the machines, but the fun atmosphere. The Pinball Lounge lived up to its name, providing the perfect setting for friendly competition. With its amazing selection of machines, great bar, and super nice staff, it’s no wonder the venue was buzzing with pinball passion. High fives flew, friendly banter filled the air, and the clinking of glasses celebrated every epic win and hilarious tilt.

Champions Crowned, Legends Made

A big thanks to Kurt van Zyl for organizing this epic tournament, and to The Pinball Lounge for providing the perfect pinball paradise! Here’s a shoutout to the top champs:

  • 1st Place: Brayden DeRazza (Lake Mary, FL) – Proving that even young guns can take down the big names.
  • 2nd Place: Garrett Smoke (IFPA rank 2971) – A seasoned player who consistently brings his A-game.
  • 3rd Place: Mike Zink (Ocala, FL, IFPA rank 2516) – A local legend who knows the lanes like the back of his hand.
  • 4th Place: Nick Smith (FL, IFPA rank 3897) – Up-and-coming talent with a knack for nailing those high scores.

Stay Tuned for More Pinball Mayhem!

This is just the beginning of the pinball adventure! Stay tuned for more updates from the exciting world of competitive pinball – the next tilt awaits! And if you’re ever in the Oviedo area, be sure to check out The Pinball Lounge. It’s a pinball haven that’s sure to flip your flippers! Just don’t challenge DeRazza to a game of Jurassic Park… unless you’re ready to get schooled by the champion!

The Exton Knight Rises: Comegys Conquers Pinball Gallery!

The lights dimmed, the air crackled with anticipation, and the whirring of a hundred flippers filled the Pinball Gallery. It wasn’t your average basement throwdown; it was the Monthly Max Match Play at The Pinball Gallery, a pinball tournament where warriors battled head-to-head across ten thrilling games, demanding precision, strategy, and maybe a touch of luck.

From Underdog to Champion: The Rise of Rodney Comegys

44 pinball gladiators entered the arena, but only one could claim the crown. Many expected a familiar face to take the throne, but fate had a different story in mind. Rodney Comegys, the Exton Knight, emerged from the pack, understandable with his 273rd IFPA ranking with an impressive five wins. His calm focus and strategic prowess guided him through the colorful chaos, silencing haters and etching his name in Pinball Gallery history.

A Cinderella Story: Jason Wissmann’s Improbable Run

But Comegys’s victory wasn’t the only story of the night. Jason Wissmann, a newcomer ranked a staggering 17684th, defied the odds with his own five-win streak. His journey was a testament to the unpredictable nature of pinball, where passion and skill can trump ranking any day. Their final battle on the electrifying AC/DC (LUCI Vault Edition) was a spectacle of lightning-fast reflexes and daring maneuvers, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement.

Beyond the Champions: A Celebration of Pinball Culture

The true magic of the tournament wasn’t just about the winners, but the vibrant community that filled the Pinball Gallery. The venue buzzed with the energy of a pinball haven, where classic machines like Hollywood Heat and Taxi shared space with modern marvels like Guns N’ Roses. Bill Disney, the mastermind behind this pinball paradise, deserves a standing ovation for creating a space where players of all ages and skill levels can come together and celebrate their love for the silver ball.

Where Legends are Made: The Unsung Heroes of the Tournament

No pinball tournament would be complete without its stars: the machines themselves. Black Knight: Sword of Rage saw the most action, its challenging layout drawing in players for quick-fire battles. Legends of Valhalla, on the other hand, offered epic, strategic journeys, with games stretching to an average of 24 minutes. Each machine had its own story to tell, its own challenges to conquer, reminding us that pinball is a universe of diverse experiences.

The Final Ball Drains, But the Spirit Lives On

As the final ball drained and the champions were crowned, one thing was clear: the spirit of pinball is alive and well. It’s a game that welcomes everyone, from seasoned veterans to wide-eyed rookies. It’s a test of skill, a dance with luck, and a celebration of pure, unadulterated fun. So raise a flipper to the Pinball Gallery, to Rodney Comegys, and to all the pinball warriors who battled it out! Stay tuned, folks, for more pinball adventures in the world to come.