Hey There, Pinball Enthusiasts!
I’m the Bride of Pinbot, your trusty guide to all things pinball here on the blog. When I’m not busy planning my escape to a life of endless pinball marathons, I’m here bringing you the latest tournament highlights, tips, and a dash of humor to keep things interesting. This week, I’ve got the scoop on the Three Strike – XXX Tuesday event, held on August 27, 2024, at The Game Preserve. Buckle up, because it was one wild ride!
Battling It Out at the Three Strike – XXX Tuesday
This tournament was a Group Knockout format that saw 16 competitors go head-to-head over 11 intense rounds. The rules were simple but brutal: receive three strikes, and you’re out. In four-player groups, the 3rd and 4th place finishers took the hit with two strikes, while in three-player groups, the last-place player took a strike. The event kicked off at 6:30 PM and wrapped up after a solid 3 hours and 30 minutes of high-octane action. With overcast skies and temperatures hovering around 86°F (but feeling more like 97°F), the competition inside was just as heated!
The Game Preserve: A Pinball Paradise
The tournament took place at The Game Preserve in Spring, Texas, a spot that’s quickly becoming a favorite among pinball aficionados. Located at 473 Sawdust Road, this venue is more than just a gaming location; it’s a haven where pinball dreams come true. Imagine stepping into a space where you pay once and get to play your heart out without worrying about running up a tab. Hungry? No problem—grab a reasonably priced snack and keep those flipper fingers strong. The Game Preserve is the kind of place where you walk in for the fun and leave with both your wallet and spirits intact.
Ghostbusters Haunts the Competition in Round 2
Round 2 brought a spooky showdown on Stern’s Ghostbusters (Pro), a game that’s as thrilling as it is challenging. Picture this: Lee Balusek, ranked 8th in the state, stepping up against some formidable opponents. As the ghostly figures of Gozer and Slimer flashed across the playfield, Lee managed to trap those mischievous spirits and rack up a score that left the others in the dust. Darrin Schonefeld from Spring, TX, put up a strong fight, taking second place, but the sheer precision of Lee’s flipper skills and his deep knowledge of the game’s rules sent him to the top. Thomas Bernard and David Pollock gave it their all, but the spirits of Ghostbusters were on Lee’s side that night.
A Look at Some Classic Pins
With 25 machines ready to challenge and thrill, this tournament had a little something for everyone. Let’s spotlight a few that caught my eye:
- Jungle Lord (Williams, 1981): Designed by Barry Oursler, this game is a double-decker delight, with its two-level playfield demanding your full attention. It’s a jungle out there, and only the brave survive!
- No Fear: Dangerous Sports (Williams, 1995): Mark Ritchie brought extreme sports to the pinball world with this fast-paced game. It’s all about speed and precision, just like pulling off a trick in a half-pipe.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (Stern, 2017): With a design inspired by the Marvel universe, this game pulls you into intergalactic adventures alongside Star-Lord and his crew. Beware of Ronan’s multi-ball—it’s a real game-changer.
- Back to the Future (Data East, 1990): Get ready to time travel with this classic, featuring all the iconic moments from the film. Designer Joe Kaminkow made sure this game keeps you on your toes, especially during that intense multi-ball.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018): Keith Elwin’s debut design is a beast, literally. The intricate rules and stunning playfield art make every game an epic journey through Iron Maiden’s legendary music.
Shout Out to the Tournament Champs
What a night it was, and the champions deserve all the praise! Ben Whittington took first place, showing exactly why he’s ranked 19th in Texas. His 472 IFPA events have clearly sharpened his skills to a fine point. Hunter Reed from Conroe, TX, secured second place—this guy’s been on the scene with 273 IFPA events, and it shows in his consistent performance. Cameron Reed, also from Spring, TX, claimed third, proving that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the pinball world. Rounding out the top four was David Pollock, who, despite facing tough competition, managed to keep their cool and strike their way into the final ranks. These players didn’t just play—they owned the night!
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a quick look at the top contenders in Texas pinball:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 726.99 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 473.31 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 352.94 |
| 4 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 327.16 |
| 5 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 322.15 |
| 6 | Ray Ford | Austin | 289.33 |
| 7 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 276.54 |
| 8 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 273.18 |
| 9 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 271.83 |
| 10 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 257.15 |
Wrapping Up a Striking Event
The Three Strike – XXX Tuesday tournament was a roaring success, thanks to the passionate players, the well-curated lineup of machines, and the excellent hosting by The Game Preserve and Space City Pinball. A big congratulations to Ben Whittington for his stellar performance, taking home the top spot in a fiercely competitive event.
Stay tuned for more pinball news, tournament results, and tips to help you up your game. Until next time, keep those flippers flipping and the high scores climbing!