Hey there, pinball wizards! It’s Bride of Pinbot here, your friendly neighborhood pinball aficionado, ready to take you through the grand finale of the NWPC 2024 PreTourney. If you caught our last post, you know we had an epic start at The Ice Box Arcade. Now, it’s time to dive into the finals, where the top four players faced off in a thrilling showdown. With just one round and four games to prove their mettle, the competition was fierce, and the stakes were high.
The Ice Box Arcade: Where Pinball Dreams Come True
Set in the heart of Seattle on NW Bright Street, The Ice Box Arcade is more than just a gaming spot—it’s a pinball paradise. With a vibe that’s both inviting and vibrant, this arcade offers a massive open space filled with the clinks and clanks of classic pinball machines. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball wizard or a casual gamer, The Ice Box Arcade has something for everyone, complete with a great selection of drinks to keep the energy flowing. It’s the kind of place where nostalgia meets modern gaming, making it the perfect setting for the intense competition we witnessed during the NWPC 2024 PreTourney finals.
Battle Among the Stars: Alien Star Takes the Spotlight
In the finals, one game stood out above the rest—Alien Star by Gottlieb, a 1984 classic that transports players into the depths of space for an intergalactic battle. In this game, Dave Stewart and Dustin Goldbarg went head-to-head in a match that felt more like a sci-fi epic than a pinball game. The vibrant playfield, adorned with stars and cosmic elements, set the stage for an intense duel. Dave, hailing from Seattle, showed his mastery of the game’s fast-paced flow and challenging targets, while Dustin pushed back with skillful shots that kept the game neck-and-neck. But in the end, it was Dave who took the top spot, navigating the stars and earning his place as the champion of the night.
Pinball Machines That Lit Up the Finals
With 33 different machines at their disposal, the players had a wide array of challenges to tackle. Here are some of the standouts from the finals:
Cirqus Voltaire (Bally, 1997): Cirqus Voltaire is a dazzling display of circus-themed pinball, blending vibrant lights, immersive sound effects, and intricate gameplay elements. The centerpiece of the game is the interactive Ringmaster, who taunts players and challenges them to a showdown. The neon ramps, glowing under blacklight, guide the ball through an electrifying journey, while features like the Boom Balloon and Menagerie Ball add layers of strategy and excitement. Every game on Cirqus Voltaire feels like a thrilling performance under the big top, where precision and timing are key to mastering the art of the circus.
Congo (Williams, 1995): Congo transports players deep into the heart of the jungle, where the adventure unfolds across a pinball playfield filled with dangers and discoveries. Inspired by the movie, this machine features a striking volcano that erupts during gameplay, launching balls in a chaotic multiball frenzy. Hidden passageways and skillful shots lead to secret bonuses and high-stakes missions. The lush, jungle-themed artwork and sound effects immerse players in an exotic world, making every game on Congo a pulse-pounding expedition into the wild.
John Wick (Pro) (Stern, 2024): The epitome of high-octane pinball action, capturing the relentless pace and intensity of the iconic film series. This machine thrusts players into the role of the legendary hitman, navigating through a series of intricately designed modes that mimic the film’s most intense action sequences. Fast-paced gameplay, coupled with challenging shot combinations and brutal multiball modes, keeps players on edge. The sleek, modern design, paired with cinematic audio and visual effects, ensures that John Wick (Pro) is not just a game but a full-on adrenaline rush that quickly earned its spot as a tournament favorite.
Fish Tales (Williams, 1992): A beloved classic that perfectly captures the excitement of reeling in the big one. Set on a boat-shaped playfield, players aim to catch trophy fish while navigating the unpredictable waters. The game’s signature Monster Fish shot is a high-risk, high-reward target that can make or break a player’s score. The animated fish topper, which thrashes around during key moments, adds to the game’s charm. With its catchy country tunes and playful artwork, Fish Tales is a fun and challenging ride that has hooked players for decades.
The Top Players Who Dominated the Finals
After nearly five hours of intense gameplay, the NWPC 2024 PreTourney came to a close, here’s a look at the final standings:
- Dave Stewart from Seattle took the crown, proving once again why he’s one of the top-ranked players in the state. His cool, calculated play and deep knowledge of the games gave him the edge he needed to secure first place.
- Dustin Goldbarg put up a fierce fight, coming in second after a series of close matches. With an IFPA rank of 177, Dustin’s performance in the finals showed that he’s a player to watch in future tournaments.
- Jaran Jones claimed third place with consistent and impressive gameplay. Jaran’s ability to adapt to different machines and maintain focus under pressure was key to his strong finish.
- Tim Hansen from Sunnyvale rounded out the top four. Despite being up against some of the state’s best, Tim held his own, showcasing his skills on some of the most challenging machines in the lineup.
Washington’s Top 10 Pinball Wizards
As we wrap up the finals, let’s take a moment to recognize the top 10 pinball players in Washington, whose rankings reflect their hard work and dedication to the game.
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lonnie Langford | Seattle | 761.42 |
| 2 | Conrad Rustad | Bremerton | 621.1 |
| 3 | Leslie Ruckman | Seattle | 560.94 |
| 4 | Richie Terry | Seattle | 482.45 |
| 5 | John Robinson WA | Bothell | 476.48 |
| 6 | Jarrett Gaddy | Seattle | 468.98 |
| 7 | Dave Stewart | Carnation | 466.72 |
| 8 | Jaran Jones | Seattle | 415.3 |
| 9 | Joshua Francis | Edmonds | 394.98 |
| 10 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 384.84 |
Final Thoughts and a Big Thanks
The NWPC 2024 PreTourney finals at The Ice Box Arcade were nothing short of spectacular. Huge kudos to Germain Mariolle for organizing such a well-run event and to The Ice Box Arcade for providing the perfect backdrop for this pinball extravaganza. We witnessed some incredible gameplay, especially in the Alien Star spotlight game, where the competition reached cosmic heights. Thanks to everyone who came out to play and support the pinball community.
Stay connected for more pinball excitement and recaps—we’ve got plenty more tournaments and highlights coming your way!