Pinball wizards, gather ’round for the latest tales from the silver ball battleground! The Queen of the Silver Ball Day 5 tournament was a whirlwind of flippers and flashing lights, captivating fans at Free Play Arlington on July 30, 2024. With a sizzling 94°F outside and a “feels like” temp of 104°F, the arcade’s air-conditioned haven was the perfect escape. Nineteen players faced off in five rounds, each battling it out on a single game per round. The top four contenders then moved on to the finals, where only one would claim the crown. Let’s dive into the highlights of this epic event.
Free Play Arlington: A Gamer’s Paradise
Located at 400 East South Street, Arlington, TX, Free Play Arcade is a treasure trove for arcade enthusiasts. With an all-you-can-play model, you pay once and enjoy unlimited access to a vast selection of games. The atmosphere is electric, with friendly staff, a fully stocked bar, and mouth-watering food options. Whether you’re there to relive the golden age of arcade games or catch some live pinball action, Free Play Arlington never disappoints. The outdoor non-smoking seating areas offer a great place to chill and soak in the vibe, making it a top recommendation for both locals and visitors alike.
Game Spotlight: Rock ‘n’ Roll Showdown on AC/DC (Pro)
The finals saw a fierce showdown on Stern’s AC/DC (Pro) from January 2012. This game, known for its high-energy soundtrack and electrifying gameplay, set the stage for an intense battle. Savannah Archuleta from Corinth, TX, ranked 65th in the state, rocked the table, taking the top spot with a commanding performance. Meanwhile, Alex Moore, a wildcard with no IFPA ranking, gave a solid fight, finishing second. Kamber Kirchmeier, ranked 299th in the state, secured third place, while Tricia Rodriguez, ranked 195th, rounded out the top four. The “Hell’s Bells” mode saw some nail-biting moments as players navigated the swinging bell and devilish ramps.
Standout Pinball Machines: The Star Attractions
This tournament was packed with an impressive lineup of pinball machines. Dialed In! by Jersey Jack Pinball, released in August 2017, wowed players with its dynamic disaster theme and interactive camera phone. Disney TRON: Legacy by Stern, with its glowing neon and fast-paced action, brought the digital frontier to life. Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) showcased its legendary upper playfield and fearsome Black Knight figure, while Firepower from Williams took players back to the classic days with its fast and furious gameplay. Newer titles like Godzilla (Pro) and The Munsters (Premium) offered epic battles and spooky fun, while Iron Man (Vault) and Star Wars (Pro) provided a mix of superhero action and galactic adventure. The ever-popular Attack from Mars by Bally added a touch of humor and chaos with its flying saucers and Martian attack theme.
Celebrating the Champions
The final game on AC/DC (Pro) was a true test of skill and strategy. Savannah Archuleta claimed the top prize, proving its mettle against tough competitors. With 165 total IFPA events under the belt, Savannah’s victory was well-deserved, showcasing impressive prowess and experience. Alex Moore, despite being unranked, made an impressive debut with a strong second-place finish. Kamber Kirchmeier, with 54 total IFPA events, secured third place, while Tricia Rodriguez, with 67 total events, fought valiantly for fourth. Each player’s performance added to the excitement and drama of the tournament, making this a memorable event for all.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 663.43 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 447.24 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 345.12 |
| 4 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 318.1 |
| 5 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 311.58 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 273.18 |
| 7 | Ray Ford | Austin | 263.26 |
| 8 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 262.25 |
| 9 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 253.91 |
| 10 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 248.27 |
Wrapping It Up
As the dust settled and the last ball drained, the Queen of the Silver Ball Day 5 tournament came to a thrilling close. Kudos to Chris Delp, the organizer, for putting together a fantastic event, and a big thank you to Free Play Arlington for being the ultimate pinball playground. Congratulations to Savannah Archuleta for its stellar victory! Stay tuned for more pinball action and updates, and don’t forget to follow us for the latest in the world of pinball. Until next time, keep those flippers sharp and the balls rolling!