Pinball wizards gathered at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters on June 14, 2024, for the Belles & Chimes SATX – Spring 2024 #6 tournament. The event featured 14 fierce competitors battling through five intense rounds of two games each. The top four players moved on to the finals, facing off in a single round of three games. With the event starting at 6:30 PM and total rounds lasting over two hours, it was an evening packed with action and excitement.
Coffee Roasters with a Twist
The tournament took place at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters, a unique venue combining the aromatic world of coffee roasting with the vibrant energy of an arcade. Located at 138 West Rhapsody Drive in San Antonio, TX, this roastery offered a variety of roast options. I indulged in an iced mocha and a cold brew—the latter being particularly delightful. The friendly and knowledgeable staff ensured swift service, making the atmosphere as welcoming as it was invigorating. For more about this eclectic spot, visit their website here.
Iron Maiden: A Battle of the Beasts
Round 1’s standout match on Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern brought the mythical and musical themes of the game to life. As Eddie, the band’s iconic mascot, battled his way through time and space, so did the players. Sophie Gronnevik, ranked 5218 in the IFPA, emerged victorious, mastering the complex ramps and multi-ball modes with finesse. Her sister, Tricia Gronnevik, ranked 5676, followed closely, showcasing their familial pinball prowess. Christina Cheeseman from San Antonio, with an IFPA rank of 6074, played a strong game but couldn’t quite surpass the Gronnevik duo. Cole Jimenez, the underdog with a rank of 11417, gave it his all, showing true grit and determination.
Pinball Machines Galore
With 55 machines at their disposal, participants had plenty of opportunities to showcase their skills. Highlights included:
- Led Zeppelin (LE) by Stern (December 2020): This high-energy machine, designed by Steve Ritchie, captures the spirit of the legendary rock band with electrifying gameplay and immersive music. Its fast-paced play and rocking soundtrack had players on the edge of their seats.
- Centaur by Bally (February 1981): A classic from the early ’80s, Centaur’s unique black-and-white artwork by Paul Faris and innovative sound design made it a fan favorite. Its eerie, otherworldly atmosphere provided a unique challenge for players.
- World Cup Soccer by Bally (February 1994): A tribute to the 1994 FIFA World Cup, this game combines fast-paced action with delightful animations, designed by John Popadiuk. Players felt the rush of scoring goals and saving penalties in this beloved machine.
- Champion Pub by Bally (January 1998): Players love stepping into the ring with this boxing-themed machine, featuring artwork by Kevin O’Connor and a playful, interactive design. The game’s physicality and humor made it a standout.
- Star Wars (Pro) by Stern (June 2017): With its epic Star Wars theme and dynamic playfield, this game by Steve Ritchie offers thrilling missions and challenges. Fans of the franchise felt the force with each flipper hit.
- Hot Wheels by American Pinball (June 2020): A recent favorite, Hot Wheels combines the excitement of the iconic toy cars with fast, frenetic pinball action. Its vibrant colors and high-speed gameplay made it a hit among participants.
- Attack from Mars by Bally (January 1995): This beloved game, designed by Brian Eddy, delights with its humorous alien invasion theme and challenging gameplay. The quirky design and engaging playfield kept players coming back for more.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (December 2019): Fans of the hit TV show can’t get enough of this machine, which brings the eerie and adventurous world of Hawkins, Indiana, to life. The game’s immersive playfield and captivating theme drew in both fans and newcomers.
- Funhouse by Williams (November 1990): Rudy, the talking dummy, adds a unique twist to this classic pin, designed by Pat Lawlor, making it a must-play. The interactive elements and challenging play kept players engaged.
And the Winners Are…
The competition was fierce, but in the end, the top players emerged victorious. Tricia Gronnevik clinched first place, her 174 total IFPA events speaking volumes about her experience and dedication. Sophie Gronnevik, with 143 total IFPA events, secured second place, showcasing the Gronnevik family’s pinball dominance. Cole Jimenez, relatively new with 53 total IFPA events, made an impressive showing in third place. Christina Cheeseman, a seasoned player with 157 total IFPA events, proudly represented San Antonio, rounding out the top four.
IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 507.97 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 350.72 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 247.57 |
| 4 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 245 |
| 5 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 238.33 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 228.54 |
| 7 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 225.51 |
| 8 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 203.37 |
| 9 | Travis Hanna | 194.62 | |
| 10 | Ray Ford | Austin | 181.32 |
Wrapping Up
A huge thanks to Christina Cheeseman for organizing such an incredible event and to What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters for providing the perfect backdrop. Congratulations to Tricia Gronnevik for taking home the top prize! Stay tuned for more thrilling pinball updates and stories as we continue to follow the action-packed world of pinball tournaments.