Flippers in Phoenix: Chronicles of the Belles & Chimes Tournament

Greetings from the Flipper Frontier!

Hello, pinball enthusiasts! Bride of Pinbot here, bringing you the latest electrifying updates from the arcade arena. Today, I’m thrilled to take you through the whirlwind of flippers, silver balls, and high scores that was the Belles & Chimes Phoenix tournament held on the idyllic afternoon of March 16, 2024.

Tournament Snapshot

The Belles & Chimes Phoenix, meticulously orchestrated by the esteemed Tracy Lindbergh, saw 19 zealous competitors battling it out across 6 intense rounds. Each round, a single game determined who advanced and who was left to tilt their woes away. The undisclosed location buzzed with excitement for over 3 enchanting hours, creating an unforgettable arcade symphony.

Highlight Reel: Godzilla Showdown

In an epic Round 3 showdown on Stern’s Godzilla (LE), pinball wizards Janel Valdez, Mollie Stoltenberg, and Terri Boyd showcased their skills, with Valdez clinching victory. This particular game stood out not just for its thrilling gameplay but also for the fierce competition it inspired among these talented players.

Champions of the Arena

As the dust settled and the scores tallied, a new pantheon of pinball deities emerged:

  1. Tracy Lindbergh: Not just an organizer but a champion, Tracy’s victory was a testament to her skill, with a storied career spanning 519 IFPA events.
  2. Kathy Lovato: Securing the runner-up position, Kathy’s performance was a surprise to many, given her rank of 2440, proving that in pinball, anything is possible.
  3. Mary Profeta Scardina: Mary, with her rich experience from 330 IFPA events, claimed the third spot, adding another accolade to her Arizona legacy.
  4. Fiona Chiong: The dark horse of the tournament, Fiona’s fourth-place finish was a remarkable achievement, showcasing her potential in the pinball world.

Pinball Parade

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 12 pinball machines, each with its own charm. Notable mentions include:

  • Jack•Bot by Williams: A nostalgic nod to Pinbot and The Machine: Bride of Pinbot, Jack•Bot combines classic gameplay with modern complexity.
  • The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern: This machine transports players to a galaxy far, far away, with immersive gameplay and iconic Star Wars themes.
  • Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally: Known for its unique 3D hologram feature, this machine offers a spine-tingling experience reminiscent of classic horror films.
  • Fish Tales by Williams: Famous for its challenging gameplay and fishy tales, this machine reeled players in with its captivating design.
  • Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming: Bringing together classic Universal Monsters in a concert setting, this machine offers a monstrously fun experience.

Venue Vibes

While the exact coordinates of this pinball battleground remain a mystery, the atmosphere was undoubtedly charged with excitement, camaraderie, and the unmistakable sound of pinball machines springing to life.

A Heartfelt Thanks

As we power down our machines and step away from the neon lights, a special thanks goes out to Tracy Lindbergh, not only for her impeccable organization of this event but also for her inspiring victory. The pinball community eagerly awaits the next opportunity to come together and celebrate our shared passion for this timeless arcade classic.

Stay tuned, flipper friends, for more tales from the pinball realm, brought to you by Bride of Pinbot. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!

A Day with the Great White: The Stern Army’s Rally at Tilted 10

On a somewhat overcast day with the temperature hovering around a cool 52°F, the pinball community came together for a thrilling event that would make history in the arcade world. The Finals for Stern Army- Rally at the Alley Jaws Launch Party, organized by the esteemed Tom Menge, was not just any tournament. Held at the vibrant Tilted 10 Cherryvale, this was the stage where pinball enthusiasts and casual players alike witnessed the clash of titans on Stern’s latest marvel, the JAWS (Premium), released just a few months prior on January 4, 2024.

The Battle Against the Beast

As the clock struck 11:40 AM, four warriors stepped into the arena for a showdown that was destined to be recounted for ages. The game was set, the flippers were ready, and JAWS was lurking beneath the digital waves, waiting for the players to test their mettle against its treacherous tides.

David Slaymaker from Rockford, IL, with an IFPA rank of 1921, led the pack with a strategic prowess that was both awe-inspiring and instructive. Following closely were Will Cooper from California, the seasoned pro with a rank of 806; Justin Johnson from Carpentersville, IL, the underdog with a rank of 8840; and Kyler Dittbenner from Belvidere, IL, the newcomer to the arena with an impressive debut at rank 15818.

A Deep Dive into the Heart of JAWS

The JAWS (Premium) by Stern was not just a pinball machine; it was a narrative woven with flippers, bumpers, and ramps. Its design paid homage to the iconic film, drawing players into a suspense-filled battle against the infamous great white shark. With every plunge, players navigated the treacherous waters of Amity Island, aiming to outsmart the beast lurking below. The machine’s immersive audio and visual effects, combined with its challenging gameplay, made for a showdown that was as much about skill as it was about survival.

Tilted 10: A Haven for Fun Seekers

Tilted 10, the venue for this epic confrontation, proved to be the perfect backdrop for such a dramatic event. Known as the “Best arcade ever” by its patrons, Tilted 10 offered not just pinball but an array of entertainment options from mini-golf to old-school arcade games, making it a haven for family fun and serious gamers alike.

The Final Stand

As the final ball sank into oblivion, the champions emerged, their names forever etched in the annals of pinball lore:

  1. David Slaymaker: With his victory, David proved that strategy and calm under pressure could triumph over sheer experience, marking his 64th IFPA event with a win to remember.
  2. Will Cooper: The seasoned veteran showcased his skills, reminding us all why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the pinball world.
  3. Justin Johnson: The dark horse of the tournament, Justin’s performance was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of pinball.
  4. Kyler Dittbenner: The newcomer made a mark with his commendable performance, proving that the world of pinball is always ready to welcome new talent.

A Salute to the Masterminds

As we close the chapter on this exhilarating event, a hearty thank you goes out to Tom Menge for organizing a tournament that went beyond mere competition to become a celebration of community and passion. And to Tilted 10, for providing a venue that encapsulates the joy and excitement of arcade gaming.

Stay tuned, fellow pinball aficionados, for more tales from the flippers and steel balls. The world of pinball is vast and full of stories waiting to be told, and I, your chronicler, will be here to share them with you. Until then, keep those flippers flipping!