Thrills and Flips at the Southern Illinois Pinball Derby 2024

A Full Day of Pinball Action

The Atomic Pinball Arcade in Wood River, Illinois, was buzzing with activity as it hosted the Southern Illinois Pinball Derby 2024. On a sunny day with temperatures hovering around 77°F, 41 players gathered on April 14, 2024, to participate in a grueling contest stretching over five rounds and ten games, each round averaging about 5 hours and 19 minutes. The event, organized by Tyler Becker, showcased a mix of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck.

Marathon Match on JAWS (LE)

A standout moment of the tournament was the marathon game on the newly released JAWS (LE) by Stern, which unfolded during Round 4. This gripping game stretched to an incredible 65 minutes, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Tyler Hund emerged victorious, with Will Hoffmann and Mike Howard placing second and third respectively. John Ragusa rounded out the top four, showcasing the competitive spirit that defined the day.

Showcasing Premier Pinball Machines

The Derby featured 39 pinball machines, each bringing its unique flair to the event. Notable among them were:

• Eight Ball Deluxe by Bally, a classic favorite known for its challenging gameplay and retro charm.
• Aerosmith by Stern, which combines rock ‘n’ roll with engaging playfield features, attracting players with its vibrant art and soundtracks.
• Metallica (Pro) also by Stern, thrilled players with its fast-paced action and iconic music integration.
• JAWS (LE), the newest addition, proved to be a monster hit with its deep rule set and immersive shark-hunting theme.
• Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming, introduced in 2023, drew attention with its cinematic graphics and quotes from the cult classic film.

Tournament Champions

The event concluded with several players standing out for their exceptional performance:

1. Logan Henderson from Downers Grove, IL, with an IFPA rank of 1720, showcased remarkable skill throughout the tournament to clinch first place.
2. Travis Murie, ranked 32nd, demonstrated why he is one of the top players in the world, securing a well-fought second place.
3. Chuck Sanderson, another high-ranking player with a standing of 369 in IFPA, took home third place, adding another solid performance to his record.
4. Mike Howard, despite the exhausting rounds, managed to finish strong in fourth place.

Venue Praise

Atomic Pinball Arcade, with its friendly staff and vast selection of games, provided the perfect setting for this pinball showdown. The venue’s bright and clean environment, paired with the option to play unlimited games for a set price, made it an ideal spot for both casual visitors and serious competitors.

Closing Acknowledgements

A big thank you to Tyler Becker for organizing an unforgettable pinball tournament and to the Atomic Pinball Arcade for hosting this spectacular event. The Southern Illinois Pinball Derby 2024 was a testament to the thriving pinball culture, and we look forward to more such exciting tournaments. Stay tuned to our blog for further updates from the pinball world across the United States!