On August 20, 2024, the heat wasn’t the only thing turning up in Spring, Texas. The Game Preserve hosted the latest IFPA Three Strike – XXX Tuesday tournament, where 17 pinball wizards went head-to-head in a high-stakes Group Knockout battle. The competition was intense, with 11 rounds of action-packed gameplay. Players fought hard to avoid the dreaded three strikes that would send them packing. As the sun set and the temperature cooled just a little, the games only got hotter.
The Game Preserve: A Gamer’s Paradise in Spring
The Game Preserve, located at 473 Sawdust Road, Spring, Texas, might just be the closest thing to a gamer’s dream. A true treasure trove for pinball enthusiasts, this venue offers an extensive collection of both classic and modern pinball machines. The atmosphere is welcoming, with a friendly staff ready to guide you through endless rows of games. Whether you’re reliving the glory days on a vintage machine or trying your hand at the latest release, The Game Preserve has something for everyone. The location also keeps things family-friendly, with clean facilities and a policy encouraging guests to bring their own snacks while packing out their trash. It’s a spot where the fun truly never ends.
Game Spotlight: A Galactic Battle on Star Trek (Pro)
The stars aligned in the first round when four players faced off on Star Trek (Pro) by Stern, a game that takes you on a journey through space aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. Gabby Rickwalt, ranked 12,638th in the IFPA, boldly led the charge, engaging in a fierce battle against more seasoned opponents. Hunter Reed, who hails from Conroe, Texas, and is ranked 22nd in the state, kept pace, skillfully navigating through multiballs and missions. Meanwhile, Fred Revnew and Jack Revnew, both from The Woodlands, fought to maintain their positions in this interstellar showdown. Despite their efforts, it was Gabby who ultimately seized control of the Enterprise, claiming victory in this round. The game played out like a space opera, full of near misses and nail-biting moments, proving that even underdogs can sometimes claim the stars.
Tournament Guide: Mastering the Classics
Navigating through the tournament required a good deal of strategy, especially with the diverse lineup of pinball machines. Here are five games that stood out:
- Back to the Future by Data East (1990): This machine is a nostalgic trip back to Hill Valley with its vibrant artwork and sound clips straight from the iconic movie trilogy. The game’s special features include a DeLorean time travel ramp and a variety of multi-ball modes that challenge players to keep the flux capacitor in check.
- Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (2016): Who ya gonna call? This game is a fan favorite with its stunning playfield and eerie green ectoplasmic effects. The game’s Proton Pack and Ecto Goggles are not just for show—they’re integral to the game’s mechanics, making for a hauntingly good time.
- Elvira and the Party Monsters by Bally (1989): The Mistress of the Dark invites you to her ghoulish bash, where players can rack up points by triggering the Boogie Men or hitting the 3D backglass for extra rewards. It’s spooky fun with plenty of surprises.
- Jungle Lord by Williams (1981): This dual-level playfield machine takes you deep into the jungle, where you’ll need to activate the magnet save to survive. The game’s Tarzan theme is complemented by its unique gameplay mechanics, which include swinging between the upper and lower playfields.
- Lost World by Bally (1978): Step into a prehistoric adventure where the challenge lies in mastering the drop targets and spinner. The artwork on this machine is a throwback to the fantasy worlds of the late ’70s, making it a visual and tactical delight.
Rising to the Top: Tournament Winners
After hours of fierce competition, only the best remained standing. Ben Whittington took home the top prize, proving that his state ranking of 19th and IFPA ranking of 1,001 were no fluke. Ben’s experience, with over 469 IFPA events under his belt, shone through in the final round where it all started on Star Trek (Pro), where he navigated the game’s challenging missions with precision and coolness under pressure.
Nicholas Gustafson, from Spring, Texas, put up a strong fight, finishing second. With a state rank of 13th and an IFPA rank of 914, his performance reflected his seasoned pinball skills, honed across 251 events. Jack Revnew, who started strong in the spotlight match, secured third place, reinforcing his position as the 2nd best in the state with an impressive IFPA rank of 102. Grayson Turner rounded out the top four, a notable achievement given his 27th state rank and 1,334th IFPA rank, showing that he can hold his own in high-level competition.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 697.24 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 473.31 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 352.94 |
| 4 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 327.16 |
| 5 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 320.55 |
| 6 | Ray Ford | Austin | 289.33 |
| 7 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 273.18 |
| 8 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 271.69 |
| 9 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 262.24 |
| 10 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 250.67 |
Another Epic Showdown in the Books
The Three Strike – XXX Tuesday tournament at The Game Preserve was nothing short of electrifying. With 17 players pushing their skills to the limit, the competition was fierce, the games were thrilling, and the stakes were high. Congratulations to Ben Whittington for taking the crown and to all the players who made this event one to remember. If you missed out, don’t worry—there’s always more pinball action on the horizon. Stay tuned for the next showdown, and in the meantime, why not head over to The Game Preserve to get some practice in? After all, you never know when your next big win is just around the corner.