If you ever find yourself wondering what it’s like to compete in a pinball tournament with a name as quirky as “Lime Sippin’ Lizard Broth,” let me paint you a picture. Picture this: 18 players, three rounds, two games per round, and nearly eight hours of pinball action. But don’t let the playful name fool you—this tournament was anything but lighthearted. With a duration of about seven and a half hours, these players gave it their all until the final flipper flip.
Pinball Tournaments and The Mysterious Location
Now, let’s talk about the location. Or, well, let’s try to! Writing about tournaments is a breeze until you run into a little snag like not knowing where it all went down. Undisclosed Location, anyone? It sounds like something out of a spy novel. I guess we’ll just have to imagine a top-secret pinball lair, somewhere hidden deep in Austin, TX. Maybe next time, I’ll get the full scoop!
Fathom Fun: A Standout Game in Round 2
Round 2 brought us a thrilling game on Bally’s Fathom, released back in August 1981. This game is famous for its “Capture the Mermaid” mode, and let me tell you, it was a battle of the sea creatures in this round. Nadia Didehbani, hailing from Austin, TX, truly captured the magic here, showing why rankings aren’t everything. Despite her lower rank, she outplayed everyone and made a splash by claiming first place. Nikolas Poklitar was nipping at her heels, coming in second, while tournament organizer Ray Ford, usually a top performer, found himself in third. Keb Gallows rounded out the top four, but it was clear that this game had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Tournament Guide: Mastering the Machines
When it comes to pinball tournaments, knowing the ins and outs of each machine can be the difference between a top finish and an early exit. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer, this guide will help you navigate the most challenging features of the machines used in the Lime Sippin’ Lizard Broth tournament. Let’s dive into the strategies that could give you the edge in your next competition.
- Creature from the Black Lagoon (Bally, 1992)
- In Creature from the Black Lagoon, the key to racking up points lies in getting to the multiball mode, which is triggered by spelling “FILM.” Start by focusing on the left ramp and right scoop shots to light your letters. The center shot to the snack bar can be risky, but it’s necessary to spell out “FILM,” so be prepared to nudge the table to avoid drains. Once multiball is active, aim for the Jackpot shots, which can quickly turn into big scores, especially if you can hit the double Jackpot by making the left ramp twice. And don’t forget, the Creature feature can be lucrative, so keep an eye on the screen to know when to cash in!
- AC/DC (LUCI) (Stern, 2013)
- With AC/DC (LUCI), the name of the game is song choice and maximizing your shot multipliers. Start by selecting a high-scoring song like “For Those About to Rock” or “You Shook Me All Night Long” and focus on completing the song objectives. Stack as many multipliers as you can on the major shots using the Bell, TNT, and the ramps. Once you’re set, start a multiball—preferably the Jam or Album multiballs—to take advantage of those multipliers. During multiball, keep the balls in play as long as possible while focusing on your high-value shots. A well-timed combo of multipliers and multiball can easily push your score into the stratosphere.
- Iron Man (Stern, 2010)
- In Iron Man, survival is key because this machine is fast and unforgiving. Start by trying to get War Machine multiball going by hitting the center spinner enough times. It’s a relatively safe mode that can rack up points while you warm up your shots. Once you’re in a groove, focus on starting Iron Monger multiball by bashing the big toy in the center of the playfield. This multiball is your bread and butter for scoring, so keep hitting the center shots to relight the jackpots. If you’re feeling confident, try to light up the Do or Die mode, which offers a high-risk, high-reward scenario that could make or break your game. Just remember to keep your reflexes sharp—Iron Man doesn’t play nice!
- The Walking Dead (Pro) (Stern, 2014)
- For The Walking Dead (Pro), it’s all about getting to Horde mode and stacking it with other multiballs. Start by hitting the prison and well walker targets to start multiball modes. Meanwhile, work on hitting the drops to light the modes that will eventually get you to Horde. When you’re in Horde, aim for the lit shots as they’ll keep you alive longer and rack up huge points. Use your bombs wisely to clear out dangerous shots and extend your play. If you can stack Horde with another multiball, like Prison or Well Walker, you’ll be looking at a massive score boost. Just don’t forget to stay cool under pressure—this game can be a nail-biter!
The Champions of Lime Sippin’ Lizard Broth
The Lime Sippin’ Lizard Broth tournament saw 18 fierce competitors battling it out over nearly eight hours of intense pinball action. Each round was a test of skill, strategy, and endurance. In the end, only a few managed to rise to the top, outmaneuvering their opponents with precision and focus.
John Walter emerged as the tournament champion, proving that even players ranked outside the top 50 can bring their A-game when it counts. His victory is a testament to the unpredictability of pinball—a few well-timed shots and a bit of luck can make all the difference. Victor Evans, always a strong contender, secured second place with his consistent play. Hanson Keuler, a relative underdog, pulled off an impressive third-place finish, showing that persistence pays off. And let’s not forget Ray Ford, the tournament organizer, who managed to land in fourth despite juggling multiple responsibilities throughout the event.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 697.25 |
| 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 |
Wrapping It All Up
The Lime Sippin’ Lizard Broth tournament was a thrilling marathon of skill, strategy, and a little bit of mystery (seriously, where was this thing held?). Kudos to Ray Ford for organizing such a fantastic event and to all the participants who made it a night to remember. Congratulations to John Walter on his well-deserved victory. Keep your flippers sharp, because there’s always more pinball excitement just around the corner. Stay tuned for more updates and stories!