The Free Play Denton Pinball Monday event on June 17, 2024, was a night to remember! With 26 players competing in a grueling 5-round format, only the top 8 advanced to the finals. The tournament, lasting almost 3 hours, was a rollercoaster of excitement and skill.
Game On at Free Play Arcade – Denton
Free Play Arcade in Denton, Texas, is a gamer’s paradise. Located at 101 West Hickory Street, this place is packed with an array of classic and modern arcade games. The vibe is perfect for any nerd at heart, with sick music and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you’d want to have in every city. If you’re ever in Denton, make sure to drop by and immerse yourself in the arcade magic.
Wild West Showdown: Semifinals on Cactus Canyon (Remake LE)
The semifinals saw a thrilling showdown on Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming. This game, with its Wild West theme, set the stage for a high-noon duel. Lynn Lyons from Denton, TX, emerged as the top gunslinger, deftly outflipping Steven McMullin, Savannah Archuleta, and Ken Kemp. It was a battle of skill and nerves, with every player trying to hit the jackpots and avoid the outlaws.
Stars of the Show: Pinball Machines That Stole the Spotlight
This tournament featured some stellar pinball machines:
- Centaur by Bally (1981): Known for its unique black-and-white artwork and challenging gameplay.
- Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (2021): A fan favorite with a Wild West theme and engaging modes.
- The Mandalorian (Premium) by Stern (2021): Embark on a journey with Mando and Grogu through immersive missions.
- Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern (2020): Rock out with the iconic band in this high-energy machine.
- Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021): Unleash chaos with the King of Monsters in this action-packed game.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern (2020): Join the Turtles in their fight against the Foot Clan.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern (2023): Dive into the world of the symbiote with fast-paced gameplay.
- John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024): Channel your inner assassin with this intense, action-packed pin.
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern (2020): Assemble your team and battle Thanos in this epic quest.
The Victorious Eight: Celebrating Our Champions
Let’s dive into the top winners of the tournament and celebrate their achievements with a touch of local flavor:
- Greg Gibson from Plano, TX – Hailing from the bustling city of Plano, Greg proved that his pinball skills are as sharp as a Lone Star steak knife, securing the top spot with finesse. IFPA rank 890.
- Mike Archuleta from Corinth, TX – Representing Corinth, Mike showed the precision of a Texan sharpshooter, claiming second place with his steady hands and keen eye. IFPA rank 1500.
- Lynn Lyons from Denton, TX – A local hero from Denton, Lynn dazzled the home crowd, proving that there’s no place like home when it comes to dominating the pinball arena. IFPA rank 1565.
- Steven McMullin from Stephenville, TX – Coming from the Cowboy Capital of the World, Steven wrangled his way into the fourth spot with the tenacity of a rodeo champion. IFPA rank 1354.
- John Richardson from Grand Prairie, TX – With a mix of urban flair and suburban charm, John brought his A-game from Grand Prairie, landing a solid fifth place. IFPA rank 2918.
- Savannah Archuleta from Corinth, TX – Another star from Corinth, Savannah showcased the city’s emerging pinball talent, securing a commendable sixth place. IFPA rank 1592.
- Gabriel McMullin – Gabriel, the dark horse of the tournament, made his mark and left everyone impressed with his determination and skill. IFPA rank 4256.
- Ken Kemp – A seasoned player with a rich history in the pinball community, Ken’s performance was a testament to his enduring passion for the game. IFPA rank 452.
Who’s Who in 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 It Up: A Night to Remember
Congratulations to all the winners, especially Greg Gibson for taking the top spot. A big shout-out to Chris Delp for organizing such a fantastic event and to Free Play Arcade for hosting it. Stay tuned for more pinball action and upcoming events in the world of flippers and bumpers!