On a slightly cloudy evening in San Jose, pinball enthusiasts gathered for the highly anticipated “MINIBOSS: The MULTIBALL Strikes Back” tournament. Held at the iconic Miniboss arcade, the event featured 20 skilled players battling through four intense rounds to secure a spot in the finals. With a format designed to challenge even the most seasoned pinball wizards, the tournament promised excitement, strategy, and, of course, epic gameplay. The tournament lasted a little over two hours, rounding off at about two and a half hours of non-stop pinball action.
A Hidden Gem in San Jose: Miniboss
Located at 52 E Santa Clara St, Miniboss is a true haven for gamers. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported back to the golden age of arcade gaming. The bar, strategically placed at the center, offers a fantastic selection of drinks and freshly prepared hot food. Rows of classic arcade games and pinball machines flank either side, with larger rooms behind the bar packed with even more games. The Tetris-themed chill-out area is a perfect spot to unwind between rounds. Despite its sketchy exterior, Miniboss is an arcade lover’s paradise, offering an unforgettable gaming experience. For more details, check out their website.
The Longest Game: Medieval Madness Triumph
Round 1 saw an incredible 90-minute game on Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming. This game, known for its castle-smashing, dragon-slaying adventures, provided a thrilling match. Dustin Goldbarg, with his state rank of 31st and IFPA rank of 230, emerged victorious. He skillfully navigated the game’s challenging ramps, trolls, and multiball modes, securing his win against tough competitors Randy Barrick, Ryan Squires, and Lawrence Aguiar. Dustin’s mastery of the flippers and precise shots truly made him the knight in shining armor of this match.
Pinball Machines That Stole the Show
The tournament featured 12 standout machines, each with unique designs and features. Here are a few highlights:
- Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (2019): Players faced off against dinosaurs, battling to rescue park staff and contain the rampaging beasts.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Premium/LE) by Stern (2020): This machine offered fast-paced action as players joined Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael in their fight against the Foot Clan.
- Deadpool (Premium) by Stern (2018): Known for its humor and vibrant animations, players teamed up with Deadpool to take down various villains.
- Monster Bash (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (2018): This classic featured the Universal Monsters banding together, providing a mix of horror and rock and roll fun.
- Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern (2019): Players faced off against the Black Knight himself, with an interactive upper playfield adding to the challenge.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (2019): This machine immersed players in the eerie world of Hawkins, Indiana, battling the Demogorgon and exploring the Upside Down.
Conquering the Competition: Tournament Winners
With 20 participants vying for the top spot, the competition was fierce. After four rounds of intense gameplay, only the best advanced to the finals. Here are the top winners:
- Dustin Goldbarg – Ranked 31st in the state and 230th in the IFPA, Dustin’s extensive experience, with 86 IFPA events under his belt, shone through as he clinched first place with remarkable skill and precision.
- Randy Barrick – A relative newcomer with just six IFPA events, Randy’s impressive performance earned them the second spot, showcasing their potential despite a state rank of 520th and an IFPA rank of 8667.
- Lawrence Aguiar – From Redwood City, Lawrence’s consistent performance, supported by his state rank of 142nd and an IFPA rank of 1131, secured him third place in this tough competition.
- Ryan Squires – Although unranked in the IFPA, Ryan demonstrated great potential and determination, earning the final spot in the top four with a commendable effort throughout the rounds.
IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.65 |
| 2 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.98 | |
| 3 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 790.39 |
| 4 | Jason Zahler | 778.3 | |
| 5 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.78 |
| 6 | Nic Stein | Davis | 681.22 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.9 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.59 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.32 |
| 10 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 554.41 |
Wrapping Up a Fantastic Tournament
Congratulations to all the participants and especially to our overall winner, Dustin Goldbarg. A big shout-out to Myriad Pinball for organizing such an incredible event and to Miniboss for being the perfect host. Be sure to follow up on the latest pinball news and stay tuned for more thrilling tournaments. For more information on upcoming events, check out Myriad Pinball’s Facebook page. See you at the next multiball showdown!