Greetings, flipper friends! This is the Bride of Pinbot, back with another thrilling tournament recap. The latest event, MINIBOSS: Return of the MULTIBALL, brought together 18 players for a night of intense competition and unforgettable moments. Hosted at the popular Miniboss arcade bar in San Jose, this tournament proved to be a spectacular showcase of skill and strategy.
The Magic of Miniboss
Miniboss, located at 52 E Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA, is a beloved spot for both gamers and cocktail aficionados. The venue’s atmosphere is electric, with a nostalgic blend of classic arcade games and modern pinball machines. The bartenders at Miniboss are known for their quick service and friendly demeanor, making the experience all the more enjoyable. With unique cocktails and a lively crowd, it’s easy to lose track of time in this gaming haven. Despite its unassuming exterior, Miniboss is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown San Jose, offering a perfect blend of fun and relaxation for all ages. Check out their website here for more details!
Jurassic Park: A Prehistoric Battle
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the epic 94-minute game on Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern. In this prehistoric-themed adventure, players took on the challenge of navigating the dangerous world of dinosaurs, all while trying to rescue park visitors and control the chaos. Dustin Goldbarg and Tim Hansen went head-to-head in a thrilling showdown, with Dustin ultimately emerging victorious. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with nail-biting moments and incredible saves that kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
Standout Pinball Machines
The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 12 pinball machines, each offering its own unique challenges and excitement. Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern, with its captivating theme and unique projector system, transported players to the eerie town of Hawkins. Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming wowed with its castle-destroying antics and hilarious callouts, while Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Premium/LE) by Stern brought the heroes in a half shell to life with fast-paced gameplay and fantastic artwork. Other standout machines included the intergalactic battle of Attack From Mars (Remake LE) and the rocking tunes of AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition).
Celebrating the Champions
The night belonged to Dustin Goldbarg, who claimed the top spot with a masterful display of skill and strategy. Ranked 18th in the state and 220th in the IFPA, Dustin proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with, navigating the challenges of Jurassic Park with the precision of a seasoned dino handler. His calm demeanor and sharp reflexes were on full display, especially during the nail-biting moments when the raptors threatened to escape.
Tim Hansen, the tournament’s runner-up and Sunnyvale’s pride, came in as the highest-ranked player with an impressive state ranking of 1st and IFPA ranking of 34. Known for his aggressive playstyle and quick decision-making, Tim gave Dustin a run for his money, showing why he’s a top contender in every tournament. His mastery over the machines was evident, especially in the high-pressure final round.
Taylor Purcell, despite being unranked, made a strong impression with a surprising third-place finish. Taylor’s performance was a testament to the unpredictable nature of pinball, reminding everyone that rankings aren’t everything. Their adaptability and sharp focus during critical moments earned them well-deserved applause from the crowd.
Rounding out the top four was Danny DeGregorio, ranked 163rd in the state and 1994th in the IFPA. Danny’s journey through the tournament was a rollercoaster, filled with high points and tough challenges. His perseverance and love for the game shone through, making him a fan favorite. The final game on Jurassic Park was a fitting end to a thrilling tournament, with Dustin clinching the victory amidst cheers and applause from the enthusiastic audience.
California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 951.51 |
| 2 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.68 |
| 3 | Nic Stein | Davis | 818.87 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.99 | |
| 5 | Jason Zahler | 778.32 | |
| 6 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.78 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.91 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.59 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.33 |
| 10 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 593.07 |
Wrapping Up the Fun
A big shoutout to Myriad Pinball for organizing this fantastic event and to Miniboss for providing such an incredible location. The night was filled with memorable moments and fierce competition, especially during the spotlight game on Jurassic Park. Thank you to all the players and spectators who made this tournament a success. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps, and don’t forget to visit Myriad Pinball’s website for more events and updates!