Clash of the Titans: SCPL Matchplay Overview

On April 20, 2024, The Game Preserve in Texas became the battleground for the SCPL: Monthly Matchplay, with 23 pinball wizards duking it out over 7 gripping rounds. The format pushed competitors to their limits, leading the top 8 into a nail-biting finals showdown. Despite a backdrop of light rain, the heat was on inside, with players and fans alike captivated by the intense arcade drama.

Marathon Match on the Mighty Paragon

The tournament’s spotlight shone brightly on a legendary game of Paragon, a classic machine by Bally from 1979. This standout game stretched an incredible 66 minutes in the finals, where Craig Squires ultimately triumphed. Nicholas Gustafson, Hunter Reed, and Marc Gammons rounded out the top spots, each demonstrating exceptional skill and determination under pressure.

Pinball Royalty: Celebrating the Champions

Our hearty congratulations go out to the pinball champions of this fiercely contested event:

  1. Craig Squires – Showcased veteran skills to dominate in his 437th IFPA event, despite his rank of 1137.
  2. Nicholas Gustafson – His strategic expertise earned him a well-deserved second place, coming from Spring, Texas with a rank of 939.
  3. Hunter Reed – Displayed tenacity and skill, snagging third place with an IFPA rank of 1263.
  4. Marc Gammons – Finished in a solid fourth place, showing his increasing competence in the pinball arena.
  5. Kyrra Warren – The newcomer impressed all by punching well above her rank of 7094 to place fifth.
  6. David Pollock – Their consistent play proved effective, landing them in sixth place.
  7. Liz Nebeker – Skillfully navigated the tables to finish in the seventh spot.
  8. Travis Hanna – Wrapped up the top eight with strategic gameplay and steady hands.

Spotlight on Stellar Machines

The tournament was adorned with 17 pinball machines, each bringing its own flavor to the fray. Among the standout tables were:

  • The Party Zone by Bally, celebrated for its exuberant party-themed artwork and energizing music that makes every player feel like the life of the party.
  • Tri Zone by Williams, a true testament to the golden era of pinball with its straightforward yet strategic design that challenges both novices and seasoned players.
  • Godzilla (Pro) by Stern, introduced in 2021, features state-of-the-art graphics and innovative gameplay elements, including a cityscape to demolish and monsters to battle, enhancing the thematic experience.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern brings a galaxy of adventure to the playfield with its integration of iconic music and detailed missions drawn directly from the popular film series.
  • Paragon, not only the marathon machine of this tournament but also known for its formidable playfield layout and the challenging “Golden Cliffs” section that tests even the most skilled players.

A Day to Remember at The Game Preserve

The Game Preserve, nestled at 473 Sawdust Road, Spring, Texas, proved to be more than just a venue; it was a pinball haven. With a robust selection of games dating from classic to contemporary, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. Players and spectators alike were treated to a day filled with nostalgia and fierce competition.

Farewell and Future Games

A big shout-out to Space City Pinball for orchestrating such an electrifying event and to The Game Preserve for their fantastic hospitality. This tournament was a testament to the thriving pinball scene, and we look forward to bringing you more tales from the flipper-filled world of pinball tournaments across the country. Stay tuned!

Exciting Rounds at the Belles & Chimes Phoenix Tournament

On April 20, 2024, the Belles & Chimes Phoenix pinball tournament brought together a dynamic group of 22 players for a spirited competition. Organized by Tracy Lindbergh, the event featured six rounds of intense pinball action, each consisting of one game, lasting a total of 2 hours and 44 minutes.

Final Round Thriller on Jurassic Park

The tournament’s standout game occurred in the sixth round on the Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern, released in October 2019. This machine, known for its dynamic playfield and dinosaur-themed challenges, saw Mary Profeta Scardina clinch the first place, closely followed by organizer Tracy Lindbergh, with Terri Boyd and Sandra Garcia also putting up strong performances.

Tournament Champions Shine

The tournament concluded with impressive displays of skill and strategy:

  1. Krisha Shufran from Chandler, AZ, took home the first place with an IFPA rank of 2771, showing remarkable prowess across her 121 tournament appearances.
  2. Cara Eisinger from New River, AZ, demonstrated their growing skill in the pinball community, securing second place with a rank of 3706 over 65 events.
  3. Meghan Bougher from Scottsdale, AZ, earned a well-deserved third place with her consistent play, holding an IFPA rank of 2228 from 61 events.
  4. Tracy Lindbergh, not just the organizer but also a competitor, showcased her extensive experience by finishing fourth, a testament to her 529 tournament participations and a rank of 444.

Highlight Pinball Machines

The competition was supported by a lineup of 11 unique pinball machines, each bringing its own history and challenges to the playfield:

  • Comet by Williams: A classic amusement park-themed table that offers players a nostalgic multiball experience with engaging ramps and loops.
  • Tri Zone by Williams: An earlier generation machine that challenges players with its straightforward yet strategic gameplay.
  • Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern: This modern machine captivates players with its interactive dinosaur captures and complex play modes.
  • Diner by Williams: Delivers a lively 1950s diner atmosphere, where players rack up points by serving a series of quirky customers.
  • Star Trek (Pro) by Stern: Engages players in the vast universe of Star Trek with missions based on the iconic series, offering a deep strategic experience.

A Word on the Venue

While the specific location for this event was not disclosed in MatchPlay, the enthusiasm and engagement of the participants made it a memorable gathering. We look forward to revealing more about the venue in future posts.

Appreciation for Organization

A special thank you to Tracy Lindbergh for organizing a smoothly run tournament and to all the participants who made the event a success despite the undisclosed location. The Belles & Chimes Phoenix community continues to thrive, bringing exciting pinball action to players and fans alike. Stay tuned for more updates from the pinball world!

A Rainy Day Battle at Locavore Beer Works April Pinball Tournament

Despite the chill and moderate rain on April 20, 2024, the Locavore Beer Works April Pinball Tournament heated up with enthusiastic competitors and fans. With 37 players engaged in four initial rounds and an intense final showdown among the top 8, the event spanned over three hours of strategic gameplay, masterfully organized by Jason Smith in Littleton, Colorado.

Godzilla Takes Center Stage in the Finals

The finals saw an epic battle on the Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, released in September 2021. Known for its dynamic gameplay and immersive city-smashing features, Godzilla hosted the longest game of the tournament, lasting a staggering 146 minutes. Walt Wood from Englewood, CO, emerged victorious, followed by Donavan Stepp, Justin Hinman, and Rob Tompkins in a nail-biting session that highlighted the day.

Honoring the Top Competitors

The tournament concluded with remarkable achievements from the finalists:

  1. Walt Wood, with an IFPA rank of 41 and 299 events under its belt, dominated the tournament with precise skill and strategic prowess.
  2. Donavan Stepp, ranked 59th and a veteran of 591 IFPA events, showcased his seasoned capabilities in securing second place.
  3. Justin Hinman, holding the 1106th rank, performed impressively to finish third among a tough lineup, across 220 events.
  4. Rob Tompkins, from Golden, CO, with a rank of 2676, showed great determination and skill to place fourth.

The tournament also recognized the valiant efforts of Nate Johnson, Stan Dessens, Dan Gutchess, and Thomas Dessens, who rounded out the top eight with commendable performances.

Featured Machines at the Tournament

The competition featured 10 notable pinball machines, each bringing a unique flavor to the play:

  • Star Wars (Premium) by Stern: Delivers an intergalactic adventure with deep rule sets and iconic characters.
  • Venom (Premium) by Stern: Engages players with its slick design and action-packed gameplay featuring Marvel’s antihero.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: Offers a vibrant playfield with missions and music straight out of the beloved movie franchise.
  • Rush (Premium) by Stern: Rocks the pinball world with its soundtrack and concert-themed playfield, celebrating the legendary band.
  • Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming: Captures the essence of the classic film with unique storytelling elements and cinematic gameplay.

Venue Highlights: Locavore Beer Works

Locavore Beer Works not only served as an excellent host but also provided a perfect backdrop with its spacious craft brewery atmosphere. Patrons enjoyed a selection of beers, slushy seltzers, and the convenience of tasty BBQ from next door, enhancing the tournament experience in a dog-friendly setting.

Closing Thanks

Special thanks to Jason Smith for orchestrating a smooth and engaging tournament, and to Locavore Beer Works for providing a fantastic venue. The pinball community appreciates the dedication and hospitality that make these events a success. Stay tuned for more thrilling pinball action from across the United States!