The Tournament Rundown
The recent Pond Party pinball tournament was a blast, attracting 22 pinball enthusiasts for an evening of intense competition. Held on August 1, 2024, the event kicked off at 7:34 PM and ran for about 8 hours, concluding in the early morning hours. The tournament was organized by the ever-reliable Ray Ford, who once again delivered a seamless and exciting experience for all participants.
Mysterious Location
This time, the exact location of the Pond Party remains undisclosed. We do hope Ray Ford adds this detail to MatchPlay next time, so we can give you the full scoop on the surroundings that hosted such a thrilling tournament!
Highlight of the Night: Disney TRON: Legacy
One of the standout moments of the night happened in Round 1 on the Disney TRON: Legacy pinball machine by Stern, released in May 2011. This machine is known for its dazzling light show and immersive gameplay, featuring the “Flynn’s Arcade” multiball mode that can turn the tide for any skilled player.
In this round, Keb Gallows, ranked 55th in the state and 2154th in the IFPA, showcased his mastery by securing the first place. Close behind was Nikolas Poklitar from Austin, TX, with a state rank of 30th and IFPA rank of 1359. Phillip Pomeroy, also from Austin, TX, finished third, demonstrating his growing skills despite his lower state rank of 344th and IFPA rank of 11309. Mark Mortholle, who is unranked in the IFPA, rounded out the top four, showing that rankings aren’t everything when it comes to the heat of competition.
Spotlight on Pinball Machines
The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 15 pinball machines. Here’s a closer look at five of these crowd-pleasers:
Iron Man by Stern (April 2010) Iron Man is a fan favorite with its fast-paced gameplay and the iconic War Machine multiball. The dynamic playfield, with its Iron Monger rising from beneath, keeps players on their toes.
The Who’s Tommy Pinball Wizard by Data East (February 1994) This machine captures the essence of The Who’s rock opera with its unique blinders that cover the flippers during gameplay, adding an extra layer of challenge and excitement.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Data East (June 1991) Cowabunga! This machine brings the beloved heroes in a half-shell to life with vibrant artwork and exciting features like the Pizza Power multiball, making it a hit among players of all ages.
Jack•Bot by Williams (January 1995) Jack•Bot combines elements of classic pinball with modern twists, featuring the exciting Casino Run mode where players can gamble their points for a chance at a high score or risk losing it all.
White Water by Williams (January 1993) Adventure awaits in White Water, where players navigate rapids and waterfalls. The game’s unique playfield and engaging modes like the Vacation Jackpot make it a standout choice.
Celebrating the Champions
The tournament concluded with a celebration of the top winners, each bringing their unique skills and strategies to the forefront:
- John Walter – With a state rank of 97th and an IFPA rank of 2910, John showcased his experience from 50 IFPA events to clinch the top spot.
- Hanson Keuler – Ranked 293rd in the state and 6700th in the IFPA, Hanson’s consistent performance earned him second place.
- Keb Gallows – Fresh off his victory on TRON: Legacy, Keb’s state rank of 55th and IFPA rank of 2154, along with his 93 IFPA events, placed him third overall.
- Nikolas Poklitar – Hailing from Austin, TX, Nikolas’s impressive state rank of 30th and IFPA rank of 1359, bolstered by 142 IFPA events, secured him fourth place.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here are the current top 10 standings in Texas, showcasing the best of the best in the Lone Star State:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 663.43 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 447.24 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 345.12 |
| 4 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 318.1 |
| 5 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 311.58 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 273.18 |
| 7 | Ray Ford | Austin | 263.26 |
| 8 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 262.25 |
| 9 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 253.91 |
| 10 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 248.27 |
Wrapping Up the Fun
The Pond Party was a fantastic event filled with incredible gameplay and camaraderie. Big thanks to Ray Ford for organizing this memorable tournament and to everyone who came out to play. The Disney TRON: Legacy machine truly stood out, providing unforgettable moments and fierce competition. Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps, and keep flipping those flippers!