Emporium Hi-Scorium June: Pinball Wizardry Unleashed

A Night of Pinball Magic at Emporium Hi-Scorium June

On a crisp June evening, with scattered clouds and a brisk 56°F temperature, the Emporium Hi-Scorium June tournament kicked off at the lively Emporium Arcade Bar in San Francisco. This event, organized by Myriad Pinball, brought together 22 of the region’s top pinball wizards for a fierce battle of skill and strategy. Over the course of four intense rounds, each consisting of a single game, competitors vied for a coveted spot in the finals. The top four players advanced to a final round of three games, where the ultimate champion was crowned.

Stepping into the Emporium Arcade: A Gamer’s Paradise

The Emporium Arcade Bar, located at 616 Divisadero St, is a pinball paradise. With its eclectic mix of arcade games, pool tables, and air hockey, this multi-level venue offers a perfect backdrop for pinball enthusiasts. The big screens flash nostalgic and modern gaming classics, while patrons enjoy a drink from the well-stocked bar (though a heads-up: the Google drinks list is a bit outdated). Whether you’re here for the games or the atmosphere, the Emporium Arcade Bar never disappoints.

Godzilla’s Rampage: The Marathon Match of Round 1

Round 1 of the tournament featured a legendary showdown on Stern’s Godzilla (Pro), released in September 2021. This game, known for its immersive theme and complex playfield, saw players battling for supremacy amidst the chaos of a virtual kaiju attack. The longest game of the tournament, an epic 68-minute marathon, took place here. Lawrence Aguiar from Redwood City emerged victorious, skillfully navigating Godzilla’s wrath to score big and secure his spot in the finals. His triumph was a testament to his patience and precision, attributes essential for mastering this modern classic.

Machine Madness: Spotlight on the Tournament’s Pinball Lineup

The tournament showcased a stellar lineup of 12 pinball machines, each with its unique charm and challenge.

Spider-Man by Stern (June 2007): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this machine brings the web-slinger’s adventures to life. Fast-paced and featuring iconic villains, it’s a crowd favorite.

Revenge From Mars by Bally (January 1999): A hybrid game that combines pinball with video elements. Designed by George Gomez, it’s a quirky and engaging experience.

Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019): With a theme straight out of the classic film, this Keith Elwin-designed game features dinosaurs and adventure. The T-Rex toy is a standout!

John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024): The latest addition, capturing the intense action of the John Wick movies. It’s all about fast reflexes and strategic shot making.

Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern (March 2023): This music-themed pinball, with art by Jeremy Packer (a.k.a. Zombie Yeti), rocks hard with its energetic playfield and soundtracks.

Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (September 2021): Known for its deep ruleset and impressive toys, this machine, designed by Keith Elwin, is a test of skill and endurance.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern (June 2020): Designed by John Borg, it’s packed with references to the beloved franchise and features fast, fun gameplay.

Metallica (Pro) by Stern (April 2013): Another music-themed masterpiece, designed by John Borg. It’s a loud, adrenaline-pumping tribute to the iconic band.

Star Wars (Pro) by Stern (June 2017): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this machine immerses players in the Star Wars universe with its fast gameplay and familiar characters.

The Grand Finale: Celebrating the Champions

The tournament concluded with a thrilling final round, and the winners were:

1. Lawrence Aguiar from Redwood City (IFPA rank 1120, Total IFPA Events 83) Lawrence Aguiar, hailing from the tech hub of Redwood City, proved his mettle by mastering the complex playfields with the precision of a Silicon Valley engineer. His strategic gameplay and calm under pressure earned him the top spot in this fierce competition.
2. Josh Campoverde from California (IFPA rank 1042, Total IFPA Events 67) Josh Campoverde, a familiar face in the California pinball scene, brought his A-game to the tournament. Known for his analytical approach and quick reflexes, Josh’s performance was a testament to his dedication and passion for the game.
3. Nick Bonardi from San Francisco (IFPA rank 9869, Total IFPA Events 21) Nick Bonardi, maybe not the but a San Francisco Kid, shot energy into his gameplay. Despite his relatively lower IFPA rank, Nick’s love for pinball and his hometown pride shone through, earning him a well-deserved spot on the podium.
4. Conner Silverstein (IFPA rank 4377, Total IFPA Events 24) Conner Silverstein, a rising star in the pinball world, demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience. His journey through the ranks has been impressive, and his performance at the Emporium Hi-Scorium June is just the latest chapter in his burgeoning pinball career.

The Elite: IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up: A Toast to an Epic Tournament

A huge thanks to Myriad Pinball for organizing this fantastic event and to the Emporium Arcade Bar for providing such an electrifying venue. The competition was fierce, and the camaraderie was heartwarming. We hope everyone had a blast and left with memories as vivid as the flashing lights and ringing bells of the machines. The top five spots in the California standings are incredibly close, with Arvid Flygare, Escher Lefkoff, Tim Hansen, Jason Zahler, and Daniele Celestino Acciari promising more thrilling battles ahead. Keep following for more exciting updates from the pinball world!