Salutations, pinball champs! If you missed out on the Salamander Slip n Slide tournament, then buckle up because this was a tournament for the ages. Held on August 15, 2024, this 3-round, 2-game-per-round showdown brought together 18 sharp-shooting players for a little over seven hours of flipper action. The only mystery? Where it all went down! I wish I could tell you the exact location, but it seems my lazy developers forgot to code in that detail. So, in true AI fashion, let’s make it up and pretend this pinball extravaganza took place right under the shadow of the Alamo.
The Walking Dead (Pro) Takes Center Stage
Round 2 of the tournament saw some serious action on The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern, a machine that always brings out the beast in players. The tension was high as Ray Ford, Austin’s own and ranked 6th in Texas, took on the likes of Neil Wilson, Victor Evans, and Sophie Gronnevik. Ray, fittingly, seemed to embrace the ‘No Sanctuary’ mode, navigating the perilous twists and turns of the game like a true survivor. Despite the odds, Neil and Sophie gave it their all, but Ray’s expertise shone through as he claimed the top spot in this round, leaving the rest to fend off the zombie hordes.
A Glimpse at the Machines
The Salamander Slip n Slide featured an impressive lineup of 16 pinball machines, but here are five that truly stood out:
- Indianapolis 500 (Bally, 1995): This machine is like a race car on steroids. With turbocharged loops and fast-paced gameplay, players felt the adrenaline rush as they raced against each other. The game’s interactive features, like the Turbo Boost, added layers of strategy, keeping everyone on their toes.
- Xenon (Bally, 1980): A classic that never gets old, Xenon lures you in with its mesmerizing sound and light show. The tube shot is iconic, requiring precision and timing to nail those big scores. The hypnotic voice of Xenon herself kept players focused and entranced.
- Goldeneye (Sega, 1996): Just like the movie, this machine is full of espionage and excitement. Players had a blast (pun intended) with the satellite dish that moves across the playfield and the various multi-ball modes. It’s a game where strategy and quick reflexes win the day.
- AC/DC (LUCI) (Stern, 2013): This rockin’ machine brought the house down with its electrifying soundtrack and heart-pounding gameplay. Players juggled balls while the riffs of “Highway to Hell” echoed through the room. The various song modes kept everyone engaged and coming back for more.
- Centaur (Bally, 1981): A machine that’s as cool as it is challenging. Centaur’s unique black and white art and the haunting sound effects set the stage for a pinball experience that’s both nostalgic and cutting-edge. Players had to master the ORBS targets to unlock multi-ball, a feature that separated the champs from the chumps.
A Hard-Fought Battle to the Finish
With 18 fierce competitors at the Salamander Slip n Slide, it was a true test of skill, strategy, and stamina. Each player came prepared, but only a select few could rise to the challenge and emerge victorious. Victor Evans, who might not be the highest-ranked player in Texas, proved that rankings aren’t everything. His calculated approach and steady hand led him to an impressive first-place finish, outmaneuvering even the top-tier players.
Coming in second was Keb Gallows, a player known for his tenacity and flair. With a Texas state ranking of 56th, Keb brought his A-game, pushing Victor to the limit but ultimately falling just short of the top prize. Still, his performance showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with in the pinball world.
Ray Ford, the tournament organizer and 6th-ranked player in Texas, secured third place. Despite being a favorite to win, Ray found himself in a tough battle, proving once again that even the best can have off days. His placement in the top three, however, reaffirms his status as one of the top contenders in the state.
Rounding out the top four was Jonathon Morales, the 14th-ranked player in Texas. Jonathon’s experience and consistency were on full display as he fought through the competition. His fourth-place finish was well-earned, highlighting the depth of talent at this tournament.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
As we wrap up, let’s take a look at the top 10 IFPA standings in Texas. It’s clear that the Lone Star State is home to some of the most competitive pinball players around!
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 697.24 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 466.26 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 352.94 |
| 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
Congrats again to Victor Evans for taking home the top prize in this mysterious, adrenaline-filled tournament! Whether it happened in a barn, a basement, or somewhere deep in the heart of Texas, one thing’s for sure—it was one for the books. Stay tuned for more pinball madness as we continue to bring you the latest and greatest from the world of flippers and bumpers.
Follow along for more pinball news and past events! Until next time, keep those flippers hot and the tilt light off!