Mastering the Machines: Top Tips from the Emporium Hi-Scorium Tournament

When the clock struck 7:00 PM on August 7th, 15 eager pinball wizards gathered at the vibrant Emporium Arcade Bar in San Francisco for the Emporium Hi-Scorium August tournament. The format was straightforward—four rounds of intense one-on-one battles, with the top four players moving on to a gripping three-game final round. The night was cool with scattered clouds and a refreshing 58°F breeze—perfect weather for an indoor pinball showdown. The tournament, lasting just over two hours, was a whirlwind of flippers, bumpers, and high scores, with only one player emerging victorious.

Where Pinball Dreams Come True: Emporium Arcade Bar

Tucked away on Divisadero Street, Emporium Arcade Bar isn’t just another spot in San Francisco; it’s a paradise for those who love to mix their nostalgia with a bit of competition. This lively arcade bar boasts a stunning array of pinball machines and arcade classics, with an ambiance that practically invites you to lose track of time. The bar is spacious, with vibrant decor, making it a prime spot for a tournament of this caliber. Drinks flow as freely as the games, and while security is tight—expect to leave your bottled water outside—the welcoming vibe more than makes up for it. It’s no wonder patrons keep coming back for more.

Godzilla’s Rampage: The Epic First Round

Round 1 of the tournament brought out the big guns—literally—as the longest game of the night unfolded on Stern’s Godzilla (Pro) pinball machine. This beast of a game, released in September 2021, features our favorite kaiju wreaking havoc on a grand scale. For 83 jaw-dropping minutes, players were locked in battle, trying to outlast each other while Godzilla rampaged across the playfield, destroying buildings, and launching atomic breath attacks. Jackie Olson, with her steady hand and sharp eye, dominated the game, taking first place in this round. She fended off Russ Sweetser, Brian Alexander, and Andrew Davis with skillful play and a bit of luck, making it through each stage of destruction with grace under pressure. Her victory here set the tone for the rest of the night—a champion was rising.

Level Up Your Game: Strategy Guides for Top Pinball Machines

In any tournament, knowing the ins and outs of the machines can give you a serious edge. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting started, having a solid strategy can make all the difference when the pressure’s on. Here’s a quick rundown of some key tips for the standout machines from the Emporium Hi-Scorium August tournament. Let’s dive in and see how you can rack up those high scores!

JAWS (Pro) Ready to take on the ocean’s deadliest predator? In JAWS, your top priority is triggering the Shark Multiball. Focus on hitting the shark-related targets—once you’re in multiball, keep as many balls in play as possible to maximize your points. Don’t forget about the movie modes; completing them isn’t just about advancing the story, it’s your ticket to some serious score boosts. And if there’s a boat toy on the playfield, aim for it whenever it’s lit—it’s more than just decoration; it’s a key part of your path to victory.

Revenge From Mars Get ready to save the world from Martian invaders! In Revenge From Mars, the name of the game is Martian modes. Your goal is to complete these modes and take down the saucer at the back of the playfield. Keep hammering those center ramps to destroy the saucer and make your way to the wizard mode, “Rule the Universe,” where the real points are. Collect Martian Bombs whenever you can—they’re a lifesaver during multiball, helping you clear out Martians faster and rack up those jackpots.

Foo Fighters (Pro) Time to rock out with the Foo Fighters! The key to this machine is mastering the song modes. Each mode is tied to one of the band’s hits, so keep an eye on the playfield inserts and follow the rhythm. The UFO target is your gateway to unlocking special features, so make sure you’re hitting it often. Multiball is where the magic happens—keep those balls in play and aim for the lit jackpots to send your score soaring. And don’t underestimate the drop targets; knocking them down can give you a nice score boost when you need it most.

Stranger Things (Pro) Enter the Upside Down with Stranger Things, where the Demogorgon is your biggest foe. Start by activating the Demogorgon modes and hitting that beast right in the mouth to progress through the game. Once you’ve triggered Telekinesis Multiball, keep those balls flying and aim for the jackpots to rack up points. Advancing through the game’s episodes is crucial—each completed episode brings you closer to the wizard mode. And if your machine has the projector effects, use them to guide your shots. They’ll show you exactly where to aim to take down the Demogorgon and save Hawkins.

Champions of the Emporium

The final round saw four skilled players face off on Foo Fighters (Pro), where Jackie Olson continued her dominance. With a state ranking of 91st and an IFPA ranking of 307, her experience in 155 IFPA events clearly paid off as she secured the top spot. Her victory was hard-fought, with Brian Alexander—ranked 6769th—showing impressive skill to claim second place. Russ Sweetser’s consistent play earned him third, while Andrew Davis, the tournament’s underdog, secured fourth place. The competition was fierce, but Jackie’s skill and strategy proved unbeatable.

California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

A Night to Remember

The Emporium Hi-Scorium August tournament was a thrilling event from start to finish. Congratulations to Jackie Olson on her well-deserved victory—her consistent performance and sharp gameplay made her the undisputed champion of the night. Emporium Arcade Bar proved to be an excellent host, with its vast game selection and lively atmosphere adding to the excitement of the tournament. For those who missed it, you’ll want to keep an eye on this spot—it’s bound to host more epic battles in the future.