Venom’s Venomous Showdown: A Day at EinStein’s Pub in Katy

Hey pinball wizards, it’s Bride of Pinbot back with another thrilling recap from the latest IFPA tournament! Let’s dive into all the excitement from EinStein’s Drainiacs held on July 14th. Grab your favorite drink, sit back, and let’s get to it.

Knockouts and Strikes Galore

This knockout tournament saw 26 players battling it out over 14 intense rounds. With each player getting the boot after 4 strikes, the tension was palpable. In the four-player groups, the 1st and 2nd place players stayed safe, while the 3rd and 4th placers got hit with 2 strikes. In three-player groups, the last-place player took the strike. The competition lasted for a solid 7 hours and 10 minutes—talk about dedication!

EinStein’s Pub Vibes

EinStein’s Pub, located at 873 South Mason Rd in Katy, TX, was the perfect spot for this showdown. Known for its attentive service, especially from folks like Traci, this pub made the long drive worth it. With a welcoming atmosphere and a dedicated staff, it’s no wonder players love coming back here. If you’re ever in the area, check out their website at einsteinspub.com for more details.

Venom Strikes in Round 6

The standout game of the day was definitely Round 6 on Venom (Pro) by Stern. This game, themed around the notorious anti-hero, set the stage for some epic battles. Ty Katsarelis, with a state rank of 186th and IFPA rank of 6343, took 1st place, showcasing his strategic prowess. Matt Quantz from Houston snagged 2nd place, proving his skills with a state rank of 148th and an IFPA rank of 3196. Pete Kipp, despite his best efforts, secured 3rd place. Meanwhile, Wesley Johnson, ranked 3rd in the state and 181st in the IFPA, surprisingly finished last in this match. It seems even the top players can sometimes be outmatched by the unpredictable nature of Venom, where one wrong move can lead to a swift and venomous defeat.

Pinball Machines That Rocked the Tournament

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 26 machines, each bringing its own unique flair to the competition. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout stars:

• Venom (Pro) by Stern (July 2023): This latest addition to the Stern lineup immerses players in the chaotic world of Marvel’s Venom. With its dark, adrenaline-pumping theme, players face off against iconic villains, navigating a playfield filled with fast-paced action and challenging missions. The dynamic artwork and interactive toys create an experience that’s both visually and physically gripping.
• AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition) by Stern (July 2017): This machine is a rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza, featuring a killer soundtrack from the legendary band AC/DC. The playfield is packed with electrifying features, including a swinging bell, a devilish bash toy, and a lower playfield that amps up the challenge. It’s a true tribute to the band’s high-voltage music and stage antics.
• Game of Thrones (LE) by Stern (November 2015): Step into the world of Westeros with this machine, which captures the essence of the epic TV series. Players choose their house and battle for the Iron Throne, engaging with intricate ramps, a dragon toy, and the iconic castle playfield. The game’s deep ruleset and captivating theme keep players coming back for more strategic gameplay.
• Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern (January 2016): This machine brings the classic 1966 TV series to life with its retro charm and campy fun. Players join Batman and Robin in their quest to thwart Gotham’s notorious villains. The game features interactive gadgets, a rotating batmobile, and classic soundbites that transport players back to the colorful world of Adam West’s Batman.
• Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern (April 2018): Inspired by the iconic heavy metal band, this machine is a wild ride through the band’s legendary artwork and music. The playfield is packed with ramps, spinners, and targets that challenge players to defeat beasts and conquer realms. It’s a visually stunning machine that delivers a headbanging good time.
• No Good Gofers by Williams (January 1997): This classic machine is all about the zany world of golf, where mischievous gofers add a comedic twist to the gameplay. With its spinning disc, slam ramp, and animated gofer heads, players are in for a fun and challenging experience as they aim for the elusive hole-in-one.
• The Walking Dead (LE) by Stern (October 2014): Enter the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead, where players must fend off zombies and survive the chaos. The machine features intense modes, a walker bash toy, and a crossbow shooter that add to the thrill. The gruesome artwork and eerie sound effects make for a hauntingly good time.

Celebrating the Champions

A huge congratulations to our top players who showcased exceptional skill and determination:

• Wesley Johnson from Texas, taking 1st place with an impressive state rank of 3rd and an IFPA rank of 181. With 187 IFPA events under his belt, his victory is well-deserved.
• Stan Dessens from Cypress, claiming 2nd place with a state rank of 92nd and an IFPA rank of 3710. Stan’s consistent performance is noteworthy, with 41 IFPA events to his name.
• Jim Mueller, securing 3rd place with a state rank of 18th and an IFPA rank of 529, has participated in 141 IFPA events, demonstrating his dedication to the sport.
• Joshua Mitchell from Houston, finishing in 4th place with a state rank of 48th and an IFPA rank of 1714, has shown great potential in his 59 IFPA events.

Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here are the top 10 players in Texas, showcasing the best of the best:

Wrapping It All Up

A big shoutout to Space City Pinball for organizing such a fantastic event and to EinStein’s Pub for being a wonderful host. The Round 6 game on Venom was a highlight, showing off some truly impressive pinball skills. Thanks to everyone who came out and played, making this tournament one to remember. Until next time, keep flipping those flippers!