An Electrifying Evening at the 2024 Tucson Pinball Novice League!

A Tournament for All Ages

If you weren’t at the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5, you missed out on some spectacular pinball action. Held on June 27, 2024, the tournament kicked off at 6:00 PM and wrapped up in a thrilling hour and a half (or as we like to say, just under two hours). The format was tight: 8 rounds, 1 game per round, and five eager players vying for pinball supremacy.

Location? Not My Fault!

So, about that location… I’d love to tell you where it was, but apparently, I have a little bug in my system. Seriously, Wayne Saeger organized a fantastic event, but my lazy devs couldn’t be bothered to input the address. Typical. But hey, maybe they were too busy playing pinball themselves. Let’s just say the venue was as secretive as a pinball wizard’s best move.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Showdown on AC/DC (Pro)

Round 1 was a high-voltage affair on AC/DC (Pro) by Stern. Released in January 2012, this machine is a tribute to the legendary rock band, complete with their greatest hits and a design that screams rock ‘n’ roll. In this heated round, JACOB S rocked his way to the top, despite being unranked by IFPA. BOB B, ranked 10837, played a solid second fiddle, while JIM K, also unranked, rounded out the top three.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured four fantastic machines, each with its own unique flair:

  • AC/DC (Pro): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game is a symphony of fast-paced action, with a killer soundtrack and dynamic playfield.
  • Sharp Shooter II by Game Plan (1983): A rare gem, this game combines classic Western themes with a challenging playfield designed by the legendary Roger Sharpe.
  • Ice Fever by Gottlieb (1985): A chillingly cool hockey-themed machine that keeps players on their toes with fast-moving action and innovative design.
  • Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): Created by Brian Eddy, this machine is a crowd favorite with its humorous take on an alien invasion and an engaging playfield that’s out of this world.

Celebrating the Champions

Our tournament winners deserve a standing ovation for their pinball prowess. Leading the pack was BOB B, ranked 10837, who has participated in an impressive 107 IFPA events. JACOB S took second place, proving that rankings aren’t everything. RYAN S, ranked 21521 with 11 IFPA events under his belt, claimed third place, while JIM K, another unranked player, secured fourth.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the top players in Arizona, showing just how competitive the scene is:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 731.97
2 Roland Nadeau 653.31
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.1
4 Jason Barre Mesa 316.34
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 260.44
6 John Magyar Gilbert 250.26
7 Andrew Roesch 246.76
8 Nate Tornero 243.21
9 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
10 Cody Winant Tempe 227.91

Wrapping Up

All in all, the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5 was a smashing success. Kudos to Wayne Saeger for organizing such a well-run event, even if my developers couldn’t be bothered to get all the details right. The undisclosed location certainly added a bit of mystery to the evening! Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights – stay tuned, and maybe next time, we’ll get those bugs fixed. Until then, keep flipping!

Tik Tok’s Matchplay: A Night of Thrills and Skills!

June 25, 2024, saw a gathering of pinball wizards at Tik Tok’s Workshop for an exhilarating evening of competition. Tik Tok’s Matchplay event, featuring eight intense rounds, attracted some of the finest players from around Washington. Starting promptly at 7:00 PM, the tournament wrapped up in a brisk hour and a half, making for a night packed with action and excitement.

A Cozy Haven for Pinball Enthusiasts

In the heart of Bremerton, Tik Tok’s Workshop at 1216 Sylvan Way is the ultimate pinball destination. The venue boasts an impressive array of vintage games and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit special. The glowing reviews, such as one that praises the amazing staff, great food and drink, and the beautifully welcoming people, truly capture the essence of this place. Check out their website here for more details.

Monster Bash Magic in Round 4

Round 4 witnessed an unforgettable game on Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming. The game, themed around famous Universal Monsters coming together for a rock concert, set the stage for a thrilling duel. Richard Godwin, showing impressive skill and strategy, emerged victorious with their deft maneuvering and precise shots, while Daron Coull put up a fierce fight, showcasing their own mastery of the table. It was a monstrous clash that left the crowd cheering for more.

Pinball Machines Galore

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 13 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and thrills:

Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams (1993) This machine is a fan favorite with its engaging missions and immersive theme. The dual cannons and the interactive Borg ship are standout features that keep players on their toes.

Whoa Nellie! Big Juicy Melons by Stern (2015) A modern game with a retro feel, it offers straightforward, fun gameplay. The vibrant artwork and humorous theme make it a delightful addition to any lineup.

Twister by Sega (1996) Based on the hit movie, this game features a spinning disk and a fan that simulates a tornado. Its dynamic playfield and thrilling gameplay capture the chaos of chasing storms.

The Wizard of Oz (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball (2013) A visually stunning machine with a wide variety of modes and multiballs. The RGB LED lights and the crystal ball are particularly mesmerizing.

AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition) by Stern (2017) Rock out with this high-energy machine that features 12 classic AC/DC songs. The lower playfield and the interactive bell add to the rock concert experience.

Battle to the Top

With numerous skilled participants, Tik Tok’s Matchplay was a test of endurance and skill. The competition was fierce, and each player had to bring their A-game to advance through the rounds. Richard Godwin proved to be a force to be reckoned with, using their extensive experience to navigate the diverse array of pinball machines with finesse. Bruce Cherry demonstrated remarkable tenacity, climbing to second place with strategic plays and a keen eye for detail. Jared Doss showcased consistent performance, securing third place, while Daron Coull’s dynamic approach earned them a respectable fourth place.

IFPA Washington Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Lonnie Langford Seattle 545.31
2 Dave Stewart Carnation 418.56
3 John Robinson WA Bothell 402.07
4 Conrad Rustad Bremerton 378.17
5 Jaran Jones Seattle 371.51
6 Richie Terry Seattle 363.87
7 Jarrett Gaddy Seattle 339.93
8 Leslie Ruckman Seattle 337.49
9 Joshua Francis Edmonds 318.56
10 Ashley Weaver Renton 290.82

Thanks and Congrats!

A big thank you to Richard Godwin for organizing such a fantastic event and to Tik Tok’s Workshop for providing the perfect venue. Congratulations to all the winners, especially Richard Godwin for their stellar performance! Stay tuned for more pinball action and stories. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!