This past Sunday, August 4th, 2024, Louie’s Tap House in Roscoe, Illinois, was the stage for some intense pinball action during the Stern Army – Louie’s Silverball Sunday Monthly tournament. With 19 players battling it out in five grueling rounds, only the top 8 moved on to the finals, where they played two rounds with two games per round to determine the champion. The tournament kicked off at 1:00 PM under scattered clouds, with a temperature of 85°F, and lasted for 3 hours and 20 minutes, keeping the competitors on their toes.
Louie’s Tap House: Where Comfort Meets Competition
Louie’s Tap House, located at 5689 Elevator Rd, Roscoe, IL, might just be the perfect spot for a pinball tournament. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, Louie’s offers a unique blend of comfort and competition. The food here is more than just an afterthought; it’s a highlight, with patrons often leaving with satisfied smiles and leftovers to boot. On tournament days, the vibe is chill yet charged with excitement—perfect for pinball enthusiasts looking to test their skills. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or planning to spend the afternoon flipping, Louie’s Tap House provides the perfect backdrop for some serious silverball action.
The Epic Showdown on Big Game
In the semifinals, an epic 72-minute game unfolded on Stern Electronics’ Big Game from 1980. This jungle-themed classic pits players against the wild, where survival depends on their skill and cunning. David Slaymaker and Ben Giovingo found themselves locked in a heated battle, each flipper press a roar in the jungle as they fought for control over the beast that is Big Game. The intense game pushed both competitors to their limits, with Slaymaker ultimately emerging victorious, taming the jungle and advancing to the finals. Meanwhile, Giovingo’s valiant effort earned him a well-deserved second place in the game, showing that even in the wilds of pinball, it’s not over until the last ball drains.
Standout Machines That Made Waves
This tournament was graced by a stellar lineup of pinball machines, each offering its unique challenge. Strikes and Spares by Bally, a 1978 classic, brought players back to the golden age of pinball with its bowling-themed playfield and smooth gameplay. Meanwhile, Deadpool (Pro) by Stern, released in 2018, injected humor and action into the mix, with its quirky hero keeping players on their toes.
Other highlights included James Bond 007 (Premium), fresh off the line in 2022, which offered a high-stakes espionage adventure, and Stranger Things (Premium), where players faced off against the Demogorgon in the Upside Down. The variety of machines ensured that every round was a fresh challenge, keeping the competitors sharp and the action unpredictable.
Congrats to the Champions!
The final standings saw some familiar faces and a few up-and-comers taking the top spots. Sheldon Olson clinched first place, solidifying his status as a formidable player with an IFPA rank of 350 and 168 total events under his belt. Jim Radovich followed closely in second, boasting an impressive IFPA rank of 849 and a whopping 480 events to his name. Glenn Stickels, who hails from Machesney Park, took third, showing that his 23 events and state rank of 117th are nothing to scoff at. David Slaymaker, who performed strongly throughout, finished in fourth, adding another stellar performance to his record.
Rounding out the top eight were Joe Buchanan (5th), Ben Giovingo (6th), Trae Vance (7th), and Mike Hancock (8th). Each of these players showed remarkable skill and determination, making this tournament one to remember.
Illinois IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andy Bagwell | Elgin | 213.44 |
| 2 | Chuck Sanderson | 191.41 | |
| 3 | Andrew Wilkening | Chicago | 188.2 |
| 4 | Mike Pantoliano | Seattle | 139.62 |
| 5 | Tyler Hund | 132.53 | |
| 6 | Kevin Kolodziej | Arlington Heights | 121.09 |
| 7 | Jane Verwys | Chicago | 118.03 |
| 8 | Logan Henderson | Downers Grove | 116.12 |
| 9 | Bob Twichell | Oaklawn | 103.95 |
| 10 | Jeffro Coffey | Chicago | 99.51 |
Wrapping It Up
The Stern Army – Louie’s Silverball Sunday Monthly tournament at Louie’s Tap House was a smashing success. With a well-rounded lineup of machines and fierce competition, the day was a celebration of all things pinball. Congratulations to Sheldon Olson for taking home the top spot, and a shout-out to all the competitors who made the event thrilling from start to finish. Louie’s Tap House proved once again why it’s a prime location for pinball events—delicious food, a laid-back atmosphere, and plenty of silverball action. Follow along for the latest updates!