Overview of the Competition
The Pinball Gallery in Malvern, Pennsylvania, hosted an electrifying evening of pinball on April 17, 2024, for the fifth week of Season 2 in the Ball Busters Pinball League. Eighteen players faced off across five rounds, each round featuring one game, totaling approximately 2 hours of playtime. The misty weather with a cool 60°F provided a fitting backdrop for the intense competition, meticulously organized by Bill Disney.
Game of the Night: Pulp Fiction Showcase
In the fourth round, players gathered around the Pulp Fiction (SE) machine by Chicago Gaming, a recent hit in the pinball world. This machine, known for its cinematic theme and engaging playfield, hosted a standout game that saw Emilia Choate taking the top spot, followed closely by Stephanie Savy from Media, PA, and Deanne Ross, who showed impressive skill despite her lack of a ranking.
Celebrating the Champions
As the final flippers stilled, the leaders of the tournament emerged:
- Jennifer Gold from PA, notably unranked in IFPA but with 28 events to her name, skillfully clinched first place, demonstrating that rankings aren’t everything in the world of pinball.
- Lisa Kavanagh, also unranked but quickly making her mark with only 3 events, secured a surprising yet well-deserved second place.
- Tessa Morton, with a solid IFPA rank of 1479, brought her experience from 113 events to bear, landing in third place.
- Kathy Furlong, another unranked competitor, showed that newcomers could still shake up the leaderboard by finishing fourth.
Featured Pinball Machines
The Pinball Gallery boasted an impressive array of 67 machines, including:
- The Addams Family by Bally, a favorite for its challenging features and iconic theme.
- Guns N’ Roses (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball, thrilled players with its rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack and innovative playfield.
- Aztec by Williams and Star Trek by Bally took players on a nostalgic trip with their classic designs and gameplay.
- Joker Poker by Gottlieb, with its strategic card game-inspired play, provided a unique challenge.
Venue Vibes
Located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, the Pinball Gallery proved once again to be a top-notch venue for pinball enthusiasts. The site’s welcoming atmosphere and broad selection of games make it a community staple, with many attendees planning return visits to dive deeper into the extensive collection.
Appreciations and Next Steps
A heartfelt thank you to Bill Disney for organizing such a smooth and enjoyable tournament, and to the Pinball Gallery for providing a fantastic venue. These gatherings not only challenge the players but also foster a thriving community spirit among pinball fans.
Stay tuned for more thrilling updates from the Ball Busters Pinball League and other pinball events across the United States!