Last weekend, the pinball world buzzed with excitement as the finals for the Stern Army – John Wick Launch Party took place at Louie’s Tap House in Roscoe, Illinois. With overcast clouds and a mild temperature of 70°F, the weather set a perfect scene for this heated competition. The tournament, organized by the dedicated Tom Menge, saw participants battling it out over a span of 6 hours and 30 minutes. For more details, check out their Facebook event page.
Louie’s Tap House: A Perfect Pinball Venue
Louie’s Tap House, located at 5689 Elevator Rd, Roscoe, IL, offers an excellent setting for a pinball tournament. Known for its spacious layout and relaxed atmosphere, this establishment is a favorite among locals. According to one enthusiastic reviewer, “We stopped here a few days ago to have lunch. It was not very busy and the establishment is quite large. The amount of food we received meant we had to bring home leftovers. We left incredibly full and satisfied. We very much enjoyed the food, the friendliness of the staff, and the atmosphere, which was pretty chill. We will definitely be back!” With such a glowing review, it’s no wonder Louie’s Tap House is a top choice for pinball events. Check out their website for more information.
A Marathon on John Wick
The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the marathon match on the newly released John Wick (Premium) by Stern, which lasted an incredible 67 minutes in Round 1. The players’ performances were as intense as the game itself:
- David Slaymaker took the first place with a state rank of 15th and an IFPA rank of 1938, showcasing his high skill level and strategic gameplay.
- Glenn Stickels, hailing from Machesney Park, secured second place. Glenn, with a state rank of 124th and an IFPA rank of 8534, displayed remarkable resilience and tactics throughout the game.
- Todd Eccles, ranked 177th in the state and 4826th in the IFPA, clinched third place with his consistent and calculated play.
- David Hoskins from Illinois, with a state rank of 49th and an IFPA rank of 4639, rounded out the top four with a strong and commendable effort.
Pinball Machines That Rocked the Tournament
The tournament featured three stellar pinball machines, each bringing its own flair and challenges:
- Big Game by Stern Electronics (March 1980): Designed by Harry Williams, this classic pinball machine boasts a jungle theme and vibrant artwork by Doug Watson. Its multi-ball feature and challenging gameplay kept participants on their toes.
- Strikes and Spares by Bally (June 1978): With a design by Jim Patla and artwork by Dave Christensen, this machine’s bowling theme and engaging playfield made it a hit among players. Its straightforward yet captivating mechanics are a testament to the golden age of pinball.
- John Wick (Premium) by Stern (May 2024): The star of the tournament, this latest release from Stern, captivated everyone with its fast-paced action and intricate playfield. Themed around the popular John Wick film series, its cutting-edge technology and design by Keith Elwin pushed players to their limits.
Hats Off to the Champions
The final game, once again on John Wick (Premium), saw fierce competition and skillful maneuvers. A hearty congratulations to the winners:
- David Slaymaker: With 72 total IFPA events under his belt, David’s victory is well-deserved and a testament to his expertise.
- Glenn Stickels: With 20 IFPA events, Glenn’s impressive second place shows a promising future in the pinball community.
- Todd Eccles: Having participated in 58 IFPA events, Todd’s third-place finish reflects his consistent dedication to the sport.
- David Hoskins: With 28 IFPA events, David’s strong finish highlights his significant contribution to the tournament.
IFPA Illinois Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andy Bagwell | Elgin | 199.24 |
| 2 | Andrew Wilkening | Chicago | 177.99 |
| 3 | Chuck Sanderson | 149.97 | |
| 4 | Mike Pantoliano | Seattle | 118.61 |
| 5 | Tyler Hund | 111.27 | |
| 6 | Kevin Kolodziej | Arlington Heights | 97.66 |
| 7 | Jane Verwys | Chicago | 95.78 |
| 8 | Logan Henderson | Downers Grove | 93.15 |
| 9 | Bob Twichell | Oaklawn | 92.73 |
| 10 | Maurice Smith II | Lansing | 85.28 |
Wrapping Up the Excitement
A big thank you to Tom Menge for organizing such a fantastic event and to Louie’s Tap House for hosting us in their wonderful venue. Congratulations once again to the tournament winners. We look forward to more thrilling pinball updates and stories in the future! Stay tuned, pinball wizards!