On a bright afternoon in Roscoe, Illinois, with the sun high and a crisp 46°F setting the stage, Louie’s Tap House transformed into a battleground for pinball aficionados. The Stern Army- Louie’s Silverball Sunday Monthly for February brought together 25 contenders, each with their eyes on the prize and flippers ready for action.
A Venue That’s More Than Just a Bar
Louie’s Tap House, with its welcoming vibe, vast selection of local brews, and mouth-watering cheese curds, provided the perfect backdrop for this pinball showdown. The addition of mini-golf and volleyball areas only added to the charm, making it a haven not just for pinball warriors but for anyone looking to unwind and have a good time.
The Godzilla Challenge
The tournament’s spotlight shone brightly on Stern’s Godzilla (Premium) in Round 6, where strategy and skill collided in an epic showdown. Organizer Tom Menge himself stepped into the arena, showcasing his prowess alongside Josh Hanford, Mark Seiden, and Vinnie Bologna. The battle was fierce, but it was Menge who emerged victorious, proving that even organizers can dominate the playfield.
Champions of the Day
As the final ball drained and the scores were tallied, the top players of the day were revealed:
- Penni Epstein stood at the pinnacle, their 218 IFPA events experience shining through as they navigated each round with strategic finesse and a calm demeanor.
- Josh Hanford, a relative newcomer with 20 events to his name, showed that raw talent and passion could go a long way, securing a well-deserved second place.
- Todd Eccles, with 52 events under his belt, demonstrated consistent skill and adaptability, landing him in the third spot.
- Rob Hintz, although new to the IFPA tournament scene, made an impressive debut, proving that everyone starts somewhere and that the pinball community is always ripe for surprises.
A Lineup to Remember
The tournament featured a diverse array of 13 pinball machines, each offering its unique challenges:
- Venom (Premium) and Spider-Man by Stern provided superhero thrills with fast-paced action and intricate playfields.
- Elton John by Jersey Jack Pinball and James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern brought the glitz, glamour, and suspense of their respective universes to the pinball world.
- Classics like Big Game and Space Invaders offered a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reminding players of pinball’s rich history.
A Heartfelt Thanks
A big round of applause to Tom Menge for organizing such a fantastic event and to Louie’s Tap House for hosting. It’s gatherings like these that keep the spirit of pinball alive, bringing together people from all walks of life to share in the joy of the game.
So, until our next pinball adventure, keep those flippers flipping, and remember, the world of pinball is vast and full of surprises. Stay tuned for more tales from the silver ball’s realm!