June 3, 2024, was a night to remember for pinball enthusiasts at Free Play Arlington. The Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday event brought together 39 players, each vying for the top spot in a thrilling series of matches. With overcast skies and a cozy temperature of 77°F, the atmosphere was perfect for some heated competition.
The Battle Begins
As the clock struck 7:00 PM, the games kicked off with players diving into five intense rounds, each round featuring one game. The competition was fierce and after nearly three hours of flipping, nudging, and high scores, the top 8 players emerged to face off in the finals.
Rockin’ Semifinals on Rush
One of the standout moments of the night was the semifinal match on Stern’s Rush (Pro) pinball machine. This game, inspired by the legendary rock band Rush, set the stage for an epic showdown. The players’ intense focus mirrored the frenetic energy of Rush’s music, with every flip and bumper hit echoing the band’s iconic rhythms. Garrett Shahan, IFPA rank 105, played like a maestro, hitting all the right notes to secure first place in this crucial game. Keith Shahan, from Abilene, Texas, and Nathan McMullin from Texas followed closely, but it was Garrett who truly rocked the scoreboard.
And the Winners Are…
After all the dust settled, the tournament champions stood proudly at the top. Here’s a shout-out to the winners:
- Jack Revnew – IFPA rank 86
- Nathan McMullin – IFPA rank 3675
- Chuck Hill – IFPA rank 24786
- Rick Miller – IFPA rank 412
Each player brought their unique flair to the tournament, and their final placements reflect their dedication and skill in the pinball arena.
Marvelous Machines
The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 24 different pinball machines, each with its unique charm. Highlights included:
- Rush (Pro) by Stern: Released in January 2022, this previously mentioned machine pays homage to the legendary band Rush, with intricate playfield designs and challenging gameplay.
- Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: With its cosmic theme and vibrant artwork, this November 2017 release transports players into the universe of Star-Lord and his crew.
- Rollergames by Williams: A retro gem from June 1990, combining fast-paced pinball action with the excitement of roller derby.
- Godzilla (Pro) by Stern: Released in September 2021, this machine brings the King of Monsters to life with thrilling multi-ball modes and epic battles.
- JAWS (Pro) by Stern: The latest addition from January 2024, offering a jaw-dropping experience with a terrifyingly good theme.
- Deadpool (Pro) by Stern: Launched in August 2018, this machine captures the irreverent humor and action-packed adventures of the merc with a mouth.
- Metallica (Pro) by Stern: Rock out with this April 2013 release featuring music and imagery from the iconic metal band.
- Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) by Stern: From March 2019, this game challenges players with medieval-themed gameplay and the infamous Black Knight.
- James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern: A September 2022 release, letting players step into the shoes of the world’s most famous spy.
A Retro Haven
Free Play Arcade – Arlington provided the perfect backdrop for the tournament. Located at 400 East South Street, Arlington, TX, this arcade is a nostalgic paradise. With a fantastic selection of retro games, delicious food, and refreshing beverages, it’s a haven for gamers. The $11.99 all-day pass offers unbeatable value, and the no-minors policy after 9 PM ensures a mature, fun-filled environment.
Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a look at the current top players in Texas:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 501.9 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 347.95 |
| 3 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 241.25 |
| 4 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 238.33 |
| 5 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 234.61 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 228.51 |
| 7 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 225.44 |
| 8 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 197.53 |
| 9 | Travis Hanna | 194.57 | |
| 10 | Nicholas Gustafson | Spring | 181.66 |
Wrapping Up
A huge thank you to Chris Delp for organizing this fantastic event and to Free Play Arcade for hosting us in their incredible venue. Congratulations to Jack Revnew for taking the top spot and to all the players who participated and made this tournament a memorable one. Stay tuned for more pinball action and stories from the Bride of Pinbot!