What Went Down at the Max Value Classic Challenge
Hey pinball wizards, let’s dive into the latest showdown at the Max Value Classic Challenge! This July 7th event brought together 72 talented players who battled it out in a high-stakes format: 5 rounds with 2 games per round, narrowing it down to the top 36 for the finals. And let’s not forget the intensity of those 15 rounds in the finals! It all kicked off at 2:00 PM and wrapped up in just over 4 hours.
Chillin’ at The Ice Box Arcade
So, where did this epic showdown take place? The Ice Box Arcade in Seattle is where it all went down. Located at 615 NW Bright St, this place is a favorite for pinball enthusiasts. Imagine a place filled with tons of pinball machines, an air hockey table, and even a Mario Kart arcade game. Oh, and did I mention it’s dog-friendly? You can bring your furry friends along while you enjoy the arcade action. Plus, they have a machine that gives you quarters for bills—super convenient! Check out more about this awesome spot here.
Star Gazer Showdown: A Galactic Battle
In Round 11, things got cosmic on the Star Gazer pinball machine by Stern Electronics. This 1980 classic, with its celestial theme, set the stage for an unforgettable game. John Robinson from Bothell took first place, showing off his skills and state rank of 2nd. Jon Salzman, holding the 13th state rank, claimed second place. Germain Mariolle from Redmond and Sean Irby also put up a stellar fight, landing in third and fourth places, respectively. It was a game that felt like a battle among the stars!
A Glimpse at the Pinball Machines
The tournament featured 19 dazzling pinball machines that kept the participants on their toes. Let’s spotlight a few of these beauties:
- Stars by Stern Electronics (March 1978): Designed by Steve Kirk with artwork by Doug Watson, this machine is a tribute to classic pinball design. Fast-paced and challenging, it’s a player favorite.
- James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) by Stern (October 2022): A newer addition, this machine brings the iconic spy’s adventures to life. It’s packed with modern features and nostalgic touches.
- Seawitch by Stern Electronics (May 1980): Designed by Harry Williams, Seawitch combines a captivating theme with intricate playfield mechanics. It’s a timeless classic that still thrills players.
- Grand Lizard by Williams (January 1986): With its jungle adventure theme, Grand Lizard features artwork by Python Anghelo and design by John Trudeau. The dual-level playfield and unique theme make it a standout.
- Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (March 2023): This machine is a homage to the cult classic film. It features intricate details and immersive gameplay, capturing the essence of the movie.
Climbing to the Top: Tournament Winners
The competition was fierce, with every player battling through the ranks to claim a spot at the top. Let’s break down the top performers who truly made their mark in the Max Value Classic Challenge.
- Leslie Ruckman – Leslie came all the way from California and proved why she’s ranked 3rd in her state. With an impressive IFPA rank of 82 and 414 IFPA events under her belt, Leslie’s consistent performance and strategic play earned her the top spot.
- John Robinson WA – Hailing from Bothell, John showed us why he’s the 2nd ranked player in the state. With a solid IFPA rank of 209 and a whopping 723 events to his name, John’s experience and skill were on full display, securing him second place.
- Lonnie Langford – The number one player in Washington didn’t disappoint. With an IFPA rank of 99 and 232 events under his belt, Lonnie’s competitive edge and top-tier skills earned him the third spot, proving his consistency and prowess.
- Jon Salzman – Ranked 13th in the state, Jon’s determination and sharp gameplay shone through. With an IFPA rank of 490 and 197 events, his journey to fourth place showcased his growing expertise in the pinball world.
- Sidney Thomas – Despite being ranked 90th in the state, Sidney’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. With an IFPA rank of 2015 and 55 events, he managed to break into the top five, showing that underdogs can rise to the occasion.
- Germain Mariolle – Our event organizer from Redmond didn’t just organize the event; he also showed off his skills on the machines. With a state rank of 23rd and an impressive IFPA rank of 14 from 472 events, Germain’s sixth-place finish was a testament to his dual talents.
- Conrad Rustad – From Bremerton, Conrad came in strong, holding the 5th state rank and an IFPA rank of 115. With 268 events to his credit, Conrad’s consistent performance secured him the seventh spot.
- Sean Irby – Rounding out our top eight is Sean, ranked 11th in the state with an IFPA rank of 54. With 265 events under his belt, Sean’s experience and skill ensured his place among the top players in this intense competition.
IFPA Washington Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lonnie Langford | Seattle | 609.75 |
| 2 | John Robinson WA | Bothell | 476.68 |
| 3 | Leslie Ruckman | Seattle | 449.67 |
| 4 | Dave Stewart | Carnation | 439.34 |
| 5 | Conrad Rustad | Bremerton | 419.41 |
| 6 | Jarrett Gaddy | Seattle | 382.84 |
| 7 | Jaran Jones | Seattle | 372.83 |
| 8 | Richie Terry | Seattle | 368.89 |
| 9 | Joshua Francis | Edmonds | 333.82 |
| 10 | Vincent Sperrazza | Bremerton | 322.31 |
Wrapping Up the Fun
A huge shoutout to Germain Mariolle for organizing this fantastic event and to The Ice Box Arcade for hosting us in such an electrifying venue. We had an incredible turnout, with players showing off their skills and passion for pinball. Special congratulations to Leslie Ruckman for her outstanding performance and to all the top players who gave us a thrilling competition. And of course, that game on Star Gazer in Round 11 will be talked about for a long time! Thanks to everyone who came out to play and support the community. Keep your eyes peeled for more pinball excitement and recaps. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and the scores climbing!