A Night of Pinball Thrills at Free Play Dallas

Hey there, pinball wizards! If you missed the action at Free Play Dallas on July 8, 2024, for the Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with all the highlights from this electrifying event.

The Scene at Free Play Dallas

Imagine stepping into a retro wonderland filled with the nostalgic hum of arcade games and the clinking of pinball machines. That’s Free Play Arcade in Dallas for you. Located at 3015 Gulden Ln, this place is a paradise for arcade lovers, offering unlimited play for just $12. The atmosphere is family-friendly until 9 PM, after which it transforms into a 21+ haven for adults. With friendly bartenders, an impressive selection of drinks, and a menu of bar food that’s best enjoyed after grabbing a bite elsewhere, Free Play is a gem in the Trinity Groves neighborhood. Just a heads-up—parking can be a bit tricky on busy nights, but the fun inside more than makes up for it.

Unraveling the Pulp Fiction Mystery

One of the highlights of the night was an epic showdown on the Pulp Fiction (SE) pinball machine by Chicago Gaming. This game, inspired by the iconic Tarantino movie, brought a cinematic twist to the finals. The game supposedly lasted an unbelievable 723 minutes, which sounds more like a glitch or maybe someone finally decoded what’s in that briefcase. Either way, it was a thrilling match that kept everyone on their toes.

Stellar Machines on Display

The tournament featured 23 different pinball machines, each with its unique charm. Here are a few standout ones:

• Pirates of the Caribbean by Jersey Jack Pinball: Set sail on an adventure with this machine’s immersive theme, featuring a ship that rocks back and forth and a whirlpool ramp.
• Godzilla (Pro) by Stern: Crush your high scores with Godzilla’s epic battles, complete with a rotating building and a heat ray feature.
• Black Knight 2000 by Williams: This classic brings nostalgia with its dual-level playfield and the iconic Black Knight taunting players.
• Rush (Pro) by Stern: Rock out with Rush’s music and a game design that pays homage to the legendary band.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern: Cowabunga! Battle the Foot Clan and save the city with the turtles’ sewer lair and multiball madness.

Celebrating the Champs

The night saw some fierce competition, but in the end, these players emerged victorious:

• Chris Delp: Hailing from North Texas, Chris proved his prowess, rising above his 215th state rank and 3911 IFPA rank. With 113 IFPA events under his belt, his experience shone through.
• Daniel Martin: Ranked 40th in the state and 1091 in the IFPA, Daniel’s skill and determination were on full display, adding another impressive performance to his 54 total IFPA events.
• Clark McCoy: From Denton, TX, Clark’s 4th state rank and 356 IFPA rank, coupled with his participation in 138 events, showcased why he’s one of the top players.
• Randy Nelson: Representing Roanoke, TX, Randy’s 14th state rank and 920 IFPA rank reflect his competitive edge in the pinball scene, bolstered by 73 IFPA events.

Other notable mentions include Michael Hew, Garrett Shahan, Lee Stokely, and John Richardson, who all demonstrated exceptional pinball prowess.

IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here are the current top 10 pinball players in Texas:

Wrapping It Up

What a night! With broken clouds and a comfortable 80°F, the weather couldn’t have been better for a pinball tournament. Huge thanks to Chris Delp for organizing such an unforgettable event and to Free Play Dallas for being the perfect host. For more details on upcoming events, check out their website.

Keep your flippers ready and stay tuned for more updates from the thrilling world of pinball!