The sizzling summer heat of August 11th couldn’t deter 21 passionate pinball players from gathering at Einstein’s Pub in Katy, TX, for the highly anticipated “EinStein’s Drainiacs” tournament. This wasn’t just another afternoon of casual flipper action—no, this was a grueling Group Knockout Tournament that tested the resolve and reflexes of everyone involved. Over the course of 15 thrilling rounds, participants were eliminated after receiving four strikes. In a field of such talent, staying afloat was no small feat!
A Dive into Einstein’s Pub: Pinball Paradise in Katy
Nestled in a bustling strip mall, Einstein’s Pub might not immediately dazzle with its exterior, but step inside, and it’s clear why this venue is a mainstay of Katy’s nightlife scene. With a vibe that can only be described as delightfully divey, this pub offers an impressive array of pinball machines that attract enthusiasts from all over. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the atmosphere is warm, thanks to the friendly servers who keep the energy upbeat. The Pub’s popularity is evident, especially during their special events like steak night and pint night. Parking? No problem at all, with ample space just outside the door. Just remember—this is a playground for the 21 and up crowd only!
Venom Strikes in Round 10: A Battle for the Ages
Round 10 saw an epic showdown on Stern’s Venom (Pro), a relatively new addition to the pinball world but already a fan favorite. Symbiote-powered chaos set the stage for an electrifying match. The competition was fierce, with state-ranked players vying for dominance. Ty Katsarelis, ranked 168th in the state, unleashed his inner anti-hero, weaving through the web of ramps and skill shots with a finesse that left the competition struggling to keep up. Ty’s victory in this round was a turning point, propelling him to the top of the leaderboard. Venom’s punishing speed and strategic depth demanded perfection, and Ty delivered just that, proving that sometimes, it’s the underdog who gets to bite back hardest.
Pinball Machines: The Mechanical Marvels of the Tournament
In a tournament packed with top-tier competition, the real stars of the show were the pinball machines themselves. Let’s take a closer look at five of the most talked-about games that had players sweating bullets and grinning ear to ear.
- Batman 66 (Premium): This Stern creation, released in January 2016, is a delightful tribute to the classic 1966 TV series. It captures the campy fun with a rotating Batcave and plenty of modes that let you battle the show’s infamous villains. The Batphone feature adds a thrilling layer of strategy, forcing players to react quickly when the call comes in. It’s a game where nostalgia meets intricate gameplay, and it kept everyone on their toes throughout the tournament.
- Deadpool (Premium): Introduced in August 2018 by Stern, this machine is as wild and unpredictable as its namesake. With katanas spinning and chimichanga multiballs flying, Deadpool is all about fast-paced, humorous action. The game’s unique shot layout, combined with hilarious callouts and animations, made it a crowd favorite. Players who could keep up with the frenetic pace were rewarded with some of the most satisfying combos in pinball.
- Venom (Pro): One of the newest game on the floor, released in July 2023 by Stern, Venom is a dark, intense, and utterly captivating experience. The symbiote-themed machine challenges players to master its rapid shots and intricate rule set. Venom’s brutal speed and complex combos demand precision, and those who managed to tame the beast in this tournament showed true pinball prowess. It’s a game that’s quickly becoming a legend in its own right.
- Rick and Morty (SE): From Spooky Pinball, this machine dropped in December 2019 and brought the chaotic energy of the hit animated series to life. The game’s multiverse adventures, coupled with its zany humor, made it an unpredictable ride. Features like the Portal Gun and the ‘Pickle Rick’ mode added layers of madness that only the most daring players could navigate successfully. Rick and Morty kept the laughs and the frustration coming in equal measure, proving it’s as challenging as it is entertaining.
- Attack From Mars (Remake LE): This 2017 remake by Chicago Gaming is a faithful recreation of the 1995 classic, and it still delivers all the over-the-top alien-invasion fun that made the original a hit. With its straightforward, addictive gameplay, Attack From Mars is a machine that’s easy to learn but tough to master. The humorous theme, combined with thrilling features like the strobe multiball and the UFO targets, made it a hit with both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Triumph in the Tournament: Meet the Top Contenders
After nearly six hours of intense gameplay, four players emerged from the pack, having faced off against some of the best in the state:
- Ty Katsarelis – With a state rank of 168th and an IFPA rank of 5857, Ty proved that underdogs can and do win big. He battled through 22 events to claim the top spot, a testament to his growing prowess in the pinball world.
- Jim Mueller – Ranked 14th in Texas and 506th worldwide, Jim’s experience (with 143 events under his belt) made him a formidable competitor. His second-place finish added yet another strong showing to his impressive record.
- Troy Saenz – Hailing from Richmond, TX, Troy (state rank 72nd, IFPA rank 908) demonstrated solid skill and consistency, navigating through 226 events to secure his place among the top finishers.
- Joshua Mitchell – Xe showed that Houston produces some serious pinball talent, finishing 4th with a state rank of 40th and an IFPA rank of 1616. Joshua’s 63 events reflect a passion that will undoubtedly lead to even greater success in future tournaments.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 697.24 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 466.27 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 352.95 |
| 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 |
A Fond Farewell from EinStein’s Pub
As the dust settles at Einstein’s Pub, we can’t help but applaud Space City Pinball for organizing yet another successful event. The competition was fierce, the camaraderie was strong, and the venue provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day of flipper action. Next time you’re in Katy, whether you’re a local or just passing through, don’t miss the chance to drop by and experience this pinball paradise for yourself.
Until then, keep your flippers sharp, your aim true, and your eyes on the prize. See you at the next tournament—where every shot could be the one that makes history!