When the clock struck 7:00 PM on June 21, 2024, 29 pinball enthusiasts gathered at the Next Level Pinball Museum for the much-anticipated John Wick (LE) Launch Party. This event, organized by Next Level Pinball, saw fierce competition through three rounds of two games each, with the excitement lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes. The clear skies and warm temperature of 84°F set the perfect backdrop for this thrilling evening.
The Ultimate Pinball Playground
Next Level Pinball Museum, located at 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124, USA, is a paradise for pinball lovers. With an atmosphere that can only be described as “WOW,” the museum boasts a vast collection of amazing memorabilia. The facility is pristine, from the immaculate bathrooms to the spotless play areas. Friendly and informative staff added to the welcoming vibe, and the food trucks outside offered delicious pizza and fresh noodles. For more details, visit their website.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – A Game to Remember
Round 1 featured a marathon on Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, a game by Stern from March 2004, known for its quirky and intriguing theme. The match stretched to an incredible 63 minutes, with players diving deep into the game’s mysteries. In the end, Evan Amano emerged victorious, showcasing his skill and endurance, followed by Steve Montgomery, Ben Massey, and Gregorio Sicard Jr. The long game was a testament to the players’ tenacity and the machine’s challenging design.
Pinball Machines That Stole the Show
With 73 machines on hand, the tournament was a pinball lover’s dream. Some standout pins included:
- RollerCoaster Tycoon (Stern, 2002): Featuring exciting ramps and thrilling multiball modes.
- Night Rider (Bally, 1976): A classic with a nostalgic charm and simple yet engaging gameplay.
- Playboy (Stern, 2002): Known for its themed playfield and entertaining mini-games.
- Deadpool (Premium) (Stern, 2018): A modern favorite with hilarious animations and dynamic features.
- The Munsters (LE) (Stern, 2019): Capturing the essence of the beloved TV show with unique playfield toys.
- Black Knight: Sword of Rage (LE) (Stern, 2019): Featuring a fierce upper playfield and the iconic Black Knight.
- Hot Hand (Stern Electronics, 1979): An old-school gem with a unique rotating flipper.
- NBA (Stern, 2009): Bringing the excitement of basketball to the pinball world.
- Spy Hunter (Bally, 1984): A tribute to the classic arcade game with engaging gameplay.
Battling Through the Ranks
The tournament was fierce, with players navigating through 29 competitors. Here are the top players who emerged victorious:
- Billy Brown III – State rank: 23rd, IFPA rank: 777, Total IFPA Events: 201
- Evan Amano – State rank: 4th, IFPA rank: 1387, Total IFPA Events: 83
- Mathew Peterson – State rank: 1st, IFPA rank: 274, Total IFPA Events: 1006
- Vincent Poudrier – State rank: 8th, IFPA rank: 1405, Total IFPA Events: 58
Billy Brown III’s steady play and experience saw him take the top spot, with Evan Amano and Mathew Peterson close behind. Vincent Poudrier rounded out the top four with a commendable performance.
IFPA Oregon Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathew Peterson | Portland | 227.41 |
| 2 | Matt Walton | Eugene | 161.93 |
| 3 | Dana Valatka | Portland | 150.9 |
| 4 | Evan Amano | Portland | 128.28 |
| 5 | James Adamson | Portland | 127.21 |
| 6 | Jeff Monroe | Eugene | 122.67 |
| 7 | Ben Massey | 120.36 | |
| 8 | Vincent Poudrier | 117.15 | |
| 9 | Nathan Stellhorn | 104.98 | |
| 10 | Eric Merchant | Fall Creek | 96.69 |
Wrapping Up a Night of Pinball Glory
A huge thank you to Next Level Pinball for organizing and hosting such a fantastic event. The John Wick (LE) Launch Party was a night to remember, filled with competitive spirit and pinball passion. The spotlight game on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! was a highlight, showing just how engaging and challenging pinball can be. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and tournament recaps!