The Space City: Belles & Chimes Houston July 2024 tournament was an event to remember! With 20 talented players competing in 5 rounds of 2 games each, the competition was fierce from start to finish. Held on July 13, 2024, at 3:00 PM, the tournament lasted approximately 4 hours, filled with excitement and intense gameplay.
Wormhole: A Space for Pinball
The tournament took place at Wormhole, located at 2017 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77008. This spot is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and stellar selection of pinball machines. Reviews highlight the friendly staff, excellent drink selection, and the overall fun vibe of the place. The players enjoyed their time here, thanks to the well-maintained machines and the camaraderie that filled the air.
A Legendary Match on Deadpool
Round 1 saw a standout game on Deadpool (Premium) by Stern, released in August 2018. This game, with its witty and humorous theme based on the Marvel anti-hero, brought an extra layer of fun to the match. Amanda Fincher from Austin, TX, showed remarkable skill and precision, clinching first place. Tiffany Simmons from Houston came in second, followed by Nicole Buergers in third and Maritza Chirichigno in fourth. The action-packed gameplay, coupled with Deadpool’s quirky animations and challenging missions, made this match unforgettable.
Pinball Machines: Stars of the Show
The tournament featured 22 pinball machines, each adding its unique flavor to the event. Here are five highlights:
- Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (Stern, 2003): This machine’s fast-paced gameplay and exciting multiball modes kept players on their toes. The red and black design with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic face added a nostalgic touch.
- Dr. Dude And His Excellent Ray (Bally, 1990): Known for its quirky theme and vibrant colors, this machine offered a fun and humorous experience. The “Mixmaster” toy and “Excellent Ray” feature were crowd favorites.
- Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (Barrels of Fun, 2023): This new addition brought a magical and whimsical vibe with its intricate playfield and stunning artwork. The game’s intricate missions and captivating light show impressed everyone.
- James Bond 007 (LE) (Stern, 2022): With sleek design and exciting features, this machine immersed players in the world of espionage. The various gadgets and mission-based gameplay made it a standout.
- Champion Pub (Bally, 1998): The final game on this machine was a perfect end to the tournament. Its unique boxing theme and interactive features created a thrilling atmosphere.
Celebrating the Champions
Congratulations to the top finishers of the Space City: Belles & Chimes Houston July 2024 tournament! The final game on Champion Pub added a punch to the end of the event, showcasing the players’ skills and determination.
- Nadia Didehbani from Austin, TX – A well-deserved first place, with an impressive state rank of 141st.
- Tricia Gronnevik – Securing second place with consistent performance throughout her 181 IFPA events.
- Liz Nebeker from Houston – Their third place finish added to their impressive record of 243 IFPA events.
- Sophie Gronnevik – Rounding out the top four with a solid performance and a state rank of 165th.
IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings
Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 663.48 |
2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 428.67 |
3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 332.14 |
4 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 318.12 |
5 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 310.82 |
6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 272.72 |
7 | Ray Ford | Austin | 262.47 |
8 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 251.96 |
9 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 248.3 |
10 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 237.58 |
Wrapping Up the Event
A big thank you to Space City Pinball for organizing such a fantastic event at the Wormhole. The dedication and effort put into making this tournament a success did not go unnoticed. Thanks to everyone who came out to play, spectate, and enjoy the day. And let’s not forget the highlight of the day—the thrilling match on Deadpool! Stay connected with us for more pinball excitement and tournament recaps by visiting Space City Pinball’s website. Until next time, keep flipping those flippers!