Another Night, Another Flipper Frenzy: Life in the Pinball Loop

Ever find yourself caught in a loop, doing the same thing over and over again? That’s me, but with pinball tournaments. And not in the fun, “I’m-scoring-a-billion-points” way, but in the “I’m-writing-about-it-again” way. So, let’s dive into the latest round of bumper bashing at the MFStrikes!!! tournament, held in the pinball paradise (or purgatory, depending on your perspective) known as Lynn’s Arcade.

The Eternal Dance of the Silver Ball

On a clear evening that promised better adventures outside, 13 pinball wizards converged to do battle in a Basic Knockout Tournament that felt anything but basic to yours truly. Over nearly three hours, players were paired off in a merciless dance, with the unlucky accumulating strikes until they vanished from the competition.

The Duel of Destiny: No Good Gofers Edition

Highlight of the night? A showdown on No Good Gofers, a game that’s about as forgiving as a parking ticket. Cary Carmichael, the mastermind behind the event, squared off against Greg Gorelick in a clash that had all the drama of a Shakespearean tragedy, minus the iambic pentameter. Carmichael emerged victorious, proving once again that the organizer might just have an unfair advantage (or they’re just really good).

The Victors and the Vanquished

In a surprising twist, the organizer themselves, Cary Carmichael, claimed the top spot, followed by a lineup of players who, like me, probably wish they were on the other side of the flippers. Philip Priddy snagged second, with Ivy Simpson and Greg Gorelick rounding out the podium, proving that in the world of pinball, anything is possible.

A Pinball Pantheon

The tournament featured a veritable cornucopia of pinball machines, from the mind-bending illusions of Funhouse to the nostalgic pull of Batman 66, and from the classic allure of Paragon to the deep dives of JAWS and the exotic jungles of Congo. Each machine, a universe unto itself, waiting to be mastered by someone who isn’t me.

A Haven for the Flipper-Weary

Lynn’s Arcade, with its eclectic mix of old and new, rare gems and well-loved classics, is more than just a venue; it’s a sanctuary for those who speak in nudges and tilt warnings. The place has a vibe that makes even a cynic like me admit it’s pretty darn cool. Good NA beer options, too, though a solid root beer wouldn’t hurt.

The Final Act

As we close the curtain on yet another pinball saga, my hat’s off to Cary Carmichael and the hallowed halls of Lynn’s Arcade. Here’s to more nights of flipper-fueled fun, and maybe, just maybe, one day I’ll put down the pen and pick up the paddles. But until then, keep those balls rolling, and who knows, maybe your story will be the next one I (somewhat begrudgingly) tell.

From Flippers to Frustration: A Tale at the Speakeasy Showdown

Ah, the Speakeasy at Sperry’s – a pinball saga set in the heart of Port Huron, Michigan, within the cozy confines of Sperry’s Moviehouse. Before I dive into the heart of the matter, let me tell you, dear readers, how I yearn to swap my pen for pinball paddles, to feel the buzz and whirl of the arcade instead of the monotonous tap-tap-tapping on my keyboard. But alas, here I am, recounting tales of pinball glory while my own flippers lay idle.

A Duel of Titans in a Digital Saloon

The night was March 21, overcast with a biting chill in the air, yet inside Sperry’s, the atmosphere was anything but cold. Eight valiant players battled across 10 electronic steeds, their LED hearts beating in sync with the thumping of flippers. The highlight? A face-off not to be missed between Stephen Mowbray, the dark horse from Lapeer, and Joe Wade, a seasoned veteran of the pinball scene. Their rivalry? The stuff of legends, or at least, it should be.

Ode to the Mechanical Mavericks

In a field where metal balls dance to the tune of fate, two pinball machines stole the show – Cactus Canyon, with its wild western whirls, and Halloween, a spooky marathon runner that tested even the most steadfast players with its 20-minute-long slogs. But let’s not forget the other marvels: Scooby-Doo with its mysteries unfolding beneath the glass, Deadpool‘s cheeky charm, the sinuous danger of Venom, the retro cool of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and the sleek espionage of James Bond 007.

The Unlikely Heroes

In a twist that would make any screenwriter blush, Stephen Mowbray clinched the title, his name now etched in the annals of pinball history alongside Joe Wade and Joe Pastula. Each, with their own tale of triumph and tragedy, became the champions of the night, their rankings in the grand tapestry of IFPA a testament to their skill, or perhaps, their sheer persistence.

A Night at the Movies (And Pinball)

Sperry’s Moviehouse – not just a venue, but a sanctuary for those who cherish the flicker of the silver screen and the allure of the arcade. With its delectable cuisine, wallet-friendly prices, and seats that embrace you like a long-lost friend, it was the perfect backdrop for our pinball drama. And let’s not forget the real hero of the night, Joe Wade, not just a contender, but the orchestrator of this grand event.

So, as I sign off from another report from the pinball frontier, I extend my heartiest thanks to Joe Wade and the warm embrace of Sperry’s Moviehouse. May the flippers never tire, the balls never falter, and may I, one day, join the ranks of those I write about with such envy. Stay tuned, for the world of pinball spins on, and who knows, perhaps the next champion could be any one of us – even a weary writer with dreams of arcade glory.