On the evening of July 12, 2024, 25 fierce pinball wizards gathered at What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters in San Antonio for the Belles & Chimes SATX – Summer 2024 #2 tournament. In a thrilling showdown lasting just over two and a half hours, these players battled through five rounds of intense pinball action. The top eight players then advanced to the finals, where two more rounds of competition determined our champions.
What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters: The Perfect Host
Nestled on West Rhapsody Drive, What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters isn’t just your average coffee shop. It’s a vibrant combination of a café, roastery, and pinball arcade, making it the ideal spot for a pinball tournament. The aroma of freshly roasted beans filled the air, and the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. Patrons raved about the exceptional service and quality of the coffee, especially the beloved Sami latte with honey. With its spacious layout, cozy corners for studying, and an array of pinball machines, What’s Brewing is a gem for both coffee lovers and pinball enthusiasts.
Semifinals Showdown on Deadpool
The semifinals brought a thrilling clash on Deadpool (Pro) by Stern, where players embodied the mercenary’s irreverent spirit and fierce combat skills. Alexa Hart, with her underdog status at 253rd in the state, played with the same unexpected prowess as Deadpool himself. She outmaneuvered her higher-ranked opponents with witty flipper skills and strategic shots, securing first place.
Alice Young, ranked 38th in Texas, put up a valiant fight akin to Deadpool’s relentless enemies but ultimately had to settle for second. Amanda Fincher, from Austin, mirrored Deadpool’s ally Cable with her calculated moves and sharp reflexes, clinching third place. Nadia Didehbani, also from Austin, played with the agility and tenacity of Deadpool’s sidekick, Negasonic Teenage Warhead, rounding out the top four.
The battle on Deadpool was filled with high-flying shots, quick reflexes, and a touch of humor, making it a standout match in the tournament.
Pinball Machine Reviews
- Star Wars (Pro) by Stern (June 2017): This machine captures the epic Star Wars saga with its immersive playfield and interactive features. The hyperdrive ramp and Death Star shot offer thrilling gameplay that keeps players engaged.
- Evel Knievel by Bally (June 1977): A tribute to the legendary stuntman, this classic machine boasts vibrant artwork and exciting jump shots. It’s a nostalgic favorite that brings the daredevil spirit to life.
- Metallica (Pro) by Stern (April 2013): Rock out with this music-themed pinball machine. Featuring hits from Metallica, the game includes unique features like the Snake Pit and Fuel Targets, providing a rocking good time.
- Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern (September 2020): Join the Avengers in their quest to defeat Thanos. With intricate shots, a spinning disc, and vibrant artwork, this machine is a must-play for Marvel fans.
- Godzilla (Premium) by Stern (September 2021): Godzilla roars to life in this action-packed machine. With a rotating cityscape and destructible buildings, players are in for a monstrous adventure.
Congratulating the Champions
A huge congratulations to our top eight players who demonstrated incredible skill and determination. Hope Love, ranked 110th in Texas and 1,867th nationally, claimed the top spot, showcasing her experience from 112 IFPA events. Amanda Fincher, from Austin, proved her mettle with a second-place finish, outshining her 202nd state rank and 4,842nd national rank in her 74th event. Lori Love, with an impressive 165 IFPA events under her belt, secured third place, exceeding expectations for her 116th state rank. Alexa Hart, a rising star ranked 253rd in Texas and 10,288th nationally, rounded out the top four with a remarkable performance.
Kristen Saunders, ranked 654th in the state, finished fifth, showing her potential despite fewer event participations. Alice Young, consistently high-ranked at 38th in Texas and 1,189th nationally, took sixth. Cinthia Guadiana, holding the 122nd state rank, came in seventh, while Nadia Didehbani, ranked 141st in Texas, completed the top eight with her solid play.
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 Belles & Chimes SATX – Summer 2024 #2 was a smashing success, thanks to the incredible efforts of organizer Christina Cheeseman and the welcoming ambiance of What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters. Congratulations once again to Hope Love for her stellar victory. Stay tuned for more pinball news and upcoming tournaments. Until next time, keep those flippers ready and perhaps swing by What’s Brewing for a coffee before your next flight out of San Antonio International Airport!