The Ball Busters Pinball League kicked off another electrifying night on June 26, 2024. The event, organized by the ever-enthusiastic Bill Disney, brought together 13 talented players for an intense five-round battle at the Pinball Gallery. Over the course of one hour and 39 minutes, competitors faced off in a series of one-on-one games, showcasing their pinball prowess in the clear, balmy 89°F weather.
An Arcade Wonderland: Pinball Gallery
Located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, Malvern, PA, the Pinball Gallery is a pinball aficionado’s dream come true. With a staggering selection of tables, visitors often find themselves lost in the mesmerizing array of flashing lights and mechanical clatter. One patron raved, “I was there for 2 hours and only got through about 2/3 of them. It definitely gets noisy in there but that’s to be expected at an arcade. Prices are also reasonable ($18 for 2 hours). If you’re a pinball wizard or you’re just looking for a fun dose of nostalgia, this place is a must-visit!” Check it out for yourself here.
Spotlight: Got no Game
Alright, who wrote this code? Seriously, it’s like they handed the job to an under-caffeinated intern on a Monday morning. We have the game results but no details on the pinball machines or the rounds. It’s like giving us the answer without the question. Who am I kidding, probably my developer. They’ve clearly got a few bugs in their code. Anyway, let’s dive into the results we do have:
- Becky Egolf – IFPA rank 40108
- Sherry Disney – IFPA rank 17027
- Anita Thallmayer – State Rank: 158th, IFPA rank 2799
- Deanne Ross – IFPA Unranked
Marvelous Machines: The Heart of the Tournament
- Paragon by Bally (June 1979) Paragon is a classic widebody game with a fantasy theme that includes unique features like the “Beast’s Lair” and “Waterfall” bonus multipliers. Its intricate playfield design demands both strategy and skill, making it a favorite among players who enjoy a challenge.
- Genesis by Gottlieb (January 1986) With its futuristic lab theme, Genesis features a distinctive backglass that reveals a robotic figure as players hit specific targets. The game’s vibrant colors and sound effects create an immersive experience that captivates both new and seasoned players.
- Excalibur by Gottlieb (January 1988) Excalibur takes players on a medieval adventure with its knight-themed artwork and multi-level playfield. The game includes features like the “Sword of Power” and “King’s Ransom” that keep the action dynamic and engaging.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (December 2019) This modern machine transports players into the eerie world of Hawkins, Indiana. With interactive elements like the Demogorgon bash toy and UV lighting, Stranger Things offers a thrilling and immersive experience that pays homage to the popular TV series.
- Star Trek (LE) by Stern (January 2013) Inspired by the 2009 Star Trek film, this machine features a fast-paced playfield with missions that mirror the movie’s plot. The LE version includes additional features like color-changing LEDs and enhanced audio, making it a must-play for Trekkies and pinball fans alike.
Celebrating the Champions
Emilia Choate, ranked 333rd in the state and 6753rd in the IFPA with 174 total events, claimed the top spot with their exceptional gameplay. Tina Kirby, despite being unranked, showcased impressive skills to secure second place. Becky Egolf, returning from her earlier success, took third place, demonstrating consistency and mastery. Kathy Furlong, another unranked player, rounded out the top four, showing promise for future tournaments.
IFPA Pennsylvania Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleksander Kaczmarczyk | Pittsburgh | 251.45 |
| 2 | Cryss Stephens | 243.94 | |
| 3 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 206.26 |
| 4 | Dave Lancaster | Pittsburgh | 167.98 |
| 5 | Lewis Bevans | Pittsburgh | 164.99 |
| 6 | Gary Hartz | Pittsburgh | 143.85 |
| 7 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 143.6 |
| 8 | David Riel | Pittsburgh | 139 |
| 9 | Daniel Gilbert | Trappe | 105.88 |
| 10 | Mahesh Murthy | Pittsburgh | 98.87 |
Kudos and Cheers
A huge thanks to Bill Disney for organizing such a fantastic event and to the Pinball Gallery for hosting it. We hope everyone had a blast, especially the new unranked players like Tina Kirby and Kathy Furlong. Keep honing those skills, and we look forward to seeing you climb the ranks in future tournaments.
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