Thrilling Tides at the JAWS Launch Party

On April 21, 2024, the pinball enthusiasts of San Diego gathered at Dyno Bar for the electrifying JAWS Launch Party. Organized by Mark Schulz, this Group Knockout Tournament pitted 23 players against each other across 8 intense rounds. Using the Fair Strikes system, competitors were eliminated upon receiving 5 strikes, making every round critical. The clouds may have been broken above, but the focus inside was unyielding as the players battled amidst a cool 65°F.

Epic Showdown on JAWS (Pro)

The tournament’s grand finale unfolded on the freshly released JAWS (Pro) by Stern, drawing a crowd eager to see this new machine in action. In a gripping conclusion to Round 8, Derek Price emerged victorious, demonstrating why he holds an impressive IFPA rank of 64. Mark Maleko Schulz, also from San Diego, showcased his home turf advantage, securing a commendable second place.

Celebrating the Champions

As the flippers stilled, the tournament’s top contenders were lauded for their pinball prowess:

  1. Derek Price – A seasoned competitor with 406 IFPA events under his belt, Derek’s strategic gameplay and quick reflexes earned him the champion’s title.
  2. Mark Maleko Schulz – With an IFPA rank of 460 and 333 events, Mark’s deep knowledge of the game was on full display, earning him a well-fought second place.
  3. Mike Calcagno – Despite being a relative newcomer with only 34 events, Mike’s remarkable third-place finish proves his rising talent in the pinball world.
  4. Brian Heath – A testament to perseverance, Brian clinched fourth place, adding to his growing experience of 135 events.

Featured Pinball Machines

The tournament was adorned with a stellar lineup of 11 pinball machines, each with its own unique allure:

  • James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) by Stern, celebrated for its sleek design and intricate missions that encapsulate the espionage and excitement of the Bond series.
  • Indianapolis 500 by Bally, a fast-paced table that captures the thrill of one of America’s most famous races with high-speed gameplay and challenging loops.
  • Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern, offers an adventurous escape to Isla Nublar, where players navigate through dinosaur encounters and terrain obstacles.
  • Venom (Pro) by Stern, draws players into the Marvel universe with its vibrant graphics and engaging storyline that mirrors Venom’s dynamic character.
  • JAWS (Pro) by Stern, the star of the show, brings to life the suspense and danger of the iconic shark hunt with innovative gameplay and a chilling soundtrack.

Dynamic Dyno Bar: The Heart of San Diego’s Pinball Scene

Located at 3367 India Street, Dyno Bar is not just a venue; it’s a cultural hub for adult gamers. This 21+ establishment is renowned for its cool atmosphere and exclusive array of pinball machines and indie arcade games, making it a prime destination for nightlife and entertainment in San Diego.

A Round of Applause

Heartfelt thanks go to Mark Schulz for his impeccable organization of the JAWS Launch Party and to Dyno Bar for providing a perfect setting for this pinball extravaganza. As we continue to explore the vibrant pinball scenes across the nation, stay tuned for more thrilling updates and tales from the silver ball’s journey across America!

Thrills at the Dangerzone Arcade Jaws Launch Party

On April 21, 2024, Dangerzone Arcade in Gilbert, Arizona, became the epicenter of pinball excitement with the Dangerzone Arcade Jaws Launch Party. Organized by Jordan Lamoreaux, the tournament attracted 21 fierce competitors who faced off in a Group Knockout format across 11 heart-pounding rounds. As the Arizona sun blazed at 91°F under clear skies, players aimed to avoid accumulating three strikes to stay in the game, adding an extra layer of challenge and strategy.

Star Wars Showdown: A Round to Remember

One of the tournament’s highlights was the intense battle that unfolded in Round 5 on the “Star Wars (Premium Comic Art)” machine by Stern. Brad Vogus from Phoenix took the lead, followed by Jason Barre from Mesa, AZ, with Greg Mohs and John Finnegan closely trailing. This round was not just a test of skill but also a dramatic display of strategy and precision under pressure.

Celebrating the Pinball Champions

As the dust settled, the top performers emerged victorious, each demonstrating their pinball prowess:

  1. Greg Mohs – Surprising many with his strategic play, Greg clinched the first place with an IFPA rank of 835, showing growth across his 103 tournament participations.
  2. Jason Barre from Mesa, AZ – A veteran in the arena, Jason used his extensive experience from 432 IFPA events to secure a solid second place with his rank of 228.
  3. John Finnegan from Tucson – Known for his consistency, John leveraged his experience from 511 events to take third place with a rank of 538.
  4. Mark Pearson – Despite being the highest-ranked player at 49, Mark faced tough competition and finished fourth, proving that every game is a new challenge.

Pinball Gallery: Machines of Legend and Lore

The venue showcased an impressive lineup of 17 pinball machines, each offering unique gameplay experiences. Notable among them were:

  • Star Wars (Premium Comic Art) by Stern, a visual treat with its vibrant comic artwork and immersive gameplay that brings the iconic saga to life.
  • Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern, which captivates players with its rock-themed playfield and energetic soundtrack.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE) by Stern, a game that combines deep strategy with Marvel superhero adventures, making it a hit among fans.
  • Venom (LE) by Stern, newly released and already a favorite for its dynamic features and the beloved anti-hero’s storyline.
  • Alien (Remake LE) by Pinball Brothers, offering intense gameplay with a theme that resonates with sci-fi enthusiasts.

A Gamer’s Haven: Dangerzone Arcade

Dangerzone Arcade, located at 614 E Germann Rd in Gilbert, AZ, is celebrated as one of the best places in Arizona to indulge in pinball and indie arcade games. The venue is a paradise for gamers, providing a vast array of multiplayer games, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere perfect for friends and family to gather and enjoy some competitive fun.

Closing With Gratitude

A special thank you to Jordan Lamoreaux for organizing this memorable tournament and to Dangerzone Arcade for hosting an event that went beyond just gaming—it was a celebration of the pinball community. Keep your flippers ready, and stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the ever-spinning world of pinball!

Pinsomniacs Pinball Showdown @ Tepey’s Taps & Tacos

On April 21, 2024, Tepey’s Taps & Tacos hosted the electrifying Pinsomniacs Pinball tournament. This event, curated by Nick Byrd and featured on the Pinsomniacs’ website, drew a focused group of 22 pinball enthusiasts. Competitors battled through 11 rigorous rounds, each playing one game per round. The stakes were high as only the top four scorers advanced to the nail-biting finals, consisting of three additional rounds. All the action unfolded over nearly five hours, beneath the partly cloudy skies of Jacksonville, with temperatures hovering around a warm 80°F.

Avengers Assemble for a Fierce Battle

A notable highlight was the third round, which featured the “Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro)” by Stern. This game, released in September 2020, became the arena for an intense clash. Imre Szollosi led the pack, followed by Tank Koscinski, with Stacey Stafford and Shannon Stafford in close pursuit. The competitive spirit was palpable as each player leveraged their skills to vie for the top spot.

Triumph at Tepey’s

The tournament culminated with outstanding performances from the top competitors:

  1. Shannon Stafford – With an impressive IFPA rank of 133 and a veteran of 295 events, Shannon showcased top-tier skills to claim victory.
  2. Imre Szollosi – Ranked 2583, Imre’s performance across 45 IFPA events has shown a sharp ascent in competitive pinball, securing a well-earned second place.
  3. Stacey Stafford from Orange Park, Florida – Holding rank 1589 and participating in 219 events, Stacey demonstrated resilience and strategic finesse to finish third.
  4. Tank Koscinski – Despite being one of the lower-ranked players at 6732, Tank’s tenacity shone through, proving his potential in his 35th tournament.

A Gallery of Pinball Greats

The venue was decked with 11 unique pinball machines, each adding a different flavor to the tournament. Highlights included:

  • Venom (Premium) by Stern, released in 2023, captivated players with its dynamic design and engaging features that bring the iconic comic book character to life.
  • Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun, also from 2023, offered a magical quest through the Goblin King’s maze with intricate gameplay and detailed art.
  • Elvis by Stern, a classic from 2004, rocked the venue with its nostalgic music and engaging playfield, paying homage to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
  • The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern, from 2014, thrilled players with its post-apocalyptic theme and intense survival-based gameplay.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern, drew crowds with its superhero antics and complex missions that mirrored the epic tales from the Marvel Universe.

Vibrant Vibes at Tepeyolot Cerveceria

Tepeyolot Cerveceria, more than just a venue, provided a festive backdrop with its vibrant atmosphere and delicious cuisine. The pinball area, featuring a mix of classic and new machines, was a hit among guests. The spot offered great value with games priced at $1.00 each or $2.00 for three, except for the special Labyrinth pinball. The food, particularly the tacos and seasoned chips, received rave reviews, making it clear that Tepeyolot Cerveceria is a favorite for both dining and gaming.

A Successful Flip

Thanks to Nick Byrd for orchestrating this fantastic pinball event and to Tepeyolot Cerveceria for hosting us with exceptional service and ambiance. This tournament was a showcase of both pinball mastery and community spirit. Stay tuned for more exhilarating updates from the dynamic world of pinball across the nation!

Epic Showdown at 1up Colfax Mackinnon Tournament

The 1up Colfax Mackinnon pinball tournament, held on April 21, 2024, at the 1UP Arcade Bar – Colfax in Denver, was a thrilling marathon of pinball prowess. Organized by Deanna Scalf, the tournament featured a grueling Group Knockout format with 39 contenders battling through 11 rounds under the Progressive Strikes system. Players faced elimination after accumulating 11 strikes, intensifying the competition as they vied to stay in the game under clear skies and chilly 33°F weather.

Iron Maiden’s Legendary Duel

Highlighting the intense competition was a remarkable battle during Round 9 on the “Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium)” by Stern. Walt Wood, wielding an impressive IFPA rank of 41, emerged victorious in this round, showcasing skill and strategy that left the audience in awe. Griffin Carr, Rob Tompkins, and Chase Hart rounded out the top four, each delivering a fierce challenge.

Champions of the Arena

The final bell tolled, crowning the valiant warriors of this pinball clash:

  1. Walt Wood from Englewood, CO, commanded the tables with precision, leveraging their vast experience across 299 IFPA events to clinch the top spot.
  2. Mat Brundage, showing great resilience and skill, landed in second place with his solid performance across 161 IFPA events.
  3. Griffin Carr, although ranked 3935, surpassed expectations by securing third place, demonstrating that rankings aren’t always indicative of the final outcome.
  4. David Witucki from Colorado, with fewer tournaments under his belt, made a significant impact by finishing fourth.

Machines of Myth and Might

The tournament was stocked with 23 cutting-edge pinball machines, each adding its own flavor to the mix. Noteworthy among them were:

  • Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern, a fan-favorite for its intricate artwork and engaging soundtrack that complements the band’s iconic music.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern, immerses players in intergalactic battles with its dynamic playfield and beloved characters.
  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern, known for its humorous and interactive gameplay that perfectly captures the antihero’s quirky essence.
  • Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, challenges players to save cities and battle kaijus in a beautifully rendered Tokyo landscape.
  • The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern, takes players on bounty hunting missions across the galaxy, enriched with detailed missions and storylines from the series.

Retro Gaming at 1up Arcade Bar

The venue, 1up Arcade Bar – Colfax, with its neon lights and energetic atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for this pinball showdown. Players and spectators enjoyed a mix of nostalgic arcade games and modern pinball machines, complemented by a vibrant selection of drinks from the bar. The environment was lively and welcoming, thanks to the attentive staff and the upbeat background music.

Farewell and Future Flips

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Deanna Scalf for organizing this spectacular event and to the 1UP Arcade Bar – Colfax for hosting. This tournament is just one of many exciting chapters in the ongoing saga of pinball competitions across the nation. Stay tuned for more electrifying updates from the world of pinball!