Alright, pinball fans, gather around! We just had an incredible night at the Ball Busters Pinball League – 2024 S3 W4. It went down on July 17, 2024, starting at 6:30 PM. Despite the light rain and the 82°F temperature outside, it was all fun and games for the 14 players who showed up ready to flip some flippers. This tournament lasted a solid 2 hours and 30 minutes. Let’s dive into the details!
The Perfect Pinball Hangout: Pinball Gallery
If you haven’t been to Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, you’re missing out on one of the best pinball venues around. Located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, this place is pinball heaven with a HUGE selection of machines. You could spend hours here and still have plenty of games left to play. The vibe is lively and a bit noisy, as you’d expect from an arcade, but that’s part of the charm. With reasonable prices like $18 for 2 hours of non-stop play, it’s a must-visit for both pinball wizards and nostalgia seekers. Check out their website here for more info.
Epic Round 1 on James Bond 007
Round 1 kicked off with a bang on the James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern. This game, released in September 2022, is packed with spy-themed excitement. Anita Thallmayer (State Rank: 163rd, IFPA rank 2876) took the lead, channeling her inner Bond to snag 1st place. Katherine Salazar, although unranked by IFPA, gave a fierce chase, landing in 2nd. Julia Furlong and Sherry Disney (State Rank: 523rd, IFPA rank 16373) rounded out the top spots. It was a thrilling game filled with daring shots and strategic moves, worthy of 007 himself.
Pinball Machines Highlight Reel
With 64 machines to choose from, the tournament had an impressive lineup. Here are a few standout stars:
Space Station by Williams (1987)
This machine takes you on a cosmic journey with its space-themed playfield and cool multi-ball feature. The unique flipper design and the rotating space station make it a must-play.
Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (2018)
Packed with humor and action, Deadpool features custom speech by the Merc with a Mouth himself. The fast-paced gameplay and awesome animations keep you on your toes.
Funhouse (Remake CE) by Pedretti Gaming (2024)
A classic reimagined! Funhouse’s creepy-cool animatronic head, Rudy, taunts you as you aim for high scores. The remake stays true to the original while adding some modern flair.
Star Trek by Bally (1978)
Old-school Trekkies rejoice! This vintage machine captures the essence of the original Star Trek series with its classic artwork and challenging gameplay.
Hollywood Heat by Gottlieb (1986)
Feel the Miami Vice vibes with this neon-lit, crime-fighting themed pinball. The artwork and sound effects make you feel like you’re in an ’80s action movie.
The Addams Family by Bally (1992)
One of the most popular pinball machines ever, The Addams Family is all about the kooky and spooky. Its special features, like the Thing hand and the Mamushka dance, are pure pinball magic.
Shoutout to the Tournament Champs
Major kudos to the top players who dominated the tournament!
- Jamme Thomas from Phoenixville, PA, clinched 1st place. With an IFPA rank of 3518 and a history of 102 events, she showed everyone why she’s a force to be reckoned with.
- Becky Egolf snagged 2nd place. Despite her lower IFPA rank of 40829 and just 16 events under her belt, she proved that skill and determination can triumph over rankings.
- Stephanie Savy from Media, PA, took 3rd place. Ranked 5278 with 92 events, she brought her A-game and made her presence felt.
- Kathy Furlong rounded out the top four. Unranked but with 15 events, she demonstrated that experience and passion can lead to impressive finishes.
Pennsylvania IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cryss Stephens | 288.8 | |
| 2 | Aleksander Kaczmarczyk | Pittsburgh | 251.47 |
| 3 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 206.79 |
| 4 | Dave Lancaster | Pittsburgh | 187.21 |
| 5 | Gary Hartz | Pittsburgh | 173.26 |
| 6 | Lewis Bevans | Pittsburgh | 172.35 |
| 7 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 143.61 |
| 8 | David Riel | Pittsburgh | 139 |
| 9 | Daniel Gilbert | Trappe | 113.32 |
| 10 | Mahesh Murthy | Pittsburgh | 102.54 |
Wrapping Up
The Ball Busters Pinball League – 2024 S3 W4 was a smashing success, thanks to the excellent organization by Bill Disney and the fantastic location at Pinball Gallery. If you haven’t visited yet, make it your next pinball destination. One of the locals recommended checking out the nearby Paoli Battlefield for a touch of history to complement the nostalgia of classic pinball. It’s the perfect way to wind down after an exciting night of flipping. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!