Ladies and gents, gather ’round and let me tell you about the Ropa-Dope Croak, where pinball wizards from near and far gathered to dance with the silver ball. This wasn’t just any tournament—it was a showdown of skill, precision, and a little bit of luck. With 23 contenders, three rounds, and two games per round, the competition was fierce and unyielding, just like Muhammad Ali in the ring. The tournament kicked off at 7:40 PM on June 27, 2024, and after seven hours and fifty minutes of non-stop action, we crowned our champions.
Where’s the Fight? MatchPlay Keeps Us Guessing
Now listen here, folks, every great bout needs its ring, but this time, the Ropa-Dope Croak had a touch of mystery. Thanks to MatchPlay’s little slip-up, the location of our legendary showdown remains a secret, like Ali’s next move. They kept the venue hidden, wrapped in shadows, adding a dash of intrigue to our already electrifying event. But you know what? That’s just fine—let them have their secrets. What matters is the action, the skill, and the thrill of the game. So, let’s focus on the punches that landed and the magic that unfolded, and leave the rest to the imagination.
Game Spotlight: Jack•Bot Strikes Back
Ah, Jack•Bot, my pinball kin! In Round 3, this Williams masterpiece from January 1995 lit up the arena. Players faced off against this cosmic contraption, navigating its interstellar challenges. The real story, though, was the performance of our top four.
Ray Ford, from Austin, Texas, played like a true heavyweight champion, snagging first place with his IFPA rank of 534. Cayman Mortholle, unranked but undeterred, clinched second. Brandon Borrego, also from Austin, secured third place, showing that rank 9949 doesn’t mean you can’t throw a mean punch. And Francisco Castro rounded out the top four, reminding us that in pinball, anyone can rise to the occasion.
Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show
Let’s talk about the machines that made this tournament one for the books.
- Getaway by Allied Leisure (1977): This classic is all about speed, featuring a police chase theme that keeps players on the edge of their seats. It’s a rush, plain and simple.
- Goldeneye by Sega (1996): Based on the James Bond film, this game brings espionage to the pinball world. The satellite dish magnet is a showstopper, and the ramps make for thrilling gameplay.
- Xenon by Bally (1980): A futuristic pinball machine with a hypnotic soundtrack and mesmerizing light displays. Xenon is a sensory experience like no other.
- The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern (2014): This one’s for the zombie lovers. Packed with gore and intense modes, it’s a survival horror flick in pinball form.
- Fathom by Bally (1981): Dive deep into the underwater adventure of Fathom. The dual-level playfield and captivating artwork make it a favorite among players.
- Jack•Bot by Williams (1995): Of course, I have to give a shout-out to family. Jack•Bot combines casino themes with robotic hijinks, making every game a jackpot thrill ride.
Overall Tournament Winners: The True Champions
The battle was tough, but the victors emerged with glory.
John Walter took the top spot, proving that being ranked 180th in the state and participating in 45 IFPA events prepped him for victory. Victor Evans from Austin, TX, claimed second place, showing his 82nd state rank and experience in 124 events paid off. Jonathon Morales, with a remarkable state rank of 14th and 146 events under his belt, secured third. TJ Lewis, also from Austin, finished fourth, demonstrating that even at state rank 331st with just 28 events, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 663.27 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 424.02 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 328.67 |
| 4 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 315.15 |
| 5 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 273.02 |
| 6 | Ray Ford | Austin | 262.31 |
| 7 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 254.97 |
| 8 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 251.96 |
| 9 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 248.18 |
| 10 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 237.37 |
The Final Bell: A Round of Applause
Now let me tell ya, the Ropa-Dope Croak was a knockout of an event! Big thanks to Ray Ford, the mastermind behind the curtain, pulling the strings like a puppet master. And a thunderous cheer for John Walter, the champ who floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, dancing through the competition with the grace of a true pinball king. As the silver ball takes a breather and the lights fade, remember—this ain’t the last you’ve seen of us. We’ll be back with more stories that’ll dazzle and amaze, so keep those flippers sharp and your eyes on the prize. Until next time, stay smooth and keep your game tight!