Hey there, pinball wizards! We had an absolute blast at the NWPC – Classic Revenge Group Strike 2024. This tournament was an intense Group Knockout battle, with 48 players duking it out over 13 rounds. The Progressive Strikes system kept everyone on their toes, and the competition was fierce. If you weren’t there, here’s what you missed.
A Mysterious Location in Oregon
So, here’s the thing—we don’t actually know where this tournament took place! Somewhere in Oregon, we’re guessing, with a clear sky and a crisp 68°F temperature to set the scene. Instead of giving you the lowdown on the tournament venue, let’s take a moment to appreciate Oregon’s iconic Multnomah Falls. Just imagine playing pinball near this stunning waterfall—now that would be something!
Round 3 Showdown on Gottlieb’s 300
Round 3 saw some serious action on 300 by Gottlieb, one of the tournament’s standout games. This classic from 1975 brought back the nostalgic feel of bowling alleys and arcade thrills. Conrad Rustad from Bremerton, with his impressive IFPA rank of 109, showed us all why he’s a force to be reckoned with, taking first place in this round. Eden Stamm (IFPA rank 65) gave Conrad a run for his money, but ultimately came in second. Theresa Martin, ranked 3520, and Casey Benton, ranked 1524, rounded out the group, making it a memorable match. With Conrad’s skill and Eden’s close pursuit, this game was all about striking gold—no spares allowed.
A Look at the Pinball Lineup
The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 8 pinball machines, and I’ve picked out a few to dive into:
Stingray by Stern Electronics (1977): This machine’s underwater theme is a visual treat, with bright colors and a captivating backglass. It’s got that classic early Stern feel, with a simple but challenging layout that keeps you coming back for more. Pinside fans love its fast gameplay and the spinner shot, which can really rack up points if you hit it right.
Flash Gordon by Bally (1980): A fan favorite, Flash Gordon’s challenging layout and three flippers make it a thrilling ride. The split-level playfield is a work of art, and the drop targets are no joke. You’ve got to bring your A-game to conquer Flash Gordon—no wonder it’s still a staple at tournaments.
Mystic by Bally (1979): Mystic is all about precision. The game’s mysterious theme, complete with occult symbols and eerie sounds, adds a layer of intrigue. Its layout demands careful shot placement, making every flipper hit count. Pinside aficionados appreciate its blend of challenging gameplay and captivating design.
Galaxy by Stern Electronics (1980): Galaxy is an adventure through space with a focus on ball control. The game’s distinctive layout, with its large open playfield, encourages long, flowing shots. The inline drop targets are particularly satisfying, and the game’s sound effects really pull you into the cosmic experience.
Nine Ball by Stern Electronics (1980): Known for its deep rule set, Nine Ball challenges even the most experienced players. It’s all about strategy here—locking balls and advancing through the playfield’s features can lead to massive scores. Pinside users praise its complex gameplay, which keeps them hooked round after round.
Battle of the Best: Tournament Winners
With 48 fierce competitors, it took sheer skill and determination to come out on top at NWPC – Classic Revenge. The final standings reflect the hard work and pinball prowess each player brought to the table.
- Luke Nahorniak (IFPA rank 4) – Luke fought through 596 IFPA events to earn this ranking, and it showed. They played with laser-like focus and took home the first-place title.
- Zac Wollons (IFPA rank 127) – Zac’s experience across 407 IFPA events made him a formidable opponent. He pushed Luke to the limit but ultimately took second place.
- Neal Joslyn (IFPA rank 267) – Neal’s over 600 IFPA events clearly paid off. His consistency earned him a solid third-place finish.
- Julie Gray (IFPA rank 5137) – Julie may have the highest rank on this list, but her performance was anything but average. With 623 events under her belt, she earned her spot in the top four.
Oregon IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mathew Peterson | Portland | 232.69 |
| 2 | Matt Walton | Eugene | 194.92 |
| 3 | Dana Valatka | Portland | 179.23 |
| 4 | Vincent Poudrier | 153.84 | |
| 5 | Ben Massey | 152.93 | |
| 6 | Evan Amano | Portland | 147.65 |
| 7 | Jeff Monroe | Eugene | 145.03 |
| 8 | Colin Urban | Portland | 143.64 |
| 9 | James Adamson | Portland | 127.78 |
| 10 | Nathan Stellhorn | Portland | 127.65 |
Wrapping It All Up
The NWPC – Classic Revenge Group Strike 2024 was a pinball lover’s dream, filled with action-packed rounds, close matches, and a stellar lineup of machines. A big shout-out to Germain Mariolle for organizing such a fantastic event. And let’s give a huge congrats to Luke Nahorniak for taking home the top spot. Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups right here on GobbleHole.com—until next time, keep flipping!