On June 29, 2024, Murphy’s On 21 hosted a thrilling IFPA pinball tournament, drawing 28 passionate players for a night of intense competition. The tournament, organized by Tyler Becker, spanned 7 rounds, each featuring a single game, and lasted a little over four hours. As the sun set, broken clouds hovered in the St. Louis sky, and the temperature felt like a scorching 101°F, making the cool ambiance inside Murphy’s even more inviting.
A Warm Welcome at Murphy’s On 21
In southern St. Louis at 13226 Tesson Ferry Rd, Murphy’s On 21 is more than just a bar; it’s a community hub. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a tight-knit gathering of old friends. The diverse clientele, reasonably priced drinks, and the freedom to bring in your own food—thanks to the conveniently located Domino’s next door—make it a perfect hangout spot. Murphy’s also boasts a stellar collection of pinball machines, all meticulously maintained and ready for action at just 75 cents a play. Murph, the owner, clearly loves pinball, and his passion shines through every aspect of this charming venue.
Game Spotlight: The Thrill of James Bond 007
Round 1 kicked off with a standout game on James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern. This game, released in September 2022, saw top-tier performances from players of various rankings. John Miller from Missouri, ranked 283rd by the IFPA, clinched the top spot, showcasing his skill and strategic prowess. Scott Lee from Pontoon Beach, Illinois, with an IFPA rank of 1426, followed closely in second place. Matt Schuchard, ranked 4608, secured third, while Kenny Wills, from Red Fish Blue Fish and ranked 4615, rounded out the top four. The fierce competition on James Bond 007 set the tone for an exciting tournament.
Pinball Machines That Shined
Among the 16 machines featured in the tournament, several stood out with their unique designs and features:
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (July 2019): This machine immerses players in a dinosaur-filled adventure, with dynamic ramps and a T-Rex that interacts with the ball.
- Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (September 2021): Players battle iconic monsters in this visually stunning game, featuring complex multi-ball modes and impressive playfield toys.
- Star Trek (Pro) by Stern (October 2013): With its fast-paced gameplay and missions based on the beloved franchise, this machine offers a thrilling experience for Trekkies and pinball enthusiasts alike.
- Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (August 2018): Combining humor and action, this game captures the essence of the Merc with a Mouth, complete with witty dialogue and challenging play modes.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (December 2019): Fans of the hit series will love this machine’s immersive gameplay, complete with Demogorgon battles and the iconic Upside Down world.
Celebrating the Champions
The tournament saw some of the best players in Missouri vying for the top spots. Adam McKinnie from Columbia, MO, emerged as the champion, adding another victory to his impressive record of 442 IFPA events. Carleton Plourde from St. Louis, the state’s top-ranked player, secured second place, while Mike Howard, also from St. Louis, finished third. Stephen Chappell rounded out the top four with a commendable performance.
- Adam McKinnie, he, Columbia, MO, State Rank: 4th, Total IFPA Events: 442
- Carleton Plourde, he, St. Louis, MO, State Rank: 1st, Total IFPA Events: 101
- Mike Howard, he, St. Louis, State Rank: 6th, Total IFPA Events: 177
- Stephen Chappell, State Rank: 80th, Total IFPA Events: 216
IFPA Missouri Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carleton Plourde | St. Louis | 229.2 |
| 2 | John Miller MO | St. Louis | 198.96 |
| 3 | Steve Rolsing | St. Louis | 172.26 |
| 4 | Adam McKinnie | Columbia | 94.84 |
| 5 | Brennan Sullivan | St. Louis | 94.26 |
| 6 | Mike Howard | St. Louis | 92.65 |
| 7 | Steve Hill MO | Kansas City | 84.09 |
| 8 | Dan Sexauer | St. Louis | 82.16 |
| 9 | Michael LaFrieda | 74.22 | |
| 10 | Kendell Holder | St. Louis | 64.4 |
Wrapping Up a Memorable Night
The John Wick Launch Party at Murphy’s On 21 was a roaring success, filled with high-energy pinball action and community spirit. A big thank you to Tyler Becker for organizing the event and to Murphy’s On 21 for hosting. Congratulations to Adam McKinnie on his well-deserved victory! Stay tuned for more exciting pinball updates and stories, and don’t forget to keep practicing—your next big win could be just around the corner.