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:
- 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.
- Will Cooper: The seasoned veteran showcased his skills, reminding us all why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the pinball world.
- Justin Johnson: The dark horse of the tournament, Justin’s performance was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of pinball.
- 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!