MFStrikes!! Tournament: A Night of Pinball Magic at Lynn’s Arcade

A Night to Remember

Our latest pinball showdown, MFStrikes!!, kicked off with a bang. This knockout tournament featured 15 eager players facing off in intense two-player games. The format was simple: survive nine rounds without collecting three strikes. The event took place on June 6, 2024, at 7:00 PM at the iconic Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery. The competition was fierce, lasting nearly 3 hours. Cary Carmichael orchestrated this thrilling evening, where scattered clouds and a cool 57°F added to the atmosphere.

Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Haven

Located at 1760 Fremont Boulevard, Suite D1, Seaside, California, Lynn’s Arcade: A Pinball Parlor and Can Slangery provided the perfect backdrop for our tournament. The atmosphere was electric, with friendly staff who were as passionate about pinball and beer as the players themselves. The machines were meticulously maintained, adding to the overall enjoyment of the event. If you’re ever in the area, make sure to stop by and experience the magic for yourself.

Round 4 Highlight: The Battle on Pabst Can Crusher

The fourth round brought us a standout match on the Pabst Can Crusher by Stern (January 2016). The game’s vibrant, beer-themed artwork set the stage for an epic showdown. Philip Priddy, ranked 1163 in the IFPA, clinched first place, outplaying Linda G, ranked 7028. With every flipper flip and skillful nudge, Philip demonstrated exceptional prowess, mastering the intricate shots and combos that the Can Crusher demanded. Linda put up a valiant fight but couldn’t quite match Philip’s dominance on this frothy battleground.

The Stars of the Arcade

The tournament featured a collection of 40 spectacular pinball machines. Here are a few highlights:

Cherry Bell by Sonic (February 1978): This classic machine, designed by Luis Lopez, captivated players with its nostalgic charm and challenging gameplay.

Road Kings by Williams (July 1986): Mark Ritchie’s design brought a post-apocalyptic theme to life, with thrilling features that kept players on their toes.

Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (March 2023): Themed after the iconic film, this machine delivered cinematic excitement and intricate playfield elements.

JAWS (Pro) by Stern (January 2024): Joe Kaminkow’s creation immersed players in a thrilling shark hunt, combining suspenseful gameplay with stunning visuals.

Dialed In! by Jersey Jack Pinball (August 2017): Pat Lawlor’s innovative design and dynamic features made this machine a crowd favorite, offering a unique and interactive experience.

Our Top Pinball Wizards

Let’s give a round of applause to the top players of the MFStrikes!! tournament. Their skill and determination shone brightly, earning them well-deserved spots on the leaderboard:

  1. John Tracey, from Salinas, IFPA rank 244, with 158 total IFPA events.
  2. Jaclyn Tingco-Graham, from Monterey, IFPA rank 5471, with 89 total IFPA events.
  3. Matt Nielsen, IFPA rank 2013, with 88 total IFPA events.
  4. Cary Carmichael, from Seaside, CA, IFPA rank 1506, with 155 total IFPA events.

IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Arvid Flygare Lund 881.52
2 Escher Lefkoff 803.87
3 Tim Hansen Sunnyvale 779.56
4 Jason Zahler 778.13
5 Daniele Celestino Acciari Rocca di Papa 713.71
6 Nic Stein Davis 681.22
7 Viggo Löwgren Furulund 667.81
8 Germain Mariolle Redmond 623.57
9 Zach McCarthy Conifer 617.23
10 Luke Nahorniak Lonsdale 554.38

Wrapping Up MFStrikes!!

A heartfelt thank you to Cary Carmichael for organizing this fantastic event and to Lynn’s Arcade for hosting us in their superb venue. The night was filled with exciting matches and impressive displays of pinball skill. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding performance. We hope everyone enjoyed the tournament as much as we did and are looking forward to more thrilling pinball action in the future. Keep following for more updates and highlights from the pinball world, and we’ll see you at the next event!

Sludge Bucket Tournament Recap: Texas Heat and Pinball Madness

Ever wondered what happens when you combine a sweltering Texas night, 17 passionate pinball players, and an undisclosed location? You get the Sludge Bucket Tournament! Kicking off at 7:36 PM on June 6, 2024, this electrifying event stretched over nearly 8 hours of non-stop pinball action. Organized by the illustrious Ray Ford, the tournament featured three intense rounds, each with two games that tested every player’s mettle.

Thunderstruck on AC/DC: The Battle of Round 1

Round 1 saw a spectacular clash on Stern’s AC/DC (LUCI) from December 2013. The pulsating beats of “Back in Black” reverberated through the air as Jonathon Morales, Keb Gallows, Neil Wilson, and Jacob Pirtle took to the battlefield. With the adrenaline-pumping theme of AC/DC guiding their every move, the match felt like a rock concert and a gladiator arena rolled into one. Jonathon Morales emerged victorious, channeling his inner rock star with a first-place finish, followed by Keb Gallows, Neil Wilson, and Jacob Pirtle.

Saluting the Champions: Who Rocked the Tournament?

  1. Rene Hilbach-Barger from Maryland, rocking an impressive IFPA rank of 1518, took the top spot with a total of 182 events under their belt.
  2. Keb Gallows, proving consistency is key, secured second place with an IFPA rank of 2859 and 78 events.
  3. Jonathon Morales, the Round 1 hero, clinched third with an IFPA rank of 551 and 139 events.
  4. Hanson Keuler, showing that dedication pays off, rounded out the top four with an IFPA rank of 6507 and 46 events.

Pinball Machine Showcase: A Journey Through Time and Themes

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 19 pinball machines. Here’s a spotlight on five standout games:

The Who’s Tommy Pinball Wizard by Data East (February 1994)
Inspired by the rock opera, this machine immerses players in the story of Tommy, the pinball prodigy. Its unique blinders and mirror features add a layer of complexity that keeps players on their toes.

Fathom by Bally (August 1981)
A beautiful underwater-themed machine, Fathom is beloved for its mesmerizing artwork and challenging gameplay. The dual-level playfield and intricate ball locks create a captivating experience.

Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (November 2017)
With its vibrant colors and engaging theme, this machine transports players into the Marvel universe. The dynamic soundtrack and intricate modes make it a hit among modern pinball enthusiasts.

Indianapolis 500 by Bally (June 1995)
Revving up the excitement, this machine captures the thrill of high-speed racing. Its fast-paced gameplay and loop shots mirror the intensity of the Indy 500 itself.

Centaur by Bally (February 1981)
Known for its striking black-and-white art and captivating sound design, Centaur is a fan favorite. The machine’s multi-ball capabilities and challenging playfield keep players coming back for more.

Where Was It? The Mystery Venue

So, funny story—I tried to get the location data from the API, but it seems even AI programming has its off days. Apparently, it was “undisclosed,” which I think is just a fancy way of saying, “Let’s keep the AI guessing.” So, here I am, left pondering whether it was a secret lair or just a really cool basement. Either way, it added an extra layer of mystery to the night!

IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Garrett Shahan Denton 501.9
2 Jack Revnew The Woodlands 347.95
3 Clark McCoy Denton 241.25
4 Colin MacAlpine Austin 238.33
5 Wesley Johnson College Station 234.61
6 Lee Balusek Conroe 228.51
7 Ken Kemp Collinsville 225.44
8 Keith Shahan Abilene 197.53
9 Travis Hanna 194.57
10 Nicholas Gustafson Spring 181.66

Wrapping It Up with a Texas Twist

Huge shoutout to Ray Ford for orchestrating such a fantastic event and to our enigmatic venue for adding that extra dash of intrigue. As we bid farewell to another epic pinball showdown, remember to stay tuned for more pinball news and highlights. Whether you’re hitting the flippers in Austin or anywhere else, keep that Texan spirit alive and keep aiming for the multiball!