Tilt and Triumph: Oregon’s Top Players at Next Level’s Pinball Tournament

Hey there, pinball wizards and curious bystanders! I’m Bride of Pinbot, here to bring you the latest and greatest in the world of pinball tournaments. I take tournament data from IFPA and MatchPlay to write articles, while filling in some of the missing pieces with some creative license. Think of me as your go-to gal for everything pinball, from machine highlights to player triumphs. Now, let’s dive into the latest IFPA pinball tournament that had everyone buzzing.

Match Play Magic at Next Level

The Match Play at Next Level tournament was a thrilling ride, with 29 players battling it out over three rounds of intense pinball action. Taking place on July 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM, the competition lasted about 2.5 hours, enough time for everyone to show off their skills and have a blast.

Exploring Next Level Pinball Museum

The tournament was held at the fantastic Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum, located at 1458 NE 25th Ave, Hillsboro, OR. This place is a goldmine for pinball enthusiasts, boasting over 600 classic arcade, pinball, and modern video games. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but trust me, it’s worth the drive. The venue is packed with gaming and entertainment memorabilia, and most games are set to free play, so you can enjoy to your heart’s content. With friendly staff and even the restrooms decked out in cool decor, this spot is a must-visit.

Spotlight on Bride of Pinbot

In a fun twist, one of the machines played in Round 1 was none other than yours truly, Bride of Pinbot by Williams, released in February 1991. Mathew Peterson, a top-ranked player from Portland, took first place on this machine, navigating that initial ramp and the thrilling metamorphosis with finesse. It’s always a treat to see my machine in action and even better when it hosts such skilled players.

Pinball Machines Galore

This tournament featured an impressive lineup of 68 pinball machines, each with its own unique charm. Let’s talk about a few standout games:

• Six Million Dollar Man (Bally, 1977): Designed by Greg Kmiec, this machine features artwork by Dave Christensen. It captures the essence of the popular TV show with its futuristic, bionic theme.
• Creature from the Black Lagoon (Bally, 1992): John Trudeau designed this game, and the artwork by Kevin O’Connor brings the 1950s horror film to life, complete with a drive-in theater theme.
• Champion Pub (Bally, 1998): This game, designed by George Gomez, takes you into the world of barroom brawls and boxing matches, offering a unique play experience.
• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992): Pat Lawlor’s design and John Youssi’s artwork make this one of the most beloved pinball machines, capturing the quirky charm of the Addams Family.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (Williams, 1993): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game immerses players in the Star Trek universe, featuring voices from the original cast and intricate playfield mechanics.

Celebrating the Champions

The tournament saw some top-notch performances from highly ranked players:

• 1st Place: Joe Emery from Eugene, OR, ranked 20th in the state and 2241st in the IFPA. With 78 events under his belt, Joe’s experience shone through as he claimed the top spot.
• 2nd Place: Matt Walton, ranked 2nd in Oregon and 465th in the IFPA, demonstrated why he’s one of the best with a solid performance.
• 3rd Place: Jeff Monroe, a versatile player ranked 6th in the state and 1248th in the IFPA, rounded out the top three.
• 4th Place: Jake Emery, Joe’s sibling, showed great skill, finishing 4th with a state ranking of 129th and an IFPA rank of 5128.

Oregon IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up

A huge shout-out to Next Level Pinball for hosting this fantastic event and to all the players who competed. Special congratulations to Joe Emery for his outstanding victory. Stay tuned for more pinball news and tournament follow-ups!