Benton Parkade’s August Showdown: Who Survived the Strikes?

It was a scorching afternoon on August 4th, 2024, when 32 competitors gathered at Benton Parkade, located within the inviting Café Piazza in St. Louis, for the First Sunday Strikeout August tournament. With the temperature hitting 90°F and scattered clouds overhead, the intense heat didn’t just come from the weather but also from the fierce competition inside. Over 6 hours and 31 minutes, these pinball wizards faced off in a Group Knockout format. This grueling event allowed no room for error as each player could be eliminated after 10 strikes. Progressive Strikes ensured that every round was more punishing than the last, with eliminations happening thick and fast.

Café Piazza: The Pinball Haven of St. Louis

Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Café Piazza on Arsenal Street is more than just a spot to grab a slice of delicious pizza—it’s a full-fledged arcade dream come true. The place radiates a unique charm, blending excellent food with a touch of nostalgia. Walk through the doors, and you’re immediately greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked pizza, but it’s the buzz of the arcade that pulls you further inside. Tables adorned with Trivial Pursuit cards invite a bit of fun while you wait for your order, but the real action happens in the back, where the pinball machines stand ready to challenge even the most seasoned players. The walls, covered in purchasable artwork, add to the eclectic atmosphere, making it a favorite among both locals and pinball enthusiasts. Café Piazza, with its killer combo of food, art, and games, truly is a gem in St. Louis’s crown.

Guardians of the Galaxy: A Battle for Supremacy

Round 9 was where the real fireworks started on Stern’s Guardians of the Galaxy pinball machine. This game, known for its immersive theme and challenging gameplay, put the players’ skills to the test, and the results were nothing short of thrilling. Adam McKinnie, ranked 4th in Missouri and an IFPA force with his 76th global rank, showcased why he’s one of the best. Carleton Plourde, despite his #1 state ranking, couldn’t quite match Adam’s prowess in this round, taking 2nd place. John Miller, another top contender from Missouri, secured 3rd, while Kendell Holder, one of the tournament’s most consistent performers, rounded out the group in 4th. The machine’s signature Orb Multiball mode was the highlight of this round, where quick reflexes and strategic shot-making led to an epic showdown.

The Machines That Made the Magic Happen

The tournament wouldn’t have been the same without the stellar lineup of pinball machines that kept the players on their toes. Here’s a closer look at five of the standout games:

1. The Munsters (Pro) by Stern (2019) – A throwback to the classic TV show, The Munsters Pro version delights with its dynamic lower playfield and beautiful black-and-white artwork. Its fast-paced gameplay is perfect for players who love a challenge.
2. Stranger Things (Premium) by Stern (2019) – Dive into the Upside Down with this eerie and atmospheric machine. The telekinetic ball lock feature and the Demogorgon bash toy make it a standout in any collection.
3. Deadpool (Premium) by Stern (2018) – With its hilarious dialogue and vibrant comic-style art, Deadpool’s katana ramps and unique playfield layout ensure it’s as fun as it is challenging.
4. Space Station by Williams (1987) – A true classic, Space Station’s distinctive orbit shots and rotating beacon light keep it forever relevant in the pinball world. The sound effects alone are enough to take you on a nostalgic trip.
5. JAWS (Pro) by Stern (2024) – The newest machine on the block, JAWS brings the terror of the great white shark to life with innovative features like the shark attack multiball and the “barrel escape” sequence, making it a thrilling ride from start to finish.

Celebrating the Champions: Top Performers of the Day

After 12 brutal rounds, four players emerged as the true stars of the First Sunday Strikeout August tournament. Their performance on the machines was nothing short of spectacular, showing not just skill but endurance and strategy.

1. Carleton Plourde – St. Louis’s very own, holding the #1 State rank and 426th in the IFPA, Carleton played like a champion, securing the top spot in this intense competition.
2. Adam McKinnie – Hailing from Columbia, MO, and ranked 4th in the state, Adam demonstrated why he’s a force to be reckoned with, finishing strong in 2nd place.
3. Valerie Iriarte – In a stunning performance, Valerie climbed her way to 3rd place, proving that determination and skill can go hand in hand.
4. Kendell Holder – Kendell’s consistent performance throughout the day earned them a solid 4th place finish, rounding out the top competitors of the tournament.

Missouri IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

The competition in Missouri is as fierce as ever, with these top 10 players leading the charge:

Wrapping Up: A Day of Intense Pinball Action

As the sun set over St. Louis, the First Sunday Strikeout August tournament came to a close, leaving behind a trail of drained flippers, tense moments, and well-earned victories. A huge shout-out to Dan Sexauer for organizing such a fantastic event and to Café Piazza for hosting in their unique and vibrant space. Congratulations once again to Carleton Plourde for his impressive win, and to all the players who competed with heart and skill. Stay tuned for more pinball action and the latest updates from the world of IFPA!