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:
- 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.
- Jennifer Schulz showcased her growing skills in the pinball world, securing the second spot with an IFPA rank of 11341 from 36 events.
- Angie Carrillo, though unranked, made a significant impact by finishing in third place, proving that rankings don’t always define skill.
- 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!