On a warm August evening, 40 pinball enthusiasts gathered at the Eureka Heights Brew Co for the Space City Pinball: Eureka Heights Summer League 2024 #3 tournament. With a clear sky and temperatures reaching a sizzling 94°F (but feeling more like 107°F), it was the perfect night for some intense pinball action. The tournament’s format of two rounds, each with three games, kept players on their toes, battling for victory over three and a half hours.
Eureka Heights Brew Co: A Perfect Setting
Eureka Heights Brew Co, nestled in the heart of Houston at 941 West 18th St, is a beloved local spot known for its inviting atmosphere and fantastic brews. As soon as you step through the doors, the vibrant energy of the place is infectious. Regulars rave about the 713 Pilsner, a crisp and refreshing choice for hot summer nights, and the Buckle Bunny, a smooth cream ale with just the right touch of sweetness. The friendly staff and the laid-back vibe make it a perfect location for a night of pinball, not to mention their dedication to keeping the pinball spirit alive with a great selection of machines. Whether you’re there for the beer or the games, Eureka Heights Brew Co offers an experience that’s hard to beat.
The Magic of Toy Story 4
The first round of the tournament turned into an epic tale on the Toy Story 4 (LE) pinball machine, where four players found themselves in a battle that mirrored the wild adventures of Woody and Buzz. As the game began, the colorful carnival-themed playfield lit up with excitement, drawing everyone’s attention to what would become an unforgettable match.
Jonathan Henson, Travis Hanna, Liv Wilkie, and Jamie Radford stepped up to the machine, each determined to navigate the chaotic world of Toy Story. The game was filled with close calls and daring shots, much like Woody trying to save Forky from a life as a lost toy. Travis Hanna, known for his quick reflexes and sharp strategy, was the first to take the lead, racking up points like Buzz Lightyear flying through space. Liv Wilkie followed, channeling Jessie’s fearless spirit, but the shots didn’t quite land the way she hoped, causing her score to stall. Jamie Radford, despite being unranked, played with the tenacity of a kid determined to win every carnival game.
But it was Jonathan Henson who truly captured the magic of the game. Like Woody orchestrating a plan to save the day, Jonathan made every shot count, hitting the ramps and targets with precision. His ball seemed to dance across the playfield, avoiding pitfalls and racking up bonuses as if guided by fate. The match stretched on for an incredible 100 minutes, with each player giving their all. In the end, Jonathan’s steady hand and strategic play paid off, earning him the top spot in this thrilling, marathon match.
The Stars of the Show: Pinball Machines in the Spotlight
This tournament featured a stellar lineup of pinball machines that kept players engaged and challenged throughout the night. Each machine brought its own unique twist, making every game a fresh experience.
Rush (Pro) by Stern, released in January 2022, was a high-energy favorite. Designed by John Borg, this machine pays tribute to the legendary rock band Rush, with fast-paced gameplay that mirrors the band’s iconic, complex rhythms. Players found themselves jamming along with the music as they navigated the intricate ramps and challenging shots that made this machine a true test of skill.
Next up was Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern, a December 2019 release that captured the eerie atmosphere of Hawkins, Indiana. With artwork by Jeremy Packer, also known as Zombie Yeti, this machine plunged players into the Upside Down, where they faced off against the Demogorgon and relived the adventures of Eleven and her friends. The machine’s immersive features, including the interactive projector and Demogorgon toy, added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
Deadpool (Pro) by Stern, released in August 2018, brought the Merc with a Mouth to the pinball arena. Designed by George Gomez, this machine combined humor, fast gameplay, and dynamic shots that kept players on their toes. The unique battle modes and playful character banter made it a hit, with players enjoying the chance to team up with Deadpool in his quest to take down some of Marvel’s most notorious villains.
Another highlight was The Munsters (Premium) by Stern, a January 2019 release that transported players to 1313 Mockingbird Lane. Designed by John Borg, this machine captures the spooky fun of the classic TV show, with ramps and features that pay homage to the beloved characters. The black-and-white artwork on the playfield added a nostalgic touch, making it a fan favorite.
Also in the mix was Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, a September 2021 release that unleashed the King of Monsters onto the pinball world. Designed by Keith Elwin, this machine is known for its incredible flow and innovative features, including a collapsing building and a rotating skyscraper. Players loved the challenge of battling Godzilla’s enemies while racking up massive scores.
Finally, the tournament featured JAWS (Pro) by Stern, a January 2024 release that brought the tension and thrill of the iconic film to life. Players had to outsmart the great white shark while navigating dangerous waters, making this machine a standout with its suspenseful gameplay and dramatic moments.
Hats Off to the Winners
A big congratulations to Ty Katsarelis, who took home the top prize, proving that his 138th state ranking is no fluke. With only 23 IFPA events under his belt, Ty showed that experience isn’t everything—it’s how you play the game that counts. Jonathan Henson, who put on a stellar performance all night, claimed second place. Jonathan’s 24th state ranking and 116 events worth of experience made him a formidable competitor, and his efforts were rewarded with a spot on the podium. Troy Saenz from Richmond, TX, came in third, leveraging his extensive experience from 230 IFPA events to make it to the top three. Finally, Conner Hughes rounded out the top four, marking a strong showing despite being unranked by the IFPA. Well done to all the winners—you made it a night to remember!
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 |
Closing
As the night drew to a close, the camaraderie among players was palpable, with smiles and handshakes all around. A special thanks to Space City Pinball for organizing this fantastic event and to Eureka Heights Brew Co for being the perfect host. The showdown on Toy Story 4 will be talked about for weeks, serving as a reminder that in pinball, anything can happen. Stay connected for more pinball excitement and recaps—there’s always more fun just around the corner!