SFPD Spring 2024 #3: A Pinball Tournament to Remember

A Glimpse into the Heart of Pinball Mania

On the chilly evening of February 21, 2024, the pinball wizards of San Francisco gathered at the iconic Free Gold Watch for the much-anticipated SFPD Spring 2024 #3 tournament. The San Francisco Pinball Department (SFPD) orchestrated this thrilling event, drawing in a crowd of 83 competitors ready to tilt, nudge, and flip their way to victory. Despite the overcast skies and a brisk 53°F, the atmosphere inside was nothing short of electrifying.

The Battle of the Flippers

The tournament’s structure was intense yet straightforward: one round, five games, and groups of players clashing in a fierce battle of points. It was a test of endurance, skill, and strategy, as each participant aimed to outmaneuver their opponents across the pinball playfields.

Epic Showdown on Godzilla (Pro)

A spotlight moment of the tournament was the marathon game on Stern’s Godzilla (Pro), a recent addition to the pinball world since its release on September 14, 2021. This game became an epic saga lasting a staggering 139 minutes. The showdown saw Jeremy Herrman clinch the first place, followed closely by Jeremy Williams, Josh Lehan, and the guest player Maureen Choi, showcasing the high level of competition and skill present at the event.

The Victors of the Night

As the final scores were tallied, the champions emerged, their names now etched in the SFPD tournament history:

  1. Rob Coli – Leading the pack with exceptional skill and an IFPA rank of 2059, Rob proved his mettle across the tournament’s rigorous games.
  2. Gabe Da Silveira – Hailing from San Francisco and boasting an impressive IFPA rank of 94, Gabe showcased his seasoned prowess and strategic gameplay.
  3. Jose Godinez – With a solid IFPA rank of 2792, Jose’s consistent performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the top three.
  4. Fish – The enigmatic player known as Fish, with an IFPA rank of 11933, surprised many by clinching the fourth place, proving that rankings aren’t everything in the heat of competition.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 58 pinball machines, each bringing its own unique challenges and excitement. Highlights included the alien invasion-themed “Attack from Mars” by Bally, the spooky and comedic “Ghostbusters (Pro)” by Stern, and the action-packed “Guardians of the Galaxy” also by Stern. Classics like “Spider-Man” and the enchanting “The Wizard of Oz” by Jersey Jack Pinball added to the diverse array of games that tested the participants’ skills in every imaginable way.

Free Gold Watch: The Pinball Haven

Nestled off the beaten path, Free Gold Watch is a sanctuary for pinball enthusiasts. The venue, with its eclectic mix of machines ranging from $0.25 to $1.00 per game, provided the perfect backdrop for this community-driven event. It’s a place where the nostalgia of arcade games meets the vibrant energy of the San Francisco pinball scene.

A Fond Farewell

As the night drew to a close, heartfelt thanks were extended to the San Francisco Pinball Department for organizing such a memorable event and to Free Gold Watch for hosting. The SFPD Spring 2024 #3 tournament was a testament to the thriving spirit of the pinball community, filled with moments of triumph, camaraderie, and, of course, the timeless joy of pinball.

Stay tuned for more updates from the ever-spinning world of pinball, where the flippers never rest, and the high scores await.

A Thrilling Evening at the MFLadies Pinball Winter Tournament

On a crisp and clear evening of February 21, 2024, Lynn’s Arcade in Seaside, California, transformed into a battleground for pinball enthusiasts. The MFLadies Pinball Winter #4 Tournament, meticulously organized by Cary Carmichael, brought together 20 players, each with their eyes set on the prize and fingers ready for the flippers. As the clock struck 6:45 PM, the air inside Lynn’s Arcade, already buzzing with the anticipation of fierce competition, became electrified with the spirit of the game.

An Unforgettable Venue

Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery, with its eclectic mix of old and new pinball machines, paired with a selection of sour beers to die for, provided the perfect backdrop for the evening’s escapades. The venue, known for its charming atmosphere that intertwines the love for pinball and beer, had outdone itself, setting the stage for what was to be a memorable tournament.

The Heat of the Competition

Over the span of nearly two hours, players engaged in a rigorous battle across five rounds, each contributing to the escalating excitement. The tournament’s structure was such that every flip, every save, and every tilt could make or break one’s journey to the top. The strategy was as much a part of the game as skill, with players meticulously choosing their moments to strike, defend, and, when luck permitted, dominate.

Spotlight on Deadpool

Among the standout moments of the night was the intense showdown on the Deadpool (Premium) machine by Stern. A relatively recent addition to the pinball world, having made its debut in August 2018, Deadpool became the arena for the climactic battle of Round 5. Jaclyn Tingco-Graham, Paige Peck, Aria Garcia, and Ivy Simpson gave it their all, with Jaclyn clinching the top spot in a display of skill that left the audience in awe.

The Victors

While the night saw many a triumphant play, it was Paige Peck who emerged victorious, demonstrating a consistency and finesse that earned her the first-place title. Close on her heels was Jaclyn Tingco-Graham, whose performance on Deadpool was a highlight of the evening. Carlene Malack and the unranked Aria Garcia also made their mark, securing the third and fourth places, respectively, proving that rankings were but numbers in the face of raw talent and determination.

A Nod to the Classics

The tournament was not just a showcase of skill but also a celebration of pinball history. Machines like World Cup Soccer and Demolition Man, both hailing from the golden era of the ’90s, stood alongside the likes of Dialed In! and the brand-new JAWS (Pro) by Stern, creating a time bridge that connected generations of pinball lovers. Each machine, with its unique theme and gameplay, added a layer of depth to the tournament, reminding participants and spectators alike of the rich legacy of pinball.

Gratitude and Anticipation

As the night drew to a close, gratitude was extended to Cary Carmichael for her impeccable organization and to Lynn’s Arcade for hosting an event that went beyond mere competition; it was a celebration of community, history, and the sheer joy of pinball. The MFLadies Pinball Winter #4 Tournament might have ended, but the echoes of laughter, cheers, and the rhythmic thumping of pinball machines linger on, leaving us all in eager anticipation for the next gathering of pinball aficionados.

Stay tuned for more tales from the flipper-filled world of pinball!

A Night of Flippers and Frenzy: The Punk Rock Pinball Tournament Recap

Setting the Scene: B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade

As the sun dipped below the horizon in Mesa Arizona, the cool evening air, a comfortable 65°F, set the stage for an event that would echo in the local pinball community for times to come. The B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade, with its walls lined with gleaming pinball machines, opened its doors to a gathering of enthusiasts buzzing with anticipation. On this evening, February 21, 2024, the Punk Rock Pinball Tournament was not just an event; it was a celebration of skill, strategy, and the sheer joy of pinball. Organized by the passionate Matt Trethewey, this tournament promised to be a spectacle where legends were made and remembered.

The Contenders and Their Arena

As the tournament kicked off, eleven players, each with determination in their eyes, stepped up to the pinball machines. The air was thick with excitement as players and spectators alike were drawn into the dance of flashing lights and the rhythmic sounds of pinball action. Each participant, armed with their own unique strategies and techniques, faced off in 10 adrenaline-pumping games. The competition was fierce, with every flipper press and bumper hit under scrutiny, as players vied for the top spot in this test of pinball mastery.

Machines of Myth and Marvel

The tournament featured an array of machines, each with its own story to tell. “Creature from the Black Lagoon” by Bally, a fan favorite, was not just a pinball machine; it was a portal to a 1950s horror film, complete with a drive-in theater backdrop and immersive gameplay that captivated everyone who dared to challenge the creature. Meanwhile, the “Venom (LE)” by Stern presented a modern twist with its intricate playfield and extended game durations, demanding strategic thinking and endurance from the players.

Not to be outdone, the classics like “Monster Bash,” where players aimed to unite a band of monsters for the ultimate concert, and “Fish Tales,” with its tales of the one that got away, added layers of nostalgia and charm to the tournament. The whimsical adventures of “Super Mario Bros.,” the turbulent challenges of “Whirlwind,” and the action-packed “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro)” ensured that the tournament tested a diverse range of skills, from quick reflexes to strategic planning.

Champions of the Night

As the echoes of the final pinball bells faded, the champions of the night stood tall, their names etched into Punk Rock Pinball Tournament history. Their mastery over the machines was unmatched, earning them their rightful places at the top:

  1. Tony Warzel – Surprising many, Tony clinched the first place with a remarkable display of skill and precision. Despite an IFPA rank of 4808, he proved that in the heat of competition, rankings are just numbers. His performance was a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of pinball.
  2. John Magyar – Hailing from Arizona, John secured the second spot with his consistent gameplay and strategic finesse. With an impressive IFPA rank of 297 and a history of 208 events, his experience shone through in every round.
  3. Walter Dony – Walter, from Phoenix, captured the third place with his adept maneuvering and quick reflexes. His IFPA rank of 331 and participation in 131 events showcased his seasoned prowess in the realm of pinball.
  4. Geoff Bennett – Geoff rounded out the top four with his spirited performance. Despite being relatively new to the tournament scene with just 13 events under his belt and an IFPA rank of 12429, his passion and determination were evident in every flip and save.

These champions, each with their own story and journey through the tournament, captivated the audience and their fellow competitors alike. Their victories, marked by moments of sheer brilliance and nail-biting finishes, highlighted the essence of the Punk Rock Pinball Tournament – a celebration of skill, strategy, and the enduring love for pinball.

Acknowledgments and Anticipation

As the night wound down, gratitude was extended to Matt Trethewey for his unwavering dedication to bringing the tournament to life, and to the B.R.I. Taproom & Arcade for hosting an unforgettable evening. The Punk Rock Pinball Tournament left an indelible mark on all who participated, a reminder of the joy and excitement that pinball brings. With the promise of future tournaments on the horizon, the pinball community waits with bated breath, ready to flip, bump, and tilt their way to glory in the next chapter of this electrifying saga.