Hey there, pinball wizards! This past weekend, the Space City Pinball gang hosted a thrilling event at EinStein’s Pub & Arcade: the Belles & Chimes Houston August 2024 tournament. With 12 fierce competitors and a lineup of stellar pinball machines, this showdown was nothing short of electrifying. The tournament kicked off on August 10th at 3:00 PM, and after nearly four hours of intense flipping and nudging, we crowned a champion. But let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the day!
The Perfect Spot for Pinball Action
EinStein’s Pub & Arcade is more than just a bar; it’s a paradise for pinball enthusiasts. Located at 16733 West Airport Blvd. in Richmond, Texas, this place has a reputation for combining good food, great drinks, and top-notch arcade fun. When you walk in, you’re greeted by a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere, with about ten pinball machines ready to challenge any player. The games are well-maintained, and the prices are just right—most machines are only 50 or 75 cents per play. If you’re hungry, the menu offers a solid selection of pub fare, making it the perfect spot to refuel between rounds. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, EinStein’s delivers on all fronts.
Epic Spider-Man Duel in Round 4
One of the most unforgettable moments of the tournament happened during Round 4 on the Spider-Man (Vault Edition) machine. This Stern classic from January 2016 brought out the web-slinger in all of us. The game was a true endurance test, clocking in at an astonishing 92 minutes! Liz Nebeker and Tiffany Simmons battled it out, dodging the Green Goblin’s traps and taking down Doc Ock’s schemes. The tension was palpable as the game’s narrative unfolded, with each flip bringing the players closer to victory. In the end, Liz emerged victorious, mastering the multiball madness and racking up the points.
Machine Spotlight: The Stars of the Show
With 16 machines in play, the tournament had something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at five standouts:
- James Bond 007 (LE) by Stern (2022): A sleek machine that captures the spirit of the iconic spy. The game features intricate ramps and a blend of classic and modern Bond elements, making every play feel like an action-packed mission.
- JAWS (LE) by Stern (2024): This new release is all about suspense. The machine keeps players on edge with its clever use of mechanical shark jaws that can snap shut, creating moments of pure pinball terror. The underwater-themed playfield is a visual treat, packed with references to the movie.
- Monster Bash (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (2018): A fan favorite, this machine resurrects the Universal Monsters in all their glory. With smooth gameplay and fun animations, it’s a love letter to the golden age of horror.
- Foo Fighters (LE) by Stern (2023): Rock and roll meets pinball in this high-energy machine. It’s fast-paced, with challenging shots and a killer soundtrack that keeps players pumped as they aim for high scores.
- Theatre of Magic by Bally (1995): A timeless classic, this machine’s intricate design and magical theme make it a joy to play. The spinning trunk and the disappearing ball trick never get old, and it’s no wonder this game remains a staple in many arcades.
Top Performers: Who Stood Out?
After a day of fierce competition, the top players truly earned their spots. Here’s a look at the winners:
- Evelyn Carroll – Hailing from the Lone Star State, Evelyn played with precision and confidence, earning her the top spot. With 148 IFPA events under her belt, it’s no surprise she came out on top.
- Elizabeth Dronet – Representing Space City, Elizabeth showcased her experience with an impressive run to second place. With 404 IFPA events, her expertise shined through.
- Liz Nebeker – A strong performance throughout the day, Liz’s standout moment on Spider-Man helped secure her a well-deserved third place.
- Tiffany Simmons – From Houston, Tiffany’s consistent play earned her a solid fourth place finish, proving she’s a competitor to watch.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
The top players in Texas continue to impress, and here’s how they’re stacking up:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 697.24 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 466.27 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 352.95 |
| 4 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 327.16 |
| 5 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 320.55 |
| 6 | Ray Ford | Austin | 289.35 |
| 7 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 273.18 |
| 8 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 271.69 |
| 9 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 262.25 |
| 10 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 250.67 |
Wrapping Up the Day
The Space City: Belles & Chimes Houston August 2024 tournament was a blast from start to finish. Kudos to the organizers at Space City Pinball for putting on such a fantastic event, and a big thanks to EinStein’s Pub & Arcade for being the perfect host. If you’re in the area, be sure to check them out!
And with that, keep your flippers sharp and your eyes on the ball. Stay tuned for more updates from the pinball world, and in the meantime, check out Space City Pinball’s events at their website. See you at the next tournament!