Welcome to Belles & Chimes SATX – Pinball Tournament Recap

Kicking Off the Competition

The electric buzz of pinball filled the air on April 26th at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters in San Antonio, TX. The Belles & Chimes SATX – Spring 2024 #3 tournament kicked off with 13 skilled players vying for the title through 5 intense rounds, each featuring 2 games. After the dust settled, the top four scorers advanced to a gripping final round consisting of 3 games.

Organized by the meticulous Christina Cheeseman and under skies of broken clouds with temperatures feeling like 88°F, the event delivered an unforgettable night of flippers, silver balls, and high scores. Each match was tightly contested, lasting on average about 2 and a half hours.

Highlight Match on James Bond 007

The standout match occurred right at the start on the Stern’s James Bond 007 (Pro), a table known for its challenging missions and relentless action. This particular game stretched to an impressive 62 minutes. Hope Love clinched first place, with Alice Young and Cinthia Guadiana rounding out the top spots, showcasing both strategy and stamina.

Champions of the Arena

The champions of the tournament stood out not only for their skill but also for their perseverance in the competitive world of pinball:

  1. Hope Love – IFPA rank 1779, showing her experience across 104 IFPA events.
  2. Cinthia Guadiana – IFPA rank 3276, with 94 IFPA events to her name, a testament to her growing expertise.
  3. Alice Young – IFPA rank 1822, a veteran of 128 events, always a strong contender.
  4. Maddie Mendez – IFPA rank 42021, the newcomer with 33 events, proving her potential in the field.

The Stars of the Show: Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an array of 46 pinball machines, with classics and new entrants alike:

  • Firepower (Williams, 1980): Known for its fast-paced play and the introduction of multiball, a revolutionary feature at the time.
  • JAWS (Pro) (Stern, 2024): A fresh release capturing the tense atmosphere of the iconic shark tale with immersive sound and visuals.
  • Venom (LE) (Stern, 2023): Features dynamic gameplay and stunning art, pulling players into the superhero’s thrilling world.
  • Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (Williams, 1993): Combines adventure with nostalgia, packed with quotes and scenes from the beloved films.
  • Medieval Madness (Williams, 1997): Continues to be a favorite for its humorous take on the Middle Ages, complete with castles to storm and dragons to defeat.

Coffee and Pinball: A Winning Combination

What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters offered a perfect backdrop with its unique blend of cozy café culture and energetic arcade thrills. The venue, with its laid-back atmosphere and diverse crowd, enhanced by the eclectic mix of pinball machines, provided an ideal setting for both relaxation and intense competition. Their hot cocoa and cinnamon rolls came highly recommended and did not disappoint!

Until Next Time

A big thank you to Christina Cheeseman and the team at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters for hosting such a spectacular event. Your efforts made it a memorable evening for all who attended.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the world of pinball. Keep flipping those bumpers!

Dive Into the Action: Speakeasy at Mum’s Tournament Recap

The Speakeasy at Mum’s on April 26, 2024, held at Mum’s Arcade, was a riveting pinball showdown. Masterminded by Joe Wade, the competition brought together 12 players for six rounds of intense play, with each round consisting of just one game. The elite eight progressed to the finals, which unfolded over three exhilarating rounds. The whole event spanned approximately 3 hours on a clear, cool evening.

Highlight Match: Bond, James Bond 007

The tournament’s spotlight shone brightly on a particularly gripping match in Round 2, featuring the James Bond 007 (Premium/LE) machine by Stern. Released in September 2022, this machine set the stage for a battle among pinball aficionados. Andy Raisanen emerged victorious in this round, followed by Mike Stewart Jr., Marco Vendetti, and Scuba Steve, each showcasing their strategic prowess.

Champions of the Arcade: Top Players at Speakeasy at Mum’s

Here are the proud victors of the Speakeasy at Mum’s tournament:

  1. Brandon Blake stood out with his 2105 IFPA ranking and 47 events, securing the top spot.
  2. Mike Stewart Jr., an experienced player with a rank of 916 from 594 events, grabbed the second spot.
  3. Phil Abejean, in his debut IFPA event, impressively scooped up third place after a 5-point adjustment.
  4. Andy Raisanen, benefiting from a 10-point adjustment, finished fourth, boasting a rank of 5161 from 35 events.
  5. Marco Vendetti continued his strong performance, landing fifth with a rank of 1700.
  6. Scuba Steve made a splash by finishing sixth, adjusting up by 5 points.
  7. Dan Silva, despite a rank of 9687, clinched the seventh place.
  8. Aaron Wilburn Jr., representing Detroit, rounded out the top eight, proving his skill in 34 IFPA events.

Spotlight on Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The event featured 15 pinball machines, each adding its own flavor to the tournament. Noteworthy mentions include:

  • Revenge From Mars by Bally: This 1999 release is famed for its unique blend of video and mechanical gameplay.
  • Deadpool (LE) by Stern: Launched in 2018, it is adored for its engaging mechanics and humorous narrative.
  • Godzilla (Premium/LE) by Stern: A 2021 release, celebrated for its immersive theme and engaging gameplay.
  • Star Trek (Premium Vault) by Stern: Offers players a deep-space adventure with intricate gameplay, reintroduced in 2018.
  • James Bond 007 (Premium/LE) by Stern: This machine, known for its elegant design and mission-based gameplay, added a touch of sophistication to the rounds.

More Than Just a Venue: The Vibrant Atmosphere at Mum’s Arcade

Located at 17738 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI, Mum’s Arcade isn’t just a venue for high-stakes competition; it’s a community hub suitable for family fun and serious play. The arcade’s dual capacity for hosting both competitive and family-oriented events makes it a cherished spot in the local community.

Thanks and Keep Flipping!

Heartfelt thanks to Joe Wade and Mum’s Arcade for hosting an unforgettable night of pinball action. The Speakeasy at Mum’s was a testament to the vibrant and enduring spirit of the pinball community. Keep your eyes on Bride of Pinbot for more electrifying updates from the pinball universe!

Unveiling Pinball Spectacle: D82 Flippin’ Friday April Qualifier

Delve into Pinball Frenzy:

Prepare for a whirlwind of excitement at the D82 Flippin’ Friday April 26th Qualify tournament, hosted by none other than Erik Thoren at District 82 Pinball. On April 26, 2024, at 6:00 PM, 17 players gathered to compete in four intense rounds, with two games per round, amidst the ambiance of light rain and a cozy temperature of 55°F.

Illuminating Pinball Mastery:

Round 3 stole the spotlight as players faced off on Whirlwind by Williams (January 1990). Chrissy Klitzke from Appleton emerged triumphant, showcasing her finesse on the playfield. Scott LaPlante from Green Bay followed closely behind, demonstrating his skill and determination.

Champions of the Flipper Realm:

Let’s celebrate the victors of this gripping tournament:

  1. Erik Thoren – Leading the pack, Erik’s mastery of the game shines through, securing his place at the top of the podium.
  2. Chuck Blohm – A formidable competitor, Chuck’s strategic prowess earns him a well-deserved second place.
  3. Peter Goeben – Hailing from De Pere, Peter’s impressive performance lands him in third place, showcasing his dedication to the game.
  4. Scott LaPlante – Despite tough competition, Scott’s skill and tenacity earn him a respectable fourth place finish.

*Pronouns are provided only if required

Journey Through Pinball Realms:

Explore the diverse array of pinball machines featured at the tournament, including:

  • Six Million Dollar Man by Bally: Step into the world of espionage and intrigue with this classic machine, released in August 1977.
  • Metallica (Pro LED) by Stern: Rock out to the tunes of Metallica with this electrifying machine, released in August 2014.
  • WWF Royal Rumble by Data East: Step into the wrestling ring with this action-packed machine, released in May 1994.
  • Pharaoh by Williams: Embark on an ancient Egyptian adventure with this captivating machine, released in May 1981.
  • Volley by Gottlieb: Serve up some fun with this retro volleyball-themed machine, released in August 1976.

Venue Vibes and Pinball Passion:

Experience the magic of District 82 Pinball Arcade, where every flipper flip and bumper bounce is met with excitement and anticipation. From its top-notch machines to its immaculate maintenance, District 82 offers a haven for pinball enthusiasts. Visitors from New York flew in to experience the thrill firsthand, marveling at the owner’s dedication and passion for the game.

Closing Cheers:

A heartfelt thank you to Erik Thoren for organizing such a spectacular tournament, and to District 82 Pinball Arcade for providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening of pinball madness. Stay tuned for more updates from the dynamic world of pinball!