The Epic Showdown at Space City Pinball: Belles Final 4

It’s that time again, pinball aficionados! The Space City Pinball: Belles Final 4 took place on a sweltering June evening, and it was a battle for the ages. Hosted at the mysterious and ever-enigmatic venue, Jim & Stephanie’s, this tournament brought out the best in our local pinball talent. With clear skies and a blistering 94°F that felt more like 104°F, the competition was heated in more ways than one.

The Shaking Grounds of Earthshaker

The highlight of Round 1 was undoubtedly the thrilling match on Earthshaker, the classic Williams game from February 1989. Imagine the ground trembling beneath your feet as the players navigated through this seismic showdown. Maritza Chirichigno, our underdog from Houston, ranked 8986 in the IFPA, emerged victorious with a performance that shook the competition to its core. Stephanie Mueller, ranked 7125, held her ground but couldn’t withstand the tremors created by Maritza’s stellar play. Sailor Palis, unranked but determined, and Erin Simper, ranked 5310, both gave valiant efforts but were ultimately left in the aftershocks of Maritza’s victory.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament concluded with our top four players taking their well-deserved places on the podium. Here’s a salute to their incredible skills and sportsmanship:

  1. Maritza Chirichigno from Houston, TX, IFPA rank 8986, with 105 total IFPA events.
  2. Stephanie Mueller, IFPA rank 7125, with 63 total IFPA events.
  3. Erin Simper from Richmond, TX, IFPA rank 5310, with 254 total IFPA events.
  4. Sailor Palis, IFPA unranked, participating in their very first IFPA event.

A Glimpse at the Pinball Machines

The tournament featured 14 pins that brought thrills and spills to every round. Here’s a look at some of the standout machines:

  • Harlem Globetrotters On Tour by Bally (August 1978): Designed by Greg Kmiec with artwork by Kevin O’Connor, this game brought the flair and excitement of the famous basketball team to life.
  • AC/DC (Pro) by Stern (January 2012): With music by the legendary band and designed by Steve Ritchie, this machine rocked the house.
  • Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (April 2018): A newer addition designed by Keith Elwin, it captivated players with its fast-paced action and intricate playfield.
  • Earthshaker by Williams (February 1989): Designed by Pat Lawlor, this game’s unique theme and shaking playfield made it a memorable challenge.

The Secretive Venue

While MatchPlay software failed to disclose the exact location of Jim & Stephanie’s, we respect their wish to remain shrouded in mystery. What we do know is that it provided a perfect backdrop for an intense and exciting tournament.

Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the current top players in the Texas pinball scene:

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 Up the Fun

A big thank you to the Space City Pinball and Jim & Stephanie for hosting such a fantastic event. We hope everyone had an incredible time, especially the new faces like Sailor Palis, who made their IFPA debut. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!

Starfighters Monthly: A Fiery Showdown in Mesa

The Battle Begins: A Fiery Kickoff

The latest IFPA pinball tournament, Starfighters Monthly, was a sizzling spectacle, drawing 59 players to the vibrant Starfighters Arcade. With the clear skies and a scorching temperature of 103°F, the heat was on, both inside and outside the arcade. As the tournament kicked off on June 8, 2024, at 1:00 PM, the excitement was palpable. With 8 intense rounds and taking roughly 4 hours players had to stay sharp and hydrated to endure the heat and competition.

Avengers Assemble: Round 5 Spotlight

The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly Round 5, where players clashed on Stern’s Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) from October 2020. Just like the Avengers uniting against Thanos, the competitors brought their A-game, battling for supremacy.

Andy Olson emerged victorious, channeling his inner Iron Man with strategic precision. Robert Kennedy, resembling Captain America’s resilience, secured second place. Matthew Roth, with a Spider-Man-like agility, clinched third, while Christy Kohtz, as tenacious as Black Widow, rounded out the top four.

Kudos to the Champions

A huge congratulations to the top players who emerged victorious in this heated battle:

  1. Paul Blanco – IFPA rank 285, an impressive 251 total IFPA events. Paul’s skill and consistency shone brightly in this competition.
  2. Jeffrey Goad – IFPA rank 1758, with 190 total IFPA events. Jeffrey showcased determination and strategy, securing his spot among the top.
  3. Nate Tornero – IFPA rank 599, hailing from Chandler, Arizona, with 47 total IFPA events. Nate’s performance was a testament to his growing prowess in the pinball community.
  4. John Shopple – IFPA rank 88, a seasoned player with 404 total IFPA events and currently ranked 3rd in Arizona. John’s expertise and ranking position him as a formidable player in any tournament.

These champions showcased exceptional skill and determination, making their mark in the pinball community.

Marvelous Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 53 pinball machines. Here are a few standout stars:

  • Heavy Metal by Stern (June 2020): This machine brings the legendary magazine to life with intense graphics and heavy rock soundtrack.
  • Barracora by Williams (January 1981): A classic with mesmerizing light shows and a challenging layout that keeps players on their toes.
  • Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (April 2018): Featuring the iconic band’s music and intricate artwork, this machine offers fast-paced gameplay and deep rules.
  • Star Wars (Premium) by Stern (August 2017): Dive into the Star Wars universe with interactive features, dazzling lights, and the thrill of the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the Empire.
  • Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern (March 2023): Rock out with the Foo Fighters as you navigate through high-energy playfields and multi-ball madness.

The Heart of the Action: Starfighters Arcade

Located at 4840 E Jasmine St #102, Mesa, AZ, Starfighters Arcade is a haven for pinball and arcade enthusiasts. This vibrant venue channels the nostalgic spirit of the classic “Starfighter” arcade game, inviting visitors with the call to adventure: “Greetings, Starfighter. You have been recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier against Xur and the Ko-Dan Armada.” The atmosphere is electric, filled with laughter and the clinking sounds of pinball machines. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, Starfighters Arcade offers a journey back to the golden age of gaming with a stellar collection of old arcade games and awesome pinball machines. Visit their website at Starfighters Arcade for more information.

Arizona’s Pinball Titans

Here’s a look at the current top 10 standings in the Arizona pinball scene:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 703.09
2 Roland Nadeau 635.53
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.08
4 Jason Barre Mesa 314.75
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 249.69
6 John Magyar Gilbert 242.31
7 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
8 Andrew Roesch 232.84
9 Cody Winant Tempe 226.54
10 Walt Wood Englewood 222.36

Wrapping Up the Action

A heartfelt thanks to organizer Kevin Curtis and the wonderful venue, Starfighters Arcade, for hosting this electrifying tournament. Your efforts and dedication have made this event a grand success. A special shout-out to everyone who came out to play, braving the heat and giving their all on the pinball machines.

Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps as we continue to explore the thrilling world of competitive pinball. See you at the next tournament!