Hey there, pinball wizards! The latest showdown at the Pinball Gallery was nothing short of electrifying. We had 34 fierce players battling it out head-to-head over 10 games, with the top 16 moving onto the finals. The event kicked off at 7:00 PM and wrapped up in just about 3 hours. Let’s dive into all the juicy details from this epic night.
The Cool Spot: Pinball Gallery
If you’re into pinball, you’ve got to check out the Pinball Gallery. Located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, Malvern, PA 19355, this place is a paradise for pinball enthusiasts. With an awesome mix of vintage and modern pinball machines, plus classic video games, it’s the ultimate hangout spot. Curious to see more? Visit their website here.
Tournament Highlights
Count-Down by Gottlieb from 1979 stole the spotlight with 5 intense games played. The timeless favorite still holds its own among the newer entries.
James Bond 007 (Premium) by Stern, a fresh release from 2022, had players on their toes with game durations averaging around 26 minutes. Talk about a marathon!
Pinball Machines to Watch
This tournament featured 69 different machines, each bringing something special to the table. Here are a few that really stood out:
JAWS (Premium) by Stern (2024): This machine makes a big splash with its dynamic playfield and thrilling shark attack modes. The immersive audio and stunning visuals really pull you into the deep-sea adventure.
Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern (2019): Known for its fast-paced action and challenging multi-level playfield, this machine is all about epic battles and knightly quests. The interactive upper playfield and the menacing Black Knight himself add layers of excitement.
Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (2019): Navigate through the park and dodge dinosaurs in this thrilling adventure. The game’s rich narrative and intricate playfield features, including a moving T-Rex, keep players on the edge of their seats.
Roller Disco by Gottlieb (1980): A blast from the past, this machine captures the vibrant energy of the disco era. Its colorful playfield and funky tunes make every game a groovy trip down memory lane.
Aerosmith (Premium) by Stern (2017): Rock out with Aerosmith’s greatest hits while you play. The vibrant artwork, exciting ball lock features, and of course, the music, create a rock concert experience right on the playfield.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by Stern (2004): This machine takes you on a journey through Ripley’s oddities and wonders. With unique challenges and quirky features, it’s a real curiosity cabinet of fun.
Joker Poker by Gottlieb (1978): A classic card-themed pinball game that’s always a hit. The straightforward gameplay and vibrant design make it a perennial favorite.
Black Knight 2000 by Williams (1989): Known for its iconic music and challenging gameplay, this machine is a true test of skill. The dual-level playfield and the taunting Black Knight voiceovers add to the challenge.
Mars God of War by Gottlieb (1981): With its sci-fi theme and captivating playfield, this machine transports players to another world. The striking artwork and engaging gameplay elements make it a standout.
And the Winners Are…
We had some stellar performances at this tournament. Here’s the lowdown on the top players:
- Guy Merrill: Our champion! Ranked 70th in the state and 3196th in the IFPA, Guy showed everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with.
- Kevin Lubanski: Taking second place, Kevin’s tenacity paid off. He’s ranked 86th in the state and 5070th in the IFPA.
- Matt Zwitkowits: Rounding out the top three, Matt’s skill and strategy were on full display. He’s 17th in the state and 1765th in the IFPA.
- Rob Sherman: Coming in fourth, Rob made a solid run. He’s 187th in the state and 6794th in the IFPA.
- Stephanie Savy: A fierce competitor from Media, PA, Stephanie finished strong in fifth place. She’s ranked 143rd in the state and 5464th in the IFPA.
- Tony Lastowka: Tony’s 21st state ranking and 1019th IFPA ranking reflect his dedication and skill.
- Christina Cimino: In seventh place, Christina’s impressive gameplay earned her recognition. She’s 193rd in the state and 5666th in the IFPA.
- Tom Garrett: From West Norriton, PA, Tom secured the eighth spot. He’s ranked 64th in the state and 5261st in the IFPA.
IFPA Pennsylvania Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cryss Stephens | 288.31 | |
| 2 | Aleksander Kaczmarczyk | Pittsburgh | 251.47 |
| 3 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 206.79 |
| 4 | Gary Hartz | Pittsburgh | 173.25 |
| 5 | Lewis Bevans | Pittsburgh | 172.35 |
| 6 | Dave Lancaster | Pittsburgh | 167.98 |
| 7 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 143.61 |
| 8 | David Riel | Pittsburgh | 139 |
| 9 | Daniel Gilbert | Trappe | 105.88 |
| 10 | Mahesh Murthy | Pittsburgh | 102.54 |
Wrapping It Up
A big shoutout to Bill Disney and the Pinball Gallery for hosting such an amazing event. The atmosphere was electric, and the competition was fierce. Keep an eye out for more pinball action and don’t miss out on future tournaments. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and may your high scores soar as high as Philly’s skyline!