Dive into the Action
On the evening of April 15, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Free Play Arcade in Denton, Texas, for a thrilling competition. The Free Play Denton Pinball Monday drew a spirited crowd of 28 players who battled it out across five rounds, with each round consisting of a single game. The top eight players advanced to the finals, where they faced off in two additional rounds to determine the champion. Under broken clouds and a comfortable 76°F, the tournament lasted just over three hours of intense pinball action.
Semifinal Showdown on Venom (Pro)
The spotlight game of the tournament occurred during the semifinals on the Venom (Pro) machine by Stern, a recent addition to the pinball world. Garrett Shahan, holding an impressive IFPA rank of 100, emerged victorious in this high-stakes match. He was closely followed by local competitor Clark McCoy, Randy Nelson from Roanoke, and Boss Hernandez from Dallas, who each displayed exceptional skill and strategy.
Celebrating the Victors
The competition was fierce, and the rankings reflected the high caliber of play:
- Garrett Shahan demonstrated why he’s ranked among the top players globally, adding yet another victory to his record of 166 events.
- Clark McCoy, a Denton local, showed hometown prowess and secured a strong second place with consistent performances throughout his 129 events.
- Kevin Rodriguez, known for their resilience and strategic gameplay, proudly represented Corinth, finishing third.
- Ken Kemp brought his vast experience from 415 events to bear, finishing in the fourth spot.
- Greg Gibson from Plano made a notable fifth-place finish, showing significant growth over his 63 events.
- Randy Nelson also left a mark with his tactical gameplay, finishing sixth.
- Austin Kemp, displaying skills honed over 255 events, took seventh place.
- Boss Hernandez rounded out the top eight, making a strong showing in his 64th event.
A Pinball Paradise
The tournament featured 15 pinball machines, each adding its unique flavor to the event:
- Jurassic Park (Premium) and The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern provided immersive experiences with themes that resonated with fans of the franchises.
- Venom (Pro) was not just a semifinal star but also praised for its dynamic gameplay and striking visuals.
- Star Trek (Pro) and Led Zeppelin (Pro) offered players a blend of classic pinball action with modern technological enhancements.
- Centaur by Bally, a classic from 1981, drew admiration for its unique art style and challenging playfield.
The Venue and Its Vibes
Free Play Arcade, located at 101 West Hickory Street in Denton, proved to be the ideal host for this event. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and extensive collection of games, the venue offered a perfect backdrop for both competitive play and casual fun. With promotions like half-off admission during the first hour on weekdays and early opening times during school holidays, Free Play ensures that pinball is accessible to everyone.
Heartfelt Thanks
A huge thank you to Chris Delp for organizing this fantastic event and to Free Play Arcade – Denton for hosting us. These tournaments are not just competitions; they are celebrations of the pinball community and the joy of the game.
Stay tuned to our blog for more updates from the exciting world of pinball across the United States!