Epic Showdown at MINBOSS and the MULTIBALL Crusade

Tournament Thrills at Miniboss

On the cool evening of April 16, 2024, the vibrant Miniboss arcade in San Jose, California, played host to the electrifying “MINBOSS and the MULTIBALL Crusade” pinball tournament. Orchestrated by Myriad Pinball, this event featured 27 competitive players engaging in a fast-paced format of 4 rounds, followed by a top-4 finals showdown across three games. The tournament was a whirlwind of excitement, wrapping up in just under two hours amid broken clouds and mild 66°F weather.

Battle on Black Knight: Sword of Rage

The tournament’s most intense battle erupted over Stern’s Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) during the first round. This grueling game extended to an extraordinary 70 minutes as players clashed with the game’s notorious challenges and relentless pace. Lawrence Aguiar from Redwood City emerged victorious in this epic standoff, setting a high standard for skill and endurance early in the competition.

Tournament Champions Crowned

As the final flippers fell, the top players emerged:

  1. Dustin Goldbarg displayed remarkable skill and consistency throughout the tournament, securing the first place with an IFPA rank of 428.
  2. Lawrence Aguiar, after his dramatic win in the first round, continued to show great form and agility to finish second.
  3. Shannon Sweetser from San Francisco demonstrated strategic finesse to claim third place, proving her mettle against seasoned opponents.
  4. Tim Hansen from Sunnyvale, although highly ranked at IFPA rank 40, faced stiff competition and rounded out the top four.

Pinball Machine Lineup

Miniboss featured a stellar lineup of 12 pinball machines, offering both classic designs and modern mechanics:

Location and Hospitality

MINIBOSS, located at 52 E Santa Clara St, is more than just an arcade; it’s a retreat that combines gaming with great drinks, delicious food, and excellent service. With free game nights on Thursdays and happy hours offering superb deals, Miniboss is a must-visit for anyone looking to relax, play, and enjoy some quality time.

Acknowledgements and Farewell

A huge thanks to Richard Godwin and the team at Myriad Pinball for organizing such a thrilling event, and to MINIBOSS for providing an outstanding venue. These tournaments highlight the thriving pinball community and the joy and competition it brings.

Navigating the Flippers: Tik Tok’s Pinball Tournament Recap

Overview of Tik Tok’s Matchplay

On a cool April evening, Tik Tok’s Workshop in Bremerton, Washington, became the arena for the intense Tik Tok’s Matchplay 4/16/24 tournament. This event drew seven dedicated pinball enthusiasts who competed through 8 rounds of single-game matches. The tournament started at 7:00 PM and spanned approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, under a clear sky with temperatures dipping to 51°F.

Standout Game: Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Round 6 on Stern’s Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons. This game, known for its retro design and cheeky theme, was a crowd-pleaser. Rachel Kahalekulu topped the round, showcasing her skills against the organizer and player Richard Godwin, Bruce Cherry, and Matthew Mihelich, making for an exciting and competitive matchup.

Tournament Champions

The fierce competition led to some remarkable performances, with the top spots claimed by:

  1. Daron Coull, who demonstrated strategic mastery and steady hands throughout the tournament, leading them to victory with an IFPA rank of 3772.
  2. Richard Godwin, not only organized a great event but also proved their mettle by securing second place, utilizing their extensive experience from 479 tournaments.
  3. Matthew Mihelich displayed significant improvement and competitive spirit, landing a respectable third place.
  4. Rachel Kahalekulu, despite her intense play in the spotlighted game, rounded out the top four with notable skill and determination.

Featured Pinball Machines

Tik Tok’s Workshop hosted an impressive lineup of 12 pinball machines that ranged from classic to modern, each with unique features to challenge the players:

Venue Highlights

Tik Tok’s Workshop, located at 1216 Sylvan Way, is more than just a pinball venue; it’s a community hub known for its lively atmosphere and engaging events like Wednesday night naughty bingo. The venue boasts a fantastic selection of pinball machines and offers great drinks, complemented by the excellent service of its staff.

Appreciation and Looking Forward

A special thanks to Richard Godwin for organizing another successful pinball tournament and to Tik Tok’s Workshop for continuously providing a fantastic venue for pinball enthusiasts. Events like these highlight the passion and excitement of the pinball community.

High Scores and High Spirits at Electric Bat

Tournament Action Unleashed

On the evening of April 16, 2024, the Electric Bat Arcade in Tempe, Arizona, buzzed with excitement as it hosted the inaugural event of Season 11, Series 2. With clear skies overhead and temperatures at a comfortable 83°F, 108 pinball enthusiasts dove into a series of 5 competitive rounds, each round featuring a single game and lasting about 3 hours. Orchestrated by the renowned organizer Rachel Bess, the tournament was a showcase of skill, strategy, and community spirit.

Game Highlight: Elvira’s House of Horrors Showdown

Round 2 of the tournament spotlighted Stern’s Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium), captivating attendees with its thrilling gameplay and eerie ambiance. Ty Bull, showcasing exceptional skill, secured a victory in this high-stakes round, closely followed by Stephanie Turner from Chandler, AZ. Paul Blanco and newcomer Nick Haney also made impressive showings, making this game a tournament highlight.

Champions of the Arcade

The tournament concluded with a celebration of the top performers who distinguished themselves with their outstanding gameplay:

  1. Cody Winant demonstrated strategic mastery and clinched the top position, reinforcing his status with an IFPA rank of 528.
  2. Stephanie Turner, bringing vast experience from over 200 tournaments, navigated the field expertly to secure a commendable second place.
  3. Greg Drewes displayed consistent skill throughout the evening, earning a well-deserved third place with his strategic gameplay.
  4. Mark Pearson, despite the stiff competition, utilized his extensive experience to secure the fourth spot.

Pinball Showcase

Electric Bat Arcade’s impressive collection of 67 pinball machines was more than just a backdrop for the tournament; it was a key player in the event’s success:

Electric Atmosphere at Electric Bat

The Electric Bat Arcade, located at 29 W. Southern Ave, Tempe, not only provided a stage for this spectacular pinball showdown but also contributed to the vibrant community vibe. The arcade, known for its eclectic mix of classic and modern machines, along with its adjacency to the Yucca Tap Room, made it the perfect venue for an evening full of excitement and entertainment.

Gratitude and Anticipation

A heartfelt thank you to Rachel Bess for orchestrating such a memorable event and to the Electric Bat Arcade for being an exemplary host. The dedication of the organizers and the welcoming atmosphere of the venue ensure that each tournament is not just a competition, but a celebration of the pinball community.

Stay tuned to our blog for more thrilling updates from the pinball tournaments across the United States!