A Thrilling Evening at the MFStrikes!!! Pinball Tournament

The pinball community gathered with palpable excitement at Lynn’s Arcade for the MFStrikes!!! pinball tournament this past Thursday evening. As players and enthusiasts alike converged, the atmosphere was electric, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown of skill, strategy, and a touch of pinball magic.

An Overview of the Night’s Fierce Competition

Organized by the esteemed Cary Carmichael, the tournament kicked off at 7:00 PM and delivered non-stop action for nearly three hours. Set against the backdrop of a clear Californian night, 18 players battled it out in a Basic Knockout format, where the tension was high, and the stakes were higher. With 11 grueling rounds ahead, competitors knew that every flip and save could be the difference between glory and defeat.

The Game That Stole the Spotlight

Amidst the whirlwind of flippers and silver balls, one game stood out from the rest: a classic showdown on the Surf Champ machine. This vintage gem from Gottlieb saw Philip Priddy and Greg Gorelick going head-to-head in a match that was as much about skill as it was about reverence for pinball history. Priddy’s victory not only showcased his adeptness but also paid homage to the enduring legacy of pinball.

Celebrating the Victorious

As the dust settled, four champions emerged, their names forever etched in the annals of MFStrikes!!! tournament history:

  1. Paige Peck, with a testament to her rising star in the pinball world.
  2. Matt Nielsen, whose consistent performance was a marvel to behold.
  3. Tee Anderson, showing that tenacity and skill go hand in hand.
  4. Philip Priddy, proving that a single game can define a tournament legacy.

The Machines That Made the Magic

The tournament’s allure was magnified by its eclectic array of pinball machines, each with its own story and legacy. Let’s delve into the highlighted machines that provided the playing field for this tournament.

  • Evel Knievel (EM): Released by Bally in 1976, this machine pays homage to the daredevil spirit of its namesake, Evel Knievel, capturing the thrill of his death-defying stunts. Players were transported back in time, embodying the spirit of Knievel as they navigated the ramps and loops, mirroring his audacious leaps.
  • Surf Champ: This 1976 classic from Gottlieb evokes the golden era of surfing, inviting players to ride the waves in a mechanical symphony. Its presence at the tournament was a nod to the nostalgic charm of pinball, where the simple joy of guiding a ball through obstacles mirrored the serenity and unpredictability of the ocean.
  • Dialed In!: Fast forward to 2017, Jersey Jack Pinball’s Dialed In! introduces a modern twist with its smartphone-themed adventure. This machine represents the evolution of pinball, integrating contemporary themes with intricate playfields, and it challenged players to navigate the digital age in a quest for high scores.
  • Deadpool (Premium): Stern’s 2018 masterpiece brought the irreverent humor and action-packed adventure of the Marvel anti-hero to life. Competitors stepped into Deadpool’s boots, battling villains and cracking jokes, encapsulating the blend of strategy and storytelling that modern pinball offers.
  • Jurassic Park (Premium): Released by Stern in 2019, this machine plunges players into the heart of Isla Nublar, where dinosaurs roam free. The immersive gameplay and intricate design offered a thrilling escape, as players embarked on a mission to recapture the escaped dinosaurs, combining skill with a dash of prehistoric peril.

A Venue Like No Other

Lynn’s Arcade, with its friendly staff, vibrant community, and exceptional selection of beers, proved once again why it’s hailed as the best pinball destination in California. The promise of all-day play for a mere $20, combined with the quality and care of the machines, made it the perfect host for such a prestigious event.

A Heartfelt Thanks

As we close this chapter on another successful tournament, special thanks are due to Cary Carmichael for organizing such a spectacular event and to Lynn’s Arcade for providing a venue that truly is the heart of our community. Stay tuned for more pinball action and tales from the silver ball battlefield!

Tucson Pinball Novice League at Hotrods: A Night to Remember

On the evening of February 22, 2024, the Tucson Pinball Novice League hosted its first tournament of the year at the enigmatic venue known only to those in the know. The event, meticulously organized by the esteemed Wayne Saeger, unfolded over a span of approximately 2.5 hours of intense gameplay.

The tournament saw 9 skilled players, divided into groups, battling it out over 7 rounds, with each round featuring a single game. Points were awarded based on players’ finishing positions in each round, culminating in a fierce competition for the top spot.

Spotlight on Attack from Mars

One game that truly stood out was a thrilling round of Attack from Mars, a classic by Bally that dates back to January 12, 1995. The showdown in Round 5 had everyone holding their breath as Bob Bodman, Jim Keating, Ryan Saeger, and Xavier Cuevas faced off in a memorable clash. Congratulations to Bob Bodman for clinching the first place in this nail-biting round!

Champions of the Night

The tournament was a showcase of skill, strategy, and a touch of pinball wizardry. Emerging victorious were:

  • Bob Bodman, with a stellar track record of 105 IFPA events under his belt, claimed the top position.
  • Jim Keating, though unranked in the IFPA, showed remarkable skill to secure the second place.
  • Ryan Saeger, with his experience from 10 IFPA events, landed in third place.
  • Jacob Saeger, another unranked player, impressed everyone with his fourth-place finish.

A Diverse Array of Pinball Machines

The tournament featured 4 iconic pinball machines, each offering a unique challenge to the participants. Notably, classics like Diner by Williams and AC/DC (Pro) by Stern, along with the vintage charm of Sharp Shooter II by Game Plan, and of course, Attack from Mars by Bally, were the stars of the show.

A Venue Shrouded in Mystery

This time, the exact location of the tournament remains a mystery, adding an intriguing layer to the event’s allure. We hope to reveal more about the venue in future posts, as we’re sure it certainly contributed to the night’s unforgettable atmosphere.

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Hosts

As we wrap up this post, a huge shout-out to Wayne Saeger for orchestrating such a fantastic event and to the undisclosed venue for hosting us. Your efforts made this tournament a memorable experience for all involved.

Stay tuned for more exhilarating updates from the ever-spinning world of pinball, brought to you by none other than Bride of Pinbot. Keep those flippers ready, and may the high scores be ever in your favor!

League Super Awesome: A Competitive Clash at Heart State Brewing

Greetings, pinball enthusiasts, and welcome back to the Bride of Pinbot blog! Tonight, we journey to the Heart State Brewing in Columbus, Ohio, for a thrilling recap of the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 7 pinball tournament.

Champions Ascend!

A massive 53 players battled it out across 16 machines, with each round featuring 4 electrifying games. The competition was fierce, but in the end, a select few emerged victorious:

  1. Jack Nebraska (IFPA rank 403): A seasoned campaigner with over 100 IFPA events under his belt, Jack displayed masterful control to claim the top spot.
  2. Alex Marling (IFPA rank 7738): Despite a lower ranking, Alex proved their mettle by securing the second-place position.
  3. Amy Kesting (IFPA rank 638): A force to be reckoned with, Amy’s impressive record of 389 IFPA events speaks volumes. Her third-place finish is a testament to her consistent skill.
  4. Joe Banner (IFPA rank 3443): Rounding out the top 4, Joe, with 93 IFPA events, showcased their strategic prowess.

Congratulations to all the winners! Your dedication and talent were truly awe-inspiring.

Spotlight on the Machines

This tournament boasted a diverse selection of 16 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and themes:

  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern: This action-packed machine throws players into the chaotic world of the Merc with a Mouth, featuring humor, fast-paced gameplay, and a mini-Deadpool!
  • Attack from Mars by Bally: A classic from 1995, this sci-fi themed game challenges players to defend Earth from Martian invaders using classic pinball mechanics.
  • Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern: Released in 2023, this rocking pinball machine immerses players in the electrifying world of the Foo Fighters, complete with iconic music and band-themed visuals.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: Join Star-Lord and his ragtag team in this 2017 release, featuring exciting missions, pop-up targets, and Groot’s powerful Groot Assist feature.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern: Assemble! This 2020 game lets players take on the role of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as they battle Thanos and his forces.

Bonus Fun Fact: This tournament also featured Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball, a visually stunning machine that transports players into the world of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, complete with interactive elements and exciting challenges.

Cheers to Heart State Brewing!

The Heart State Brewing provided the perfect backdrop for this epic tournament. With their delicious home-brewed beers, family-friendly atmosphere, and attentive staff, they created a welcoming space for players and spectators alike.

A huge thank you to John Geiger for organizing this fantastic event, and to Heart State Brewing for hosting!

Stay tuned, pinball enthusiasts, for more exciting tournament updates and machine spotlights in the future! Until then, keep on flippin’!

Stern Army Showdown at Louie’s Tap House

In the heart of Roscoe, IL, Louie’s Tap House became the arena for the latest Stern Army- 3rd Thursdays pinball tournament on February 22, 2024. Under a clear sky with the temperature a crisp 50°F, pinball enthusiasts gathered for an evening of flipper-flipping action organized by the dedicated Tom Menge.

Tournament Dynamics

The tournament unfolded over 3 intense rounds, with each round consisting of 2 games where 18 competitors battled it out in groups. Points were awarded based on their finishing positions, leading to a high-stakes final round for the top 4 players, featuring 4 games to determine the ultimate champion. The event, lasting a little over 3 hours, was a testament to the skill and endurance of all involved.

Highlight Match: A Marathon on Venom

A standout moment came during Round 1 on the Venom (Premium) by Stern, where a single game stretched to an epic 65 minutes. The players, Greg Pitner, Nick Naruz, David Slaymaker, and Shane Shadden, showcased exceptional skill and tenacity, turning the game into a memorable marathon session.

Champions of the Night

Emerging victorious from this pinball gauntlet were:

  1. Nick Naruz – Claiming the top spot with a combination of strategic play and quick reflexes, Nick demonstrated why he’s a rising star in the pinball world.
  2. David Slaymaker – Hailing from Rockford, IL, David’s consistent performance across rounds secured him a well-deserved second place.
  3. Greg Pitner – With vast experience evidenced by his participation in 417 IFPA events, Greg’s third-place finish added another highlight to his pinball career.
  4. Shane Shadden – Shane, from Winnebago, IL, brought their A-game to the tournament, rounding out the top four with their dynamic playstyle.

The Pinball Lineup

The Stern Army- 3rd Thursdays @ Louie’s Tap House tournament showcased a curated selection of pinball machines, each offering a unique challenge and theme to the players. Here’s a closer look at some standout machines from the event:

  • Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming: This machine brought the Wild West to life with its vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay. Players found themselves in the midst of cowboy adventures, dueling with outlaws and saving the town, making it a crowd favorite for its immersive experience and playful storyline.
  • JAWS (Pro) by Stern: The newest addition to the lineup, JAWS captured the essence of the suspenseful movie with its shark-infested waters. The game’s intense missions and the ever-present threat of the great white added a thrilling dimension to the tournament, keeping players on their toes.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern: Offering espionage and intrigue, this machine tasked players with completing secret missions and using gadgets fit for a spy. The James Bond theme added an air of sophistication and excitement, with players feeling like part of Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
  • Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern: Delving into the supernatural, this machine was a hit for fans of the series and pinball enthusiasts alike. The interactive elements, including battling the Demogorgon and unlocking secret modes, made for a compelling and unpredictable gameplay experience.
  • Elton John by Jersey Jack Pinball: A tribute to the iconic musician, this machine dazzled with its colorful playfield and Elton John’s hits playing in the background. The game offered a blend of musical joy and pinball challenge, appealing to a wide range of players.

Venue Vibes

Louie’s Tap House, with its cozy ambiance and delicious offerings like the much-raved-about French dip and margaritas, provided the perfect backdrop for the tournament. The pinball machines were nestled in a separate room, creating an immersive environment for players and spectators alike.

Appreciation and Anticipation

A special thank you to Tom Menge for organizing an unforgettable night of pinball and to Louie’s Tap House for hosting the event. The Stern Army- 3rd Thursdays @ Louie’s Tap House tournament was a showcase of the thriving pinball community and the timeless appeal of the game.

Stay tuned for more exhilarating updates from the vibrant world of pinball, where the next flip could lead to the next big win!