The Brewskis Stern John Wick Launch Party brought 31 pinball enthusiasts together for a night of high-stakes competition. This Group Knockout Tournament spanned nine intense rounds, eliminating players once they accrued five strikes. Using the Fair Strikes system, four-player groups faced the daunting task of avoiding strikes, while three-player groups had to be even more strategic to stay in the game. Starting at 6:30 PM on June 25, 2024, the tournament kept the excitement alive for 4 hours and 41 minutes. Smoke filled the air, with a comfortable 74°F temperature setting the scene at Brewskis Bar & Arcade.
Brewskis Bar & Arcade: A Pinball Paradise
Located at 8670 Miramar Rd, San Diego, CA 92126, Brewskis Bar & Arcade is a haven for pinball lovers. With a stellar reputation for offering the latest pinball machines before they hit the general market, Brewskis stands out as a top venue. Visitors rave about the welcoming atmosphere and the friendly staff, making it a must-visit spot for pinball aficionados. Check out more about this fantastic place here.
Round 5 Showdown: Elvira’s House of Horrors
The competition hit a high point in Round 5 on Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium) by Stern, released in November 2019. Mike Calcagno, ranked 2987 by IFPA, stunned the crowd by taking first place against higher-ranked players. Dean St. Antoine, with an impressive rank of 1225, secured second place, while Kyle Smith and Michael Kostolnik, ranked 802 and 1122 respectively, battled fiercely for third and fourth places. This game highlighted the unpredictable nature of pinball, where skill and a bit of luck can turn the tables.
Marvelous Machines: Pinball Highlights
The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 10 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and designs:
- Pulp Fiction (LE) by Chicago Gaming, released in March 2023, brought the iconic movie to life with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay.
- James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern, launched in September 2022, offered players a taste of espionage with intricate missions and a sleek design.
- Venom (Pro) by Stern, from July 2023, captivated players with its fast-paced, action-packed playfield.
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, a September 2021 release, continued to be a crowd favorite with its epic battles and immersive experience.
- JAWS (Pro) by Stern, introduced in January 2024, made a splash with its intense, shark-themed adventures.
- Elton John (CE) by Jersey Jack Pinball, released in October 2023, dazzled with its musical themes and vibrant light shows.
- John Wick (Pro) by Stern, the star of the event, premiered in May 2024, bringing the high-octane action of the films to the pinball world.
- Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium), once again proving its worth, remained a challenging and entertaining choice for competitors.
Triumphs and Trophies: Celebrating the Winners
The tournament concluded with a thrilling final game on Pulp Fiction (LE). Here are the top performers who showcased remarkable skills and determination:
- Luca Varriale from California, with an IFPA State Rank of 239th and 325 total events, claimed the first-place trophy.
- Tom Isaak, ranked 33rd in the state, demonstrated consistent excellence to secure second place.
- Mike Calcagno, showing impressive form, took third place with a state rank of 277th.
- Derek Price, a formidable competitor, finished fourth with a state rank of 28th.
IFPA California Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.64 |
| 2 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.97 | |
| 3 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 790.39 |
| 4 | Jason Zahler | 778.28 | |
| 5 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.76 |
| 6 | Nic Stein | Davis | 681.22 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.89 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.58 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.31 |
| 10 | Luke Nahorniak | Lonsdale | 554.41 |
Closing Thoughts
A heartfelt thank you goes to Mark Schulz for flawlessly organizing the Brewskis Stern John Wick Launch Party and to Brewskis Bar & Arcade for providing an outstanding venue that perfectly complements the spirit of pinball. This event wasn’t just about the competition; it was a celebration of the new John Wick pinball machine, which has already taken the pinball community by storm.
Players and fans alike were thrilled to experience the adrenaline-pumping action of the John Wick pinball for the first time, right here at Brewskis. With its sleek design and engaging gameplay, it quickly became a favorite, adding a new layer of excitement to an already unforgettable night.
Check out the latest pinball action and news at Brewskis and follow along for more updates on upcoming tournaments and pinball machine launches!