Dive into the Tournament
On a bright afternoon in April, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Terry’s Terrace in Harrison Township, Michigan, for the “Speakeasy Special at DK Arcade.” The event, orchestrated by Joe Wade, featured intense competition with 29 contenders engaging in 5 rounds of pinball. As they racked up points through the preliminary rounds, the top 8 moved on to a ‘grueling’ final showdown that humorously consisted of zero games—talk about a suspenseful way to keep the balls in the air!
Spotlight on Elvira’s House of Horrors
The tournament’s standout game occurred in the third round on Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) by Stern, a recent favorite among the pinball community. Marco Vendetti clinched first place, demonstrating his prowess alongside Thomas Ruszkiewicz Jr., Philip Salminen, and Dominic Labella, who all showed remarkable skill and strategy in their quest for pinball glory.
Champions of the Day
The tournament concluded with high spirits as the champions took their well-deserved accolades:
- Marco Vendetti topped the leaderboard, confirming his reputation with his precise flips and tactical gameplay.
- Thomas Ruszkiewicz Jr. followed in second place, bringing a spirited challenge from the heart of Detroit’s Barcade.
- Philip Salminen secured third, showing that Midland, MI, has game.
- Dominic Labella took fourth place, impressing with his consistency and skill.
- Brandon Blake placed fifth, demonstrating growing prowess in the competitive pinball scene.
- Isaiah Bingham from Ann Arbor captured sixth place, showing great potential in his gameplay.
- Jared August, ranked eleventh worldwide, finished in seventh place with his expert moves.
- Ian Montgomery, though unranked, rounded out the top eight, proving his mettle in the competitive field.
Featured Pinball Machines
The tournament boasted a lineup of 9 pinball machines that ranged from classic to contemporary:
- Attack from Mars by Bally: An alien invasion theme that keeps players on their toes.
- Tales of the Arabian Nights by Williams: Offers a magical carpet ride through Middle Eastern folklore.
- Monster Bash by Williams: Where players reunite the classic Universal monsters for a rocking concert.
- JAWS (Pro) by Stern: A thrilling hunt in Amity Island waters, fresh from its 2024 release.
- Monopoly by Stern: Turns the classic board game into a pinball strategic battleground.
- James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern: Engages players in espionage and action worthy of the iconic spy.
- The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern: Lets players delve into bounty hunting missions across the Star Wars universe.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern: Introduces the antihero’s fierce encounters and dynamic playfield features.
Venue Vibes
Terry’s Terrace provided more than just a venue; it offered a perfect blend of good food, great service, and excellent pinball. From mimosas and ‘man mosas’ to spicy Nashville Hot Chicken sandwiches, the food was as much a hit as the pinball was. The arcade corner, filled with pinball machines and classic games, made for a nostalgic yet vibrant backdrop to the day’s events.
Thanks and Farewells
A big shout-out to Joe Wade for organizing a seamless and spirited tournament and to Terry’s Terrace for their fantastic hospitality and setting, which added to the charm of the day’s events. Their combined efforts created a memorable experience for everyone who attended.
For more pinball tournament tales and updates, keep flipping through this blog!