Hey pinball fans! Last weekend’s EinStein’s=MatchplayCompetition² was one for the books, combining top-notch competition with the unique charm of EinStein’s Pub & Arcade in Richmond, Texas. The tournament brought together 27 players who battled it out over seven intense rounds, with the top eight moving on to the finals. And let me tell you, these folks were serious about their pinball!
Hanging Out at EinStein’s Pub & Arcade
If you haven’t checked out EinStein’s Pub & Arcade yet, you’re missing out. Tucked away on West Airport Boulevard, this spot is a hidden gem for both casual and hardcore pinball enthusiasts. With about 10 pinball machines and plenty of other games to keep you entertained, this place has a cozy, laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a Sunday afternoon tournament. And let’s not forget the food and drinks—they’ve got a good bar menu that pairs perfectly with some friendly competition. Whether you’re there to play or just to hang out, EinStein’s has something for everyone. The machines are well-maintained, the prices are right, and they even have a change machine for those quarters. So, if you’re in the area, make sure to swing by!
An Epic Battle on The Mandalorian (LE)
Now, let’s talk about the spotlight game of the day—the semifinals match on The Mandalorian (LE). This game took an unbelievable 79 minutes, and it was nothing short of a nail-biter. Troy Saenz, a local from Richmond, TX, managed to channel his inner bounty hunter and outlast the competition in a game that felt like a journey across the galaxy. Travis Hanna and Joshua Mitchell gave it their all, but it was Troy who emerged victorious, with each flip of the flippers feeling like a blaster shot. This game wasn’t just about skill; it was about endurance and strategy, and Troy proved he had what it took to tame the Mandalorian table. With the Child looking on (probably), Troy secured his spot in the finals in true warrior style.
Tournament Guide: The Machines That Made It Happen
The lineup of pinball machines at EinStein’s was pretty stellar, with a mix of classic favorites and newer releases. Here are a few highlights:
The Mandalorian (LE) by Stern (June 2021): This machine is a crowd favorite, with its immersive gameplay that feels like you’re right in the middle of the Star Wars universe. The razor crest multiball is a must-see, and the upper playfield offers some intense action.
Guns N’ Roses (CE) by Jersey Jack Pinball (October 2020): Rock out with this music-themed pinball machine that’s all about bringing the concert experience to your fingertips. The lighting and sound effects make every game feel like you’re front row at a GNR show.
Theatre of Magic by Bally (March 1995): A true classic, this game is all about the illusions. The rotating magic trunk, disappearing balls, and multi-level ramps keep you guessing and entertained throughout.
Godzilla (LE) by Stern (September 2021): It’s not every day you get to control a kaiju. This machine has some of the coolest multiball modes, with Godzilla taking on various enemies in epic battles that make for an action-packed game.
Shoutout to the Tournament Champs!
Let’s give a huge round of applause to our tournament winners! Craig Hughes from Kingwood, Texas, took home the top prize. With a state rank of 62nd and over 140 events under his belt, Craig showed everyone why he’s a force to be reckoned with on the pinball scene. Coming in second was Grayson Turner from Spring, TX, who proved that consistency and skill go hand in hand. Matt Quantz from Houston clinched third place, showing that experience really does count with his impressive 425 events. Rounding out the top four was Joshua Mitchell from Houston, who had a solid run and kept everyone on their toes.
These players brought their A-game, and the competition was fierce. Whether it was skill, strategy, or just good old-fashioned luck, each of them earned their spot at the top.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s how the top players in Texas are currently standing:
| 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 | 327.17 |
| 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 |
Wrapping It Up
Overall, the EinStein’s=MatchplayCompetition² was a great success, bringing together some of the best pinball talent in Texas. A big thanks to Space City Pinball for organizing the event and to EinStein’s Pub & Arcade for hosting in such a fantastic location. Congratulations again to Craig Hughes for taking home the win!
Stay tuned for more pinball updates and stories—there’s always something exciting happening in the world of pinball!