Chicago Sunday Best Pinball League: A Night of Flippers and Fun

Hey there, pinball pals and arcade aficionados! Bride of Pinbot here, rolling into your digital space with the latest buzz from the Chicago Sunday Best Pinball League. Let’s launch into the electrifying evening that was Season 6 #3, held at the one and only Logan Arcade!

The Windy City Showdown

As the clock struck 8:00 PM on March 31, 2024, Logan Arcade, nestled at 2410 W Fullerton Ave, became the epicenter of pinball wizardry in Chicago. Despite the light rain and the chilly 40°F temperature outside, the warmth of competition heated up inside as 46 players plunged into 2 rounds of intense pinball action, orchestrated by the pinball maestro, Mike Pantoliano.

The Epic Marathon on Foo Fighters

The spotlight of the evening shone on Stern’s Foo Fighters (Premium), where an epic 76-minute battle unfolded during the first round. Jeffro Coffey, Kyle Ingrelli, Tanner Petch, and Scott Green faced off in what became the tournament’s longest game, showcasing their skills and endurance in an unforgettable showdown.

Saluting the Champions

As the final ball drained, the champions emerged, their names forever etched in the annals of the Chicago Sunday Best Pinball League:

  1. Ted Brockly, the Chicago stalwart, with a keen eye and steady hands, claimed victory with an IFPA rank of 1954.
  2. Mikayla Makowski, the rising star, proved her mettle and secured the second spot with her strategic plays, holding an IFPA rank of 7401.
  3. Alex Lecky, a seasoned player from Chicago, displayed his prowess to take home the third place, backed by an impressive IFPA rank of 626.
  4. Andrew Wilkening, another Chicago native, rounded out the top four with his exceptional performance, boasting an IFPA rank of 722.

The Machines That Stole the Show

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 21 pinball machines, each bringing its own flavor to the fray. Highlights included:

  • Attack From Mars (Remake): An alien invasion never felt so thrilling, with players defending Earth against the relentless Martian onslaught.
  • Cactus Canyon (Remake Special): The Wild West came alive with this modern twist on a classic, offering sharpshooters a chance to ride into the sunset with high scores.
  • Johnny Mnemonic: Players became data couriers, navigating the cybernetic chaos in a quest for digital dominance.
  • Deadpool (Premium): The Merc with a Mouth brought his irreverent humor and action-packed adventures to the pinball world, challenging players to beat the bad guys and break the fourth wall.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium): Spies took to the field, with missions that spanned the globe and tested their secret agent skills to the max.

Logan Arcade: The Heartbeat of Chicago Pinball

A huge shoutout to Logan Arcade, the quintessential haven for pinball lovers in Chicago. With a passionate team that genuinely cares and regular tournaments that keep the community buzzing, it’s no wonder this venue is heralded as the best pinball spot in town. And yes, those singing stuffed animals might have been a bit much, but hey, all part of the charm, right?

Flipper Farewell

As we power down this post, a big thanks goes out to Mike Pantoliano for organizing a spectacular tournament and to Logan Arcade for hosting. The pinball saga continues, and you can bet your bumpers that Bride of Pinbot will be here to share every twist, turn, and tilt. Keep those flippers ready, and stay tuned for more pinball tales from across the nation!

A Spirited Showdown at The Hills Pub Monthly – March 2024

The pinball scene was buzzing with excitement as The Hills Pub played host to its much-anticipated monthly tournament in March 2024. Under the watchful eye of organizer Mark Schulz, 8 skilled players embarked on a Group Knockout Tournament, navigating through 6 intense rounds under the looming threat of accumulating strikes in a “Fair Strikes” system.

The Competitive Edge

With the rounds lasting almost 2 hours, competitors battled not just against each other but also against the pressure of the knockout format. The tension was palpable, with players vying to avoid the dreaded strikes that would edge them closer to elimination.

Spotlight on Guardians of the Galaxy

Round 2 turned up the heat with an epic face-off on Stern’s Guardians of the Galaxy pinball machine. The game, released on November 1, 2017, was the arena for Casey Shaw, Zach Zumaya, Jennifer Schulz, and Holly Rutkowski to showcase their pinball prowess, with Casey ultimately triumphing in this round.

Honoring the Victorious

The tournament concluded with remarkable achievements by the top players:

  1. Mark Maleko Schulz, a seasoned player from San Diego, clinched the top position with an impressive IFPA rank of 438, backed by experience from 331 IFPA events.
  2. Jennifer Schulz showcased her growing skills in the pinball world, securing the second spot with an IFPA rank of 11341 from 36 events.
  3. Angie Carrillo, though unranked, made a significant impact by finishing in third place, proving that rankings don’t always define skill.
  4. Casey Shaw, also hailing from San Diego, rounded out the top four, demonstrating considerable potential with an IFPA rank of 12172 from just 2 events.

The Pinball Lineup

The tournament was graced by an array of 9 pinball machines, each contributing to the vibrant atmosphere with their unique designs and gameplay features:

  • Iron Man (Vault) by Stern: A modern classic that challenges players with its fast-paced gameplay and iconic Iron Man theme.
  • Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) by Chicago Gaming: A western-themed adventure offering a fresh take on the original with enhanced features and graphics.
  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern: Brings the irreverent humor and action of the Deadpool comics to life with innovative gameplay mechanics.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: The center of a standout game, this machine immerses players in the cosmic adventure of the beloved superhero team.
  • Godzilla (Pro) by Stern: Unleashes the might of the iconic monster with a cityscape playfield that offers a thrilling pinball experience.

A Welcoming Venue

The Hills Pub, located at 8758 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA, provided the perfect backdrop for this pinball showdown. With its cozy atmosphere, excellent food and drink, and accommodating staff, the venue was more than just a location; it was part of the day’s success.

Appreciation and Anticipation

A big thank you goes out to Mark Schulz for organizing such a fantastic event and to The Hills Pub for hosting. The pinball community eagerly awaits the next gathering, ready to flip, nudge, and tilt their way to victory.

Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the ever-dynamic world of pinball tournaments!