The recent IFPA pinball tournament, held on June 1, 2024, at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters, was nothing short of electrifying. With 54 players competing in 7 intense rounds, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. The top 16 players advanced to the finals, which consisted of 3 rounds with 3 games each. The tournament spanned 4 hours and 20 minutes, under the calm, broken cloud skies of San Antonio.
Evel Knievel Shines in the Quarterfinals
To honor the anniversary of Evel Knievel by Bally, released in June 1977, this classic game was featured in the quarterfinals. It was a fitting tribute, not just for the iconic daredevil but also for the exciting new chapter in Collier Whitefield’s life:
- 1st: Collier Whitefield (San Antonio, TX), IFPA rank 506
- 2nd: Doug White, IFPA rank 7634
- 3rd: David Bailey, IFPA rank 7145
- 4th: Jeffrey Whitefield (San Antonio, TX), IFPA rank 7549
Collier Whitefield’s top performance paid homage to this iconic pinball machine, celebrating its legacy with skill and finesse. What made this moment even more special was Collier’s engagement to Cinthia, which added a layer of joy and celebration to the tournament. The crowd’s cheers were not just for his pinball prowess but also for his upcoming nuptials. Congratulations, Collier and Cinthia, on your engagement!.
Hail to the Champions
The tournament culminated in a nail-biting final round, where skill and strategy collided. Huge congratulations to our champions::
- 1st Place: Alice Young, IFPA rank 1808, with an impressive record of 141 IFPA events. Alice’s consistent performance and dedication to the sport are truly commendable.
- 2nd Place: Nikolas Poklitar from Austin, TX, IFPA rank 1913, with 126 IFPA events. His strategic gameplay and sharp reflexes earned him a well-deserved second place.
- 3rd Place: Keb Gallows, IFPA rank 2859, participating in 78 IFPA events. Keb’s rise in the ranks highlights his growing prowess in pinball.
- 4th Place: Trey Keng from San Antonio, TX, IFPA rank 1280, with 196 IFPA events. Trey’s extensive experience and tactical approach secured him a spot in the top four.
- 5th Place: Doug White, IFPA rank 7634, with 25 IFPA events. Doug’s determination and competitive spirit shone brightly.
- 6th Place: John Moore, IFPA rank 2848, participating in 80 IFPA events. John’s strategic skills and passion for pinball were on full display.
- 7th Place: Ray Ford from Austin, TX, IFPA rank 561, with 321 IFPA events. Ray’s veteran status and expertise were evident throughout the tournament.
- 8th Place: Collier Whitefield from San Antonio, TX, IFPA rank 506, with 112 IFPA events. Collier’s exceptional skill and dedication were truly inspiring.
Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show
The tournament wasn’t just about competition – it was a celebration of pinball itself! A diverse selection of 54 pinball machines, each with its own unique story and challenges awaited the players. From the classic underwater world of Atlantis to the electrifying rock and roll energy of KISS, the machines offered something for everyone.
- Atlantis by Gottlieb (January 1975): Known for its intricate underwater theme and challenging gameplay, Atlantis remains a favorite among pinball enthusiasts.
- KISS (LE) by Stern (July 2015): This machine captures the energy of the legendary rock band KISS, featuring their music and dynamic visual effects.
- The Addams Family by Bally (January 1992): A timeless classic, The Addams Family pinball machine is loved for its engaging playfield and humorous elements.
- Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (November 2021): This modern remake retains the charm of the original while adding advanced features and enhanced playability.
- Attack from Mars by Bally (January 1995): Renowned for its exciting alien invasion theme and interactive elements, this game remains a crowd-pleaser.
What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters: The Perfect Venue
Located at 138 West Rhapsody Drive, San Antonio, TX, What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters provided the ideal backdrop for this tournament. This unique venue combines a coffee shop, roastery, and pinball arcade, creating an unmatched vibe. The service was fantastic, with passionate employees and high-quality coffee. Their latte with honey, the Sami, was a highlight, and the freshness of their roasted beans was unparalleled. This venue’s welcoming atmosphere made it a perfect choice for both pinball players and coffee enthusiasts.
Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 484.53 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 340.9 |
| 3 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 241.24 |
| 4 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 238.32 |
| 5 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 221.15 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 202.01 |
| 7 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 193.4 |
| 8 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 183.5 |
| 9 | Ray Ford | Austin | 169.91 |
| 10 | Eric Stone | Fort Myers | 166.27 |
Closing Notes
A big thank you to Christina Cheeseman for organizing this fantastic event and to What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters for hosting it. Congratulations once again to all the winners, and a special toast to Collier and Cinthia as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their lives together. May their love story continue to be as thrilling and full of twists as a classic pinball game!
To celebrate their engagement, here’s a haiku:
Joyful union blooms,
Flippers flip, hearts intertwine,
Wedlock lights aglow.