The heart of Columbus, Ohio, pulsed with the vibrant energy of pinball enthusiasts on the evening of February 1, 2024, as Heart State Brewing hosted the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 4 tournament. Under the guidance of organizer John Geiger, 53 competitors embarked on a pinball journey, navigating through 4 intense games in a single round that spanned a concise 2.5 hours.
Spotlight Game: The Premiere of JAWS (Pro)
The tournament was marked by the debut of Stern’s JAWS (Pro), released just a month prior, making waves as a standout game of the night. Mike Malloy from Ohio, showcasing skill and determination with an IFPA rank of 9227, clinched the top spot in this nail-biting round. Close behind were Nate Welch (IFPA rank 8552), Alan McClelland from Reynoldsburg, Ohio (IFPA rank 5907), and Carolyn Cottrell (IFPA rank 13978), each contributing to the round’s high stakes and excitement.
Celebrating the Champions
The night concluded with four players rising above the rest, their strategic gameplay earning them top honors:
- Taylor Schaar: With an IFPA rank of 9760, Taylor’s performance across 13 events culminated in a well-deserved first place.
- Mike Hedrick: Close on Taylor’s heels, Mike, ranked 7908th, displayed prowess in his 13th tournament appearance.
- Amy Kesting: A seasoned player with an impressive IFPA rank of 604, Amy has competed in 387 events, showcasing her enduring skill and passion for pinball.
- Trent Augenstein: With a staggering 1084 events under his belt and an IFPA rank of 63, Trent’s expertise was unmistakable, securing him the fourth spot.
A Diverse Array of Pinball Challenges
The tournament featured a collection of 16 pinball machines, each offering unique themes and gameplay:
- Rush (Pro) by Stern: Rock and roll met pinball in this high-energy game.
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern: Players embarked on a superheroic quest with the Avengers.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern: A metal adventure with one of the most iconic bands in history.
- James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern: A spy-themed game that brought the world of espionage to life.
- JAWS (Pro) by Stern: The tournament’s highlight, providing a fresh challenge with its oceanic adventures.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern: Dinosaurs roamed the playfield in this prehistoric thrill ride.
- Venom (Premium) by Stern: Superhero action was at its peak in this engaging battle against evil.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern: The mysteries of Hawkins, Indiana, unfolded in this suspenseful game.
- Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: The quirky heroes of the galaxy brought humor and action to the lineup.
A Night to Remember at Heart State Brewing
The tournament’s venue, Heart State Brewing, offered the perfect backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Renowned for its exceptional beers, inviting atmosphere, and top-notch customer service, it provided a welcoming space for players and spectators alike. The brewery’s commitment to quality and affordability made it a standout in the Columbus brewery scene, much to the delight of all who attended.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to John Geiger for organizing such a memorable event and to Heart State Brewing for hosting. The pinball community continues to thrive with each flipper press and high score achieved. Stay tuned for more electrifying updates from the dynamic world of pinball!