An Epic Pinball Showdown at Next Level

On June 7, 2024, the Next Level Pinball Museum hosted an electrifying IFPA pinball tournament: Match Play at Next Level. With 24 players battling it out over three intense rounds, each consisting of two games, the competition was fierce and thrilling. The event kicked off at 7:00 PM under a clear sky, with a pleasant temperature of 83°F. The Tournament lasted around 2 hours and 33 minutes, making for a night full of high-octane pinball action.

Stepping into the Next Level Pinball Museum

Located at 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR, the Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum is a pinball enthusiast’s dream come true. The museum’s atmosphere is nothing short of spectacular, with an impressive array of memorabilia that keeps your head on a swivel. The welcoming and informative staff enhance the experience, ensuring every visitor feels right at home. The immaculate cleanliness of the facility, including the pristine bathrooms, is a testament to their dedication. And if you get hungry, the food trucks outside offer delicious options, including pizza and fresh noodles. It’s truly a WOW experience from start to finish!

Junk Yard Showdown: A Game to Remember

In Round 1, the game that stole the show was Junk Yard by Williams, released in January 1996. This game, with its quirky theme of scavenging and rebuilding, set the stage for an exhilarating match. Bruce Jones, ranked 5678 in the IFPA, showcased his scavenging skills to clinch first place. Caleb Hohlt, an unranked newcomer, surprised everyone by securing second place with his impressive gameplay. Local hero Derek Jennings, ranked 1414, put up a strong fight but had to settle for third place. Khris Bestel, another unranked player, showed great promise despite finishing fourth. The game perfectly mirrored the unpredictability and excitement of a junkyard adventure.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured a whopping 55 different pinball machines, each bringing its unique flair to the event. A few standout pins included:

  • Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Williams (1993): Known for its mist multiball feature and eerie theme, this machine captivated players and spectators alike.
  • Scared Stiff by Bally (1996): With its spine-chilling design and Elvira’s iconic humor, this pin never fails to entertain.
  • Split Second by Stern Electronics (1981): This machine’s fast-paced gameplay and innovative features made it a favorite among the participants.
  • Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (1992): Combining 1950s drive-in movie nostalgia with a fantastic playfield design, this pin was a hit.
  • Terminator 2: Judgment Day by Williams (1991): Featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger’s voice and a thrilling playfield, this machine brought the heat to the competition.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament concluded with some stellar performances. Here’s a rundown of the top winners:

  1. Michael Dorland from Portland, OR, IFPA rank 4883, Total IFPA Events 40: Michael’s skill and consistency earned him the top spot.
  2. Jacob Edwards from OR, IFPA rank 8042, Total IFPA Events 19: Jacob’s impressive gameplay secured him second place.
  3. Noah Sicard, IFPA rank 4702, Total IFPA Events 30: Noah’s strategic plays landed him in third place.
  4. Derek Jennings from Hillsboro, IFPA rank 1414, Total IFPA Events 143: Derek’s local support and experience saw him through to fourth place.

IFPA Oregon Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mathew Peterson Portland 220.35
2 Matt Walton Eugene 161.93
3 Dana Valatka Portland 147.93
4 Evan Amano Portland 127.76
5 James Adamson Portland 124.97
6 Jeff Monroe Eugene 119.18
7 Ben Massey 114.35
8 Vincent Poudrier 107.18
9 Sean Irby Seattle 96.52
10 Scott Benoit Portland 93.14

Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Night

A massive thank you to Next Level Pinball for organizing and hosting such a phenomenal event. Their dedication and passion for pinball are truly inspiring. We hope everyone had an incredible time, especially our newcomers like Caleb Hohlt and Khris Bestel, who showed great promise. Stay tuned for more pinball tournament news and highlights. Don’t miss out on the next exciting chapter in the world of pinball!

Flippin’ Fun at D82: June 7th Tournament Recap

The Battle Begins: D82 Flippin’ Friday

The D82 Flippin’ Friday June 7th Qualify was nothing short of a pinball wizard’s dream. With 17 players vying for the top spot in a 4-round, 2-game-per-round format, the evening was packed with thrilling action and skillful play. The tournament kicked off at 6:00 PM and lasted approximately 2 and a half hours, giving each round a sense of urgency and excitement. Hosted at District 82 Pinball by the ever-dedicated Erik Thoren, the event was set against a backdrop of scattered clouds and a pleasant 72°F temperature—perfect pinball weather.

District 82: The Ultimate Pinball Paradise

Nestled in De Pere, WI, District 82 Pinball Arcade is the go-to sanctuary for pinball enthusiasts. Located at 800 O’Keefe Road, this arcade boasts over 100 impeccably maintained pinball machines, making it a haven for both casual players and serious competitors. Open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays from September to May, District 82 also hosts various tournaments throughout the week. With a flat fee for unlimited play, it’s a fantastic spot for groups and families to enjoy. While soda and water are available, players are welcome to bring their own drinks. Whether you’re there for a private party or just some solo play, District 82 offers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that keeps pinball magic alive.

Mystical Matchup: Round 2 on Mystic

Round 2 of the tournament featured an unforgettable game on Bally’s Mystic, released in August 1979. As the eerie lights and sounds of Mystic enveloped the players, Craig Sengstock emerged victorious, using his precise flipper skills to outmaneuver his opponents. Erik Thoren, the tournament director, gave a stellar performance, but Craig’s mastery of the bumpers and drop targets sealed his first-place finish. Gerald Morrison and Eddie Smith put up a tough fight, showcasing their strategic prowess, but ultimately, Craig’s enchanting gameplay on Mystic was unrivaled.

Pinball Machine Reviews: The Stars of the Show

District 82 featured an impressive lineup of 113 pinball machines. Here’s a closer look at five standout games:

The Six Million Dollar Man by Bally (1977)

This classic machine captures the thrill of the iconic TV show with vibrant artwork and engaging gameplay. Players love the challenging drop targets and the unique six-player capability, making it a hit for group play.

Metallica (Pro LED) by Stern (2014)

Rock out with Metallica! This machine combines the band’s electrifying music with fast-paced pinball action. The intricate playfield features, such as the Snake Jaw and the Fuel Stand-Up Targets, make it a favorite among modern pinball enthusiasts.

Flight 2000 by Stern Electronics (1980)

A journey into space awaits with Flight 2000. This game is renowned for its complex multi-ball play and the mesmerizing sounds of space travel. The futuristic design and intricate ramp system keep players on their toes.

Twilight Zone by Bally (1993)

Step into another dimension with Twilight Zone. This machine is packed with innovative features like the gumball machine, the Powerball, and the Clock. Its deep rule set and engaging theme make it a timeless favorite.

Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams (1993)

Relive the adventures of Indiana Jones with this action-packed game. Featuring memorable scenes from the movies, this machine’s Path of Adventure and Well of Souls add exciting challenges that keep players coming back for more.

Top Pinball Wizards: Celebrating the Winners

The tournament saw fierce competition, but in the end, these players emerged victorious:

  1. Matt McCarty: IFPA rank 199, with 515 events under his belt. Matt’s precision and strategic prowess earned him the top spot.
  2. Craig Sengstock: IFPA rank 1292, with 290 events. Craig’s standout performance in Round 2 helped secure his second-place finish.
  3. Eddie Smith: IFPA rank 1658, with 184 events. Eddie’s consistent play and focus paid off, landing him in third place.
  4. Erik Thoren: IFPA rank 75, with 427 events. The dedicated organizer showed his skills on the machines, rounding out the top four.

Wisconsin’s Finest: IFPA Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the top players in Wisconsin according to the IFPA:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Tom Graf Appleton 587.62
2 Erik Thoren De Pere 461.86
3 Danny Bronny Beverly Shores 435.34
4 Steven Bowden Palatine 434.31
5 Kassidy Milanowski Appleton 408.28
6 Matt McCarty Neenah 373.06
7 Jason Zahler 372.99
8 Eric Strangeway Oshkosh 368.69
9 Mike Weyenberg Manitowoc 322.73
10 Erik Rentmeester Green Bay 321.35

Wrapping Up the Wizardry

Kudos to Erik Thoren and the fantastic team at District 82 for organizing such an exhilarating event. Their dedication to keeping the pinball spirit alive is truly commendable. Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights—stay tuned, and keep flipping those flippers in De Pere, the city that’s truly a pinballer’s paradise!