Hey there, pinball wizards! If you missed Brewqrew’s Monducky Tourney on August 15th, you missed out on a whirlwind of flippers, bumpers, and some of the most intense games we’ve seen this summer. Hosted at The Brewtique in Cedar Park, TX, this event brought together 15 players, all battling it out over five rounds. The heat outside was nothing compared to the heat inside as players took on classic machines like Fish Tales and The Addams Family. Let’s dive into the highlights!
A Cool Spot with Hot Games
The Brewtique is a gem in Cedar Park, perfectly blending that cozy neighborhood feel with a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for pinball tournaments. Located at 401 Cypress Creek Road, this spot is known for its stellar beer selection and friendly staff. With beers ranging from exotic honey-blond flavors to aged stouts, there’s something for every palate. The bar’s open-air design and spacious seating made it easy to relax between rounds, and if you’re into foosball or pool, you’ve got plenty to keep you entertained. The Brewtique isn’t just about the drinks, though; they’ve got a reputation for accommodating everyone, making it a great choice for events like this one.
Rockin’ Out with Led Zeppelin in Round 4
Round 4 saw the players go head-to-head on Stern’s Led Zeppelin (Pro) machine, a modern classic from December 2020. The game’s vibrant lights and iconic soundtrack set the stage for a thrilling match. Eryn Mullins pulled off a fantastic win, taking full advantage of the game’s powerful multiball modes and the “Rock and Roll” frenzy to rack up points. Christopher Welch, who’s no stranger to the Texas pinball scene, put up a good fight, but in the end, Eryn’s precision and strategy won the day. The match was a real testament to how a well-timed shot and some killer rhythm can lead to victory.
Pinball Classics That Shined
Let’s talk about some of the standout machines that made this tournament unforgettable.
- No Good Gofers by Williams (1997): This quirky game is a favorite for its humor and challenging shots. With its spinning disk and “slam ramp,” players had to stay on their toes to avoid the pesky gofers while aiming for the jackpot.
- Fish Tales by Williams (1992): A true classic, Fish Tales is all about the thrill of the catch. Its boat mechanic and monster fish modes keep things exciting, making it a crowd favorite every time it shows up in a tournament.
- The Addams Family by Bally (1992): Who can resist the charm of this creepy, kooky family? With its clever use of magnets and the ever-popular “Thing” hand, The Addams Family machine never fails to deliver spooky fun.
- Batman: The Dark Knight by Stern (2008): This machine combines the gritty world of Gotham with fast-paced gameplay. Players had to face off against the Joker and Two-Face, using every gadget in Batman’s arsenal to come out on top.
Winners Who Caught One This Big
As the final ball drained on Fish Tales, the room erupted in cheers for Eryn Mullins, who clinched first place with a commanding performance. Despite being unranked, Eryn showed everyone that sometimes it’s not about the numbers—it’s about the skill and determination to outplay the competition. Brandon Welch, also unranked, took second place, proving that raw talent can make a huge splash in the pinball world. Ethan Parks secured a solid third place, showing that consistency and focus can pay off, even in a tournament packed with seasoned players.
Christopher Welch, with his 150th state rank and extensive experience across 158 IFPA events, rounded out the top four. His deep knowledge of the game and strategic play were evident throughout the tournament, making his finish all the more impressive given the tough competition. It was a night where the underdogs rose to the occasion, showing that in pinball, anyone can have their moment to shine.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
The top players in Texas are always pushing the limits, and here’s how the rankings look as of now:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 697.24 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 466.26 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 352.94 |
| 4 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 327.16 |
| 5 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 320.55 |
| 6 | Ray Ford | Austin | 289.35 |
| 7 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 273.18 |
| 8 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 271.69 |
| 9 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 262.25 |
| 10 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 250.67 |
Wrapping It Up at The Brewtique
What a night! Brewqrew’s Monducky Tourney was a blast, with some seriously competitive play and a lineup of machines that kept everyone on their toes. Huge kudos to Jason Newman for organizing such a fun event, and of course, to The Brewtique for hosting us all in their fantastic space. If you’re ever in Cedar Park, make sure to check them out—you won’t be disappointed.
Keep your eyes peeled for more tournament news and highlights. Until next time, keep flipping and stay cool like the breezes off the nearby Lake Travis!