It’s that time again, pinball aficionados! The Space City Pinball: Belles Final 4 took place on a sweltering June evening, and it was a battle for the ages. Hosted at the mysterious and ever-enigmatic venue, Jim & Stephanie’s, this tournament brought out the best in our local pinball talent. With clear skies and a blistering 94°F that felt more like 104°F, the competition was heated in more ways than one.
The Shaking Grounds of Earthshaker
The highlight of Round 1 was undoubtedly the thrilling match on Earthshaker, the classic Williams game from February 1989. Imagine the ground trembling beneath your feet as the players navigated through this seismic showdown. Maritza Chirichigno, our underdog from Houston, ranked 8986 in the IFPA, emerged victorious with a performance that shook the competition to its core. Stephanie Mueller, ranked 7125, held her ground but couldn’t withstand the tremors created by Maritza’s stellar play. Sailor Palis, unranked but determined, and Erin Simper, ranked 5310, both gave valiant efforts but were ultimately left in the aftershocks of Maritza’s victory.
Celebrating the Champions
The tournament concluded with our top four players taking their well-deserved places on the podium. Here’s a salute to their incredible skills and sportsmanship:
- Maritza Chirichigno from Houston, TX, IFPA rank 8986, with 105 total IFPA events.
- Stephanie Mueller, IFPA rank 7125, with 63 total IFPA events.
- Erin Simper from Richmond, TX, IFPA rank 5310, with 254 total IFPA events.
- Sailor Palis, IFPA unranked, participating in their very first IFPA event.
A Glimpse at the Pinball Machines
The tournament featured 14 pins that brought thrills and spills to every round. Here’s a look at some of the standout machines:
- Harlem Globetrotters On Tour by Bally (August 1978): Designed by Greg Kmiec with artwork by Kevin O’Connor, this game brought the flair and excitement of the famous basketball team to life.
- AC/DC (Pro) by Stern (January 2012): With music by the legendary band and designed by Steve Ritchie, this machine rocked the house.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (April 2018): A newer addition designed by Keith Elwin, it captivated players with its fast-paced action and intricate playfield.
- Earthshaker by Williams (February 1989): Designed by Pat Lawlor, this game’s unique theme and shaking playfield made it a memorable challenge.
The Secretive Venue
While MatchPlay software failed to disclose the exact location of Jim & Stephanie’s, we respect their wish to remain shrouded in mystery. What we do know is that it provided a perfect backdrop for an intense and exciting tournament.
Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a look at the current top players in the Texas pinball scene:
| 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 the Fun
A big thank you to the Space City Pinball and Jim & Stephanie for hosting such a fantastic event. We hope everyone had an incredible time, especially the new faces like Sailor Palis, who made their IFPA debut. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!