A Night to Remember: Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday (5/6/24)
On May 6, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Free Play Arlington for an electrifying evening of competition. The event, starting at 7:00 PM, featured 26 players battling it out over 5 rounds, with one game per round. The top 8 advanced to the Finals, which consisted of 2 intense rounds. The entire tournament lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes under overcast skies with a warm 81°F temperature. Kudos to organizer Chris Delp for putting together such an exciting event. For more details, visit Free Play Arlington Pinball.
Shark Attack: The JAWS Semifinal Showdown
The semifinals brought an unforgettable match on JAWS (Pro) by Stern, released on January 4, 2024. Just like the terrifying thrill of the movie, the game kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX, took the top spot, displaying impeccable skill. Garrett Shahan followed closely, with Boss Hernandez from Dallas and Savannah Archuleta from Corinth, TX, adding to the suspense and excitement.
Crown the Champions: Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday Winners
Let’s congratulate the top players who showcased their pinball prowess:
- David Whitlock from Flower Mound, TX (IFPA rank 1122) – With 168 IFPA events, David’s experience earned him the championship title.
- Garrett Shahan (IFPA rank 102) – Garrett’s consistent performance secured him a well-deserved second place in his 168th event.
- Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX (IFPA rank 982) – Randy’s impressive gameplay landed him in third place in his 64th event.
- Tom George from The Colony, TX (IFPA rank 1067) – Tom’s strategic play earned him fourth place in his 125th event.
- Greg Gibson from Plano, TX (IFPA rank 1222) – Greg’s skills secured him fifth place in his 64th event.
- Boss Hernandez from Dallas (IFPA rank 1470) – Boss’s competitive spirit earned them sixth place in their 67th event.
- Michael Hew from Texas (IFPA rank 3321) – Michael’s rising talent was evident as he secured seventh place in his 17th event.
- Savannah Archuleta from Corinth, TX (IFPA rank 2311) – Savannah’s consistent gameplay earned them eighth place in their 149th event.
Pinball Machines That Shined
The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 25 pinball machines. Here are five that stood out:
- Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (released December 01, 1992): A classic game with a captivating theme and stunning holographic effects.
- The Munsters (Premium) by Stern (released January 01, 2019): Step into the spooky world of The Munsters with vibrant artwork and engaging gameplay.
- AC/DC (Pro) by Stern (released January 01, 2012): Rock out with AC/DC’s greatest hits while navigating fast-paced pinball action.
- The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern (released May 11, 2021): Embark on an intergalactic adventure with Baby Yoda and the Mandalorian in this exciting pinball machine.
- Iron Man (Vault) by Stern (released January 01, 2014): Experience the thrill of Iron Man’s battles with immersive gameplay and dynamic features.
Free Play Arlington: A Pinball Haven
Free Play Arcade – Arlington, located at 400 East South Street, Arlington, TX, provided the perfect venue for this pinball extravaganza. Visiting for the Metallica show, I decided to check out this highly recommended spot. The venue did not disappoint, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic games from my teenage years and a fantastic beer selection. For more information, visit Free Play Arlington.
Thank You and Stay Tuned
A big thank you to Chris Delp for organizing this fantastic tournament and to Free Play Arlington for hosting us in their wonderful venue. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting events from the world of pinball!