Ah, the thrill of the flippers, the clang of the bumpers, and the steady hum of competition. The Aero Club / Dyno Bar Monthly for June 2024 was a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer pinball wizardry. This Group Knockout Tournament featured 27 fierce competitors duking it out in 10 intense rounds. Each player had to dodge five strikes to stay in the game, thanks to the Fair Strikes system. With overcast skies and a cool 64°F temperature, it was the perfect evening for some high-stakes pinball action.
The Venue: Dyno Bar – A Hidden Gem
Found in the vibrant neighborhood of Little Italy in San Diego, Dyno Bar proved to be an impeccable host for this month’s tournament. Located at 3367 India Street, this location exudes a welcoming atmosphere with its clean space, excellent staff, and a collection of fun games. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Dyno Bar offers a slice of pinball paradise that beckons enthusiasts from all corners. For more details, check out their website.
Bond, James Bond: Round 3 Showdown
Round 3 brought the heat with an epic showdown on Stern’s James Bond 007 (Pro) from September 2022. The iconic spy’s gadgets and villains came to life under the skilled hands of our players. Mark Brown, ranked 1800 by the IFPA, navigated the secret agent’s world with finesse, securing first place. Kenny Pulliam, from the 92103 area with an IFPA rank of 8009, followed closely in second. Mark Maleko Schulz, a local favorite from San Diego ranked 455, clinched third, while Naoko Neikirk, with a respectable rank of 3858, rounded out the group in fourth. It was a match worthy of 007 himself.
Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show
The tournament showcased a dazzling array of 11 pinball machines, each with its own unique charm and challenges:
- Jurassic Park (Pro): Released by Stern in July 2019, this game had players dodging dinosaurs and rescuing stranded park workers. The T-Rex feeding frenzy mode was a crowd favorite.
- John Wick (Pro): This May 2024 release by Stern captured the relentless action of the films, with features like the “Continental Hotel Multiball” that had players on the edge of their seats.
- JAWS (Pro): Stern’s January 2024 release took players deep into the waters of Amity Island, where they had to fend off the great white shark in thrilling game modes.
- Godzilla (Pro): Since its release in September 2021, Stern’s Godzilla has been a smashing hit. Players loved the city-destroying chaos and the battle against other kaijus.
- Guardians of the Galaxy: Released in November 2017, this machine brought the beloved Marvel characters to life, with memorable modes like “Save Xandar” and “Cherry Bomb Multiball.”
- Deadpool (Pro): Stern’s August 2018 release had players laughing and battling their way through Deadpool’s quirky universe, complete with hilarious callouts and unique gameplay.
- James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE): The October 2022 release was a sleek, limited edition machine celebrating six decades of Bond, packed with iconic moments and thrilling missions.
- Stranger Things (Pro): Since December 2019, this Stern machine has taken players to the Upside Down, fighting Demogorgons and unlocking Eleven’s telekinetic powers.
- 24: This February 2009 release by Stern is based on the hit TV series, challenging players to stop terrorist threats and save the day.
Hail the Victors!
Hats off to the top players of the Aero Club / Dyno Bar Monthly – June 2024! Their stellar performances and strategic plays earned them well-deserved spots on the podium.
- Tom Isaak (IFPA rank 180) – An impressive display of skill and consistency throughout the event.
- Mark Maleko Schulz (IFPA rank 455) – A local hero who showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with.
- Kenny Pulliam (IFPA rank 8009) – Proving that persistence and passion can propel you to the top.
- Brian Decker (IFPA rank 12368) – A remarkable achievement in just his seventh IFPA event.
IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.65 |
| 2 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.98 | |
| 3 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 779.59 |
| 4 | Jason Zahler | 778.3 | |
| 5 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.78 |
| 6 | Nic Stein | Davis | 681.22 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.9 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.59 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.32 |
| 10 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 554.41 |
Kudos and See You Next Time!
A huge round of applause to Mark Schulz for organizing such a fantastic event and to Dyno Bar for providing the perfect setting for this pinball extravaganza. Don’t miss out on future tournaments and highlights; keep flipping and stay tuned for more pinball magic from San Diego’s finest. And remember, when in San Diego, take a moment to enjoy the sights, like the historic Balboa Park—because even pinball wizards need a break!
Catch you next time, fellow pinheads!