The pinball community gathered with anticipation at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, for the electrifying JAWS Premium Launch Party OPEN Tournament. Organized by the renowned Bill Disney, the event on March 30, 2024, saw 36 fervent players competing in a series of 10 games each, with the top 16 advancing to a nail-biting final consisting of 3 rounds.
A Tournament of Skill and Strategy
Over the span of 2 and a half hours, players were engrossed in intense matchups, demonstrating their pinball prowess and strategic acumen. The tournament’s format ensured that only the most consistent and skilled players could advance to the climactic finals.
Game Highlights: A Roller Disco and Jurassic Park Showcase
“Roller Disco” by Gottlieb, a beloved classic from 1980, emerged as a crowd favorite, hosting 7 thrilling games. Meanwhile, “Jurassic Park (Premium)” by Stern, with its intricate gameplay, boasted the longest average game duration at around 22 minutes, adding a layer of endurance to the players’ challenges.
Quarterfinals Showdown on KISS (Premium)
The quarterfinals brought an unforgettable showdown on Stern’s KISS (Premium), where Joel Zingone, Daniel Piombino, Don Werth, and Scott Davis faced off in a battle that highlighted their competitive spirit and deep knowledge of pinball mechanics.
Celebrating the Champions
The tournament’s conclusion saw the emergence of standout players who excelled through the rounds:
- Keith Saroka took the crown with 6 wins, showcasing his seasoned skills with an IFPA rank of 3658.
- Daniel Piombino, from Phoenixville, secured a commendable second place with 5 wins, demonstrating his growing prowess in the pinball world.
- Wendy Dunn, with her strategic gameplay, tied for third with 5 wins, a testament to her dedication and skill.
- Terri Morton, from Pennsylvania, impressed with 6 wins, underscoring her significant experience in pinball tournaments.
The Pinball Roster
The Pinball Gallery was alive with the sounds of flippers and silver balls across 48 pinball machines, including:
- Deadly Weapon by Gottlieb, offering players a unique blend of action and strategy.
- The Addams Family by Bally, a timeless classic that continues to captivate with its immersive theme and gameplay.
- Hollywood Heat by Gottlieb, transporting players back to the glitz and glamour of the ’80s.
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by Stern, challenging players with its intriguing and varied objectives.
- Ghostbusters (Premium) by Stern, providing a spookily fun and engaging experience with its detailed playfield and innovative features.
A Venue Beyond Compare
The Pinball Gallery, not just a venue but a cornerstone of the pinball community, offered an ideal setting for this tournament. With its well-maintained mix of classic and modern games, coupled with a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, it provided an unmatched atmosphere for both competition and camaraderie.
In Anticipation of the Next Flip
As we close this chapter on the JAWS Premium Launch Party OPEN Tournament, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Bill Disney and the Pinball Gallery for hosting an unforgettable event. The pinball community waits with bated breath for the next gathering of flippers, silver balls, and spirited competition.
Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the ever-spinning world of pinball!