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!