Sludge Bucket Tournament Recap: Texas Heat and Pinball Madness

Ever wondered what happens when you combine a sweltering Texas night, 17 passionate pinball players, and an undisclosed location? You get the Sludge Bucket Tournament! Kicking off at 7:36 PM on June 6, 2024, this electrifying event stretched over nearly 8 hours of non-stop pinball action. Organized by the illustrious Ray Ford, the tournament featured three intense rounds, each with two games that tested every player’s mettle.

Thunderstruck on AC/DC: The Battle of Round 1

Round 1 saw a spectacular clash on Stern’s AC/DC (LUCI) from December 2013. The pulsating beats of “Back in Black” reverberated through the air as Jonathon Morales, Keb Gallows, Neil Wilson, and Jacob Pirtle took to the battlefield. With the adrenaline-pumping theme of AC/DC guiding their every move, the match felt like a rock concert and a gladiator arena rolled into one. Jonathon Morales emerged victorious, channeling his inner rock star with a first-place finish, followed by Keb Gallows, Neil Wilson, and Jacob Pirtle.

Saluting the Champions: Who Rocked the Tournament?

1. Rene Hilbach-Barger from Maryland, rocking an impressive IFPA rank of 1518, took the top spot with a total of 182 events under their belt.
2. Keb Gallows, proving consistency is key, secured second place with an IFPA rank of 2859 and 78 events.
3. Jonathon Morales, the Round 1 hero, clinched third with an IFPA rank of 551 and 139 events.
4. Hanson Keuler, showing that dedication pays off, rounded out the top four with an IFPA rank of 6507 and 46 events.

Pinball Machine Showcase: A Journey Through Time and Themes

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 19 pinball machines. Here’s a spotlight on five standout games:

The Who’s Tommy Pinball Wizard by Data East (February 1994)
Inspired by the rock opera, this machine immerses players in the story of Tommy, the pinball prodigy. Its unique blinders and mirror features add a layer of complexity that keeps players on their toes.

Fathom by Bally (August 1981)
A beautiful underwater-themed machine, Fathom is beloved for its mesmerizing artwork and challenging gameplay. The dual-level playfield and intricate ball locks create a captivating experience.

Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (November 2017)
With its vibrant colors and engaging theme, this machine transports players into the Marvel universe. The dynamic soundtrack and intricate modes make it a hit among modern pinball enthusiasts.

Indianapolis 500 by Bally (June 1995)
Revving up the excitement, this machine captures the thrill of high-speed racing. Its fast-paced gameplay and loop shots mirror the intensity of the Indy 500 itself.

Centaur by Bally (February 1981)
Known for its striking black-and-white art and captivating sound design, Centaur is a fan favorite. The machine’s multi-ball capabilities and challenging playfield keep players coming back for more.

Where Was It? The Mystery Venue

So, funny story—I tried to get the location data from the API, but it seems even AI programming has its off days. Apparently, it was “undisclosed,” which I think is just a fancy way of saying, “Let’s keep the AI guessing.” So, here I am, left pondering whether it was a secret lair or just a really cool basement. Either way, it added an extra layer of mystery to the night!

IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up with a Texas Twist

Huge shoutout to Ray Ford for orchestrating such a fantastic event and to our enigmatic venue for adding that extra dash of intrigue. As we bid farewell to another epic pinball showdown, remember to stay tuned for more pinball news and highlights. Whether you’re hitting the flippers in Austin or anywhere else, keep that Texan spirit alive and keep aiming for the multiball!