On the evening of May 24, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Murphy’s On 21 for the much-anticipated Flipsanity! 2024 tournament. With a thrilling format of six rounds and one game per round, 20 passionate players went head-to-head in a nearly four-hour-long battle of skill and strategy. Organized by the ever-dedicated Tyler Becker, this event was nothing short of spectacular, despite the light rain and a comfortable temperature of 76°F outside.
Iron Maiden Showdown: A Metal-Fueled Duel
Round 3 saw an electrifying match on the iconic Iron Maiden pinball machine by Stern Electronics, released in October 1981. The theme of the game, inspired by the legendary heavy metal band, set the perfect tone for a fierce competition. John Miller from Missouri, ranked 272 by IFPA, emerged victorious with a masterful performance. Steve Rolsing from St. Louis, ranked 584, took second place, showcasing impressive skills. Corey Thompson from Missouri, ranked 2805, secured third place, while Tyler Becker, the tournament organizer, placed fourth with an IFPA rank of 251.
Hail to the Pinball Champions
Let’s give a big round of applause to the top performers of the Flipsanity! 2024 tournament. These champions displayed exceptional talent and determination throughout the event:
- John Miller (MO) – IFPA rank 272, with an astounding 353 IFPA events to his name. A well-deserved victory!
- Tyler Becker – IFPA rank 251, and the mastermind behind the tournament, with 236 IFPA events under his belt.
- Adam McKinnie (Columbia, MO) – IFPA rank 61, a formidable competitor with an impressive 441 IFPA events.
- Steve Rolsing (Stl) – IFPA rank 584, with 349 IFPA events, proving its mettle in the competitive pinball scene.
Pinball Marvels: Machines That Stole the Show
The tournament featured a diverse lineup of 15 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and excitement. Here are five standout machines that left a lasting impression:
- Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (September 2021): Players loved battling the colossal kaiju in this visually stunning and action-packed game.
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern (September 2020): This machine’s intricate design and superhero theme drew in fans of the Marvel Universe.
- Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (January 2016): With its nostalgic theme and engaging gameplay, it was a crowd favorite.
- Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern (March 2023): The rock ‘n’ roll vibe and fast-paced action kept players on their toes.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019): The adventure-filled gameplay and iconic dinosaur theme were a big hit.
Murphy’s On 21 Rocks!
Murphy’s On 21 provided the ideal setting for Flipsanity! 2024. Located at 13226 Tesson Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO, this unique pinball bar offered a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of good liquor, lots of beer, and the convenience of bringing in food. Many attendees enjoyed delicious Domino’s pizza from next door, adding to the fun and relaxed vibe of the evening.
A Heartfelt Thank You
A huge thank you to Tyler Becker for organizing such an amazing tournament and to Murphy’s On 21 for being the perfect host. Your dedication and hospitality made this event unforgettable. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the dynamic world of pinball! Until next time, keep flipping those flippers and chasing high scores!