An Evening at Starlite Arcade
On a brisk evening last February, pinball enthusiasts flocked to the Starlite Arcade, ready for what was advertised as an 18-hour pinball marathon. Now, before you start thinking we were all trapped in a time warp or had our hands superglued to the flippers, let me assure you, it wasn’t quite the pinball equivalent of running a double marathon. Though, it’s also possible it’s just a bug in the software!
The Grueling Battle Format
In this high-stakes competition, 24 players were pitted against each other in 11 grueling rounds. The tournament followed a Fair Strikes format, where participants were eliminated after receiving 6 strikes, with the distribution of strikes in four-player groups being 1 strike for 2nd and 3rd place while 4th gets 2 strikes, and 1 strike for 2nd and 2 for 3rd in three-player groups. This format ensured that each round was filled with nail-biting moments and strategic gameplay.
The Marathon Game on Led Zeppelin
Did you hear about the pinball tournament that was supposed to take a couple hours but ended up feeling like a Led Zeppelin album that went on for days? Turns out, one game on the Led Zeppelin pinball machine lasted 795 minutes! I guess when they said “Stairway to Heaven,” they didn’t mention it was the extended version. Must be a bug in the blog software, because no one’s fingers should survive that marathon! . In this prolonged battle of endurance and skill, Brandon Blake emerged victorious, showcasing his exceptional talent and earning a well-deserved first place in this round, followed by Michael Courtney who also displayed immense skill and determination.
Celebrating the Victors
The tournament concluded with a few players standing out with their extraordinary pinball prowess. The top four champions who dominated the evening were:
- Brandon Blake, with an IFPA rank of 2243, demonstrated unmatched skill throughout the tournament, marking his 37th IFPA event with a spectacular win.
- Michael Courtney, known for his strategic gameplay and ranked 2648 by IFPA, impressively clinched the second spot in his 146th IFPA event.
- Chris Grace, coming in third with an IFPA rank of 905, showed his seasoned expertise in his 99th IFPA event.
- Andrew Dunaj, the underdog from Michigan with an IFPA rank of 12007, surprised many by securing the fourth position in just his 16th IFPA event.
Pinball Machines That Stole the Show
The tournament featured an array of 10 pinball machines, each adding its unique flavor to the competition. Notably, “Led Zeppelin (Premium/LE)” by Stern and “Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium)” by Stern, released on April 01, 2018, were among the favorites, offering players a blend of rock ‘n’ roll and intricate gameplay. Classics like “Thunderbolt” by Allied Leisure, released in 1977, and “Judge Dredd” by Bally from 1993, added a nostalgic touch. The recently released “JAWS (Pro)” by Stern, on January 04, 2024, brought a fresh challenge and something that players can really sink their teeth into.
The Enchanting Venue
Starlite Arcade proved to be the perfect host for this event, with its wide range of both classic and modern games. Participants and spectators alike were captivated by the arcade’s vibrant atmosphere, making it a memorable night for everyone involved.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we close the chapter on this thrilling tournament, a special thanks goes out to Joe Wade for his impeccable organization and to Starlite Arcade for providing an exceptional venue. Their efforts made the Speakeasy at Starlite pinball tournament a resounding success.
Stay tuned for more updates from the electrifying world of pinball!