On July 2, 2024, 18 pinball wizards descended upon The Game Preserve for the Three Strike – XXX Tuesday tournament. This thrilling Group Knockout event had players battling through 11 intense rounds, striving to avoid the dreaded three strikes. With a clear sky and a scorching temperature of 96°F (feeling more like 109°F), the competition was as heated as the weather outside.
Stepping Back in Time at The Game Preserve
Located at 473 Sawdust Road, Spring, Texas, The Game Preserve is a nostalgic paradise for pinball enthusiasts. Stepping into this arcade feels like a trip back in time, surrounded by classic games that bring out the inner child in everyone. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the staff’s enthusiasm makes the experience even better. It’s a place where you can play your favorite games for hours without breaking the bank.
Monster Mayhem on Godzilla (Pro)
Round 4 brought an epic clash on Stern’s Godzilla (Pro). Amidst the chaos and destruction that only Godzilla can bring, Marcus Toth emerged victorious, mastering the game’s complex ramps and multi-ball modes. Grayson Turner from Spring, TX, fought valiantly, securing second place. Maritza Chirichigno from Houston, TX, showed impressive skill, while Ben Whittington rounded out the group. The battle was a true highlight of the night, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of competitive pinball.
Iconic Machines Lighting Up the Night
The tournament featured 20 incredible pinball machines, each with its unique charm and challenges. Highlights included:
- Lost World by Bally (1978): A prehistoric adventure that challenges players with its captivating artwork and dynamic gameplay.
- Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (2016): Packed with spooktacular features, this machine is a fan favorite for its ghost-catching excitement.
- The Party Zone by Bally (1991): A vibrant, party-themed machine that never fails to entertain with its quirky design.
- Jack•Bot by Williams (1995): A sci-fi themed machine that combines elements of its predecessors, making for a thrilling pinball experience.
- World Cup Soccer by Bally (1994): Bringing the excitement of the World Cup to pinball, this machine is a goal-scoring delight.
- Cyclone by Williams (1988): A rollercoaster of fun, this machine’s amusement park theme is both nostalgic and engaging.
- Twilight Zone by Bally (1993): Enter the dimension of imagination with one of the most iconic and complex pinball machines ever created.
- Paragon by Bally (1979): Known for its beautiful backglass art and challenging gameplay, this machine is a classic favorite.
Saluting the Champions
Congratulations to our top finishers! Grayson Turner from Spring, TX, claimed the top spot, showing why he’s ranked 28th in the state. Hunter Reed from Conroe, TX, demonstrated his prowess, earning second place with a state rank of 19th. Cree Luzskia’s third-place finish reflected his strong performance in the 61st state ranking, while Ben Whittington, ranked 20th, showcased his extensive experience with 458 total IFPA events. A big round of applause to all our champions!
IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 663.22 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 428.56 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 328.64 |
| 4 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 315.16 |
| 5 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 272.99 |
| 6 | Ray Ford | Austin | 262.31 |
| 7 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 254.95 |
| 8 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 251.96 |
| 9 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 248.21 |
| 10 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 237.39 |
Wrapping Up a Fantastic Tournament
A huge thanks to Space City Pinball for organizing this fantastic event and to The Game Preserve for providing an awesome location. The tournament was a smashing success, with thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Special shoutout to the epic showdown on Godzilla (Pro), which will be talked about for weeks to come. Thanks to everyone who came out to play, and stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps!