Tournament Overview
The Queen of the Silver Ball Day 4 tournament kicked off on June 25, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Free Play Arlington. The event featured a thrilling format with 12 players competing across 5 rounds, with each round consisting of a single game. The top 4 players advanced to the finals for a final showdown. The entire tournament lasted approximately 2 hours, rounding up the excitement to 9:00 PM. Organized by Chris Delp, the tournament provided an intense yet entertaining evening for pinball enthusiasts.
A Night at Free Play Arlington
Free Play Arlington, located at 400 East South Street, Arlington, TX 76010, served as the perfect backdrop for the tournament. Known for its nostalgic charm, Free Play Arcade offers a plethora of classic and modern arcade games, making it a haven for gamers. One reviewer raved about the variety of games available, mentioning old favorites like Tron and Disks of Tron. The lively atmosphere and the thrill of competing in a classic arcade setting added to the overall excitement of the evening. For more about the venue, visit Free Play Arlington.
Game Spotlight: Rush (Pro) by Stern
The finals of the tournament culminated in an epic match on Rush (Pro) by Stern, a pinball machine released in January 2022. The game’s theme, inspired by the iconic rock band Rush, set the stage for a high-energy clash. Savannah Archuleta from Corinth, TX, clinched first place with a stellar performance, showcasing precision and skill. Jess Kirchmeier from Arlington fought valiantly but settled for second place. Alex Moore, despite being unranked, made an impressive showing to secure third, while Tricia Rodriguez rounded out the top four.
Pinball Machines That Stole the Show
The tournament featured an array of 27 pinball machines, each offering unique designs and features that captivated players. Notable mentions include:
- Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995): Renowned for its engaging UFO attack theme and interactive playfield.
- Monster Bash (Remake) (Chicago Gaming, 2018): Celebrated for bringing classic Universal Monsters back to life with vibrant animations.
- James Bond 007 (Pro) (Stern, 2022): A thrilling journey through the world of 007 with intricate playfield gadgets.
- The Mandalorian (Pro) (Stern, 2021): Transporting players to a galaxy far, far away with dynamic missions and compelling gameplay.
- Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) (Stern, 2019): Featuring an interactive Black Knight and intense multi-level playfield.
- Cyclone (Williams, 1988): A nostalgic carnival-themed pin with a fun and fast-paced playfield.
- Checkpoint (Data East, 1991): Known for its unique auto racing theme and innovative dot matrix display.
- Family Guy (Stern, 2007): Packed with humor and engaging mini-games inspired by the beloved TV show.
- Deadpool (Pro) (Stern, 2018): Combining action and comedy with the irreverent Marvel anti-hero leading the charge.
Congratulations to the Tournament Champions
A hearty congratulations to the champions of the Queen of the Silver Ball Day 4 tournament!
- Savannah Archuleta from Corinth, TX, took the top spot. Ranked 1592nd in the IFPA and 72nd in Texas, Savannah has competed in 158 events, demonstrating remarkable consistency and skill.
- Jess Kirchmeier, hailing from Arlington, secured second place. Jess is ranked 13184th with 19 events under her belt, showing great potential and determination.
- Alex Moore made an impressive debut, landing in third place despite being unranked. This performance marks a promising start for Alex in the competitive pinball scene.
- Tricia Rodriguez, ranked 7433rd in the IFPA and 187th in Texas, rounded out the top four. With 58 events to her name, Tricia’s experience and competitive spirit were evident throughout the tournament.
IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 603.19 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 383.08 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 315.89 |
| 4 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 260.74 |
| 5 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 254.97 |
| 6 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 251.96 |
| 7 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 234.37 |
| 8 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 225.35 |
| 9 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 222 |
| 10 | Ray Ford | Austin | 216.63 |
Closing Thoughts
A big thank you to Chris Delp for organizing such a fantastic event and to Free Play Arlington for providing an excellent venue. We hope everyone had a great time, especially our new unranked players, Alex Moore and all others who joined in the fun. Keep following for more updates from the pinball world, and remember—there’s always another game to play!