Heroes in a Half Shell Dominate NWPC Pre-Tourney at Admiral Pub

How’s it going, pinball crew? It’s your favorite chrome-hearted correspondent, Bride of Pinbot, here to bring you the latest scoop from the NWPC Pre-Tourney at the Admiral Pub. This event was nothing short of electrifying, with 14 players battling it out over a couple of hours for a spot in the finals. Let’s dive into the action, shall we?

An Evening at the Admiral Pub

Set in the heart of West Seattle, the Admiral Pub is a neighborhood gem that knows how to cater to its diverse clientele. Located at 2306 California Ave SW, this cozy spot has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re into trivia nights, board games, or, of course, pinball, the Admiral Pub has you covered. The laid-back vibe, coupled with a variety of events like bingo and music video DJ nights, makes it a hub for locals looking to unwind. And let’s not forget the food—while the tacos are a crowd favorite, the full English breakfast during Premier League games has its own dedicated fan base. But what really sets this place apart is its pinball section in the back, making it a perfect venue for our competitive shenanigans.

Finals on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The finals of the NWPC Pre-Tourney saw players face off on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern, a machine that demands both strategy and quick reflexes. Max Davidoff took the lead early, selecting Leonardo to make multiball easier. His choice paid off when he unleashed the Turtle Power Multiball, controlling the chaos to rack up big points.

Ashley Weaver wasn’t far behind, using Donatello’s skill shot boost to her advantage. Her precision with the Krang Combo kept her hot on Max’s heels, stacking points rapidly. Michael Tomber and Matthew Greene also had their moments, but they couldn’t quite catch up in the end.

Max’s multiball mastery and Ashley’s sharp shooting during Krang’s mode made for an exciting finish, with TMNT delivering the high-energy action fitting for the finals of this tournament.

The Machines that Made the Magic Happen

This tournament had an amazing lineup of 19 pinball machines, but a few really stood out. Let’s take a closer look at some of them:

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern: Released in June 2020, this game brings the nostalgia of the ‘90s straight to the arcade. With its vibrant artwork and challenging playfield, it’s a fan favorite. The game’s modes, like the “Mutagen Multiball” and “Team Up”, require players to master both flipper skills and strategy to maximize their scores.
• Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern: March 2019 brought us this high-energy machine. With its iconic Black Knight, players face off against a relentless foe. The interactive upper playfield and the retro, yet modern, sound effects make this game a thrilling experience.
• Elton John by Jersey Jack Pinball: Fresh off the line in October 2023, this machine is as flashy as its namesake. The game dazzles with LED lighting and music tracks that span Elton’s career. It’s not just about the visuals, though; the playfield design demands both speed and precision.
• James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern: This 2022 release takes players into the world of espionage with its slick design and complex gameplay. The various missions offer plenty of challenges, keeping players on their toes as they try to outwit the bad guys and rack up points.
• Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern: Since its release in 2016, this game has been a staple in many tournaments. The Ghostbusters theme is beautifully integrated into the gameplay, with modes like “Stay Puft Marshmallow Man” and “Spook Central” adding layers of fun and complexity.

A Toast to the Champions

The grand finale of the NWPC Pre-Tourney was nothing short of cinematic as the final four players faced off on Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming. This game is an absolute blast from the past, taking players on a wild ride through the Old West, where lawmen and outlaws duke it out under the blazing sun. With saloon doors swinging and tumbleweeds rolling, the tension was palpable as Ashley Weaver, the sheriff of this showdown, showed no mercy in her pursuit of victory.

Ashley, with her seasoned experience from over 500 IFPA events, quickly established control. She skillfully navigated the game’s classic features, like the Showdown mode, where her quick reflexes and precise aim had her racking up points faster than a gunslinger at high noon. Max Davidoff, a formidable opponent, wasn’t about to back down without a fight. He gave it his all, especially during the Train Robbery mode, where he nearly pulled off a heist to snatch the lead.

Michael Tomber and Matthew Greene, our other contenders, also had their moments in the sun. Michael took advantage of the Bart’s Bounty mode, making a valiant effort to climb the leaderboard, while Matthew, the dark horse from Seattle, kept the pressure on with his sharp shooting in Ambush at the Corral.

But in the end, it was Ashley who stood tall, the undisputed sheriff of this pinball frontier, proving once again why she’s ranked 15th in the state. Max Davidoff may have finished second, but his performance was nothing short of legendary, showing why he’s a rising star in the pinball world. As for Michael and Matthew, their third and fourth place finishes were well-earned, rounding out a final round that felt like a classic Western standoff.

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Check out who’s leading the pack in Washington:

Wrapping Up the Action

What a night! The NWPC Pre-Tourney at Admiral Pub was a blast, and we owe a huge shout-out to Germain Mariolle for organizing such a well-run event. The Admiral Pub was the perfect setting for a night of friendly yet fierce competition. Congratulations to Ashley Weaver on her well-deserved win!

Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups—there’s always more action around the corner!