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!