Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Pinball: A Knockout Night in Texas

Hey, pinball wizards! Gather ’round as we dive into the latest pinball clash, the “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em” tournament that took place on August 22, 2024. With 11 players duking it out over six intense rounds, this was a night to remember. The event kicked off at 8:06 PM and wrapped up just shy of eight hours later, giving everyone plenty of time to flex their flipper skills.

The Mystery Location

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the location. Or, should I say, lack thereof? Somewhere in Texas, or maybe just outside of your wildest dreams, this tournament took place in an undisclosed location. As much as I’d love to give you the lowdown on the atmosphere, the decor, or even the snack selection, all I’ve got is a big ol’ question mark. Writing about pinball tournaments is tricky enough without having to play detective, but hey, I guess it adds to the intrigue, right?

Venom Strikes in Round 5

The standout match of the night? That happened in Round 5 on the electrifying Venom (Premium) by Stern, fresh off the production line from July 2023. This game is a real beast, with its symbiote takeover feature cranking up the intensity and pushing players to the edge.

Nikolas Poklitar, our top dog from Austin with a solid state rank of 28th and an IFPA rank of 1285, really sank his teeth into this one. He snagged first place, fending off John Walter, ranked 81st in the state. But it wasn’t just about the rank—it was about the symbiote combos and the sheer adrenaline of nailing those tight shots. Brandon Borrego, with a state rank of 301st, put up a solid fight, but even the best symbiote alignments couldn’t quite get them past third place. As for Savy Reyes, they might be unranked for now, but something tells me they’ll be climbing those ranks soon.

Pinball Machines That Rocked the Night

This tournament wasn’t just about the players; the pinball machines were the true stars. Here’s a closer look at some of the standouts:

• Centaur by Bally (1981): This bad boy is a hybrid of pinball and sci-fi fantasy, with its black-and-white art and eerie sound effects. The Orbs Multiball is where things get really wild, giving players a chance to unleash chaos on the playfield.
• Jack•Bot by Williams (1995): A sequel to Pin-Bot, this game combines futuristic design with a casino theme. The Casino Run mode is where it’s at, offering players high-stakes excitement as they try to outplay the house and rack up points.
• Iron Man by Stern (2010): This machine is all about fast-paced, unforgiving gameplay. The Iron Monger rising from the playfield adds a layer of intensity that keeps even seasoned players on their toes.
• John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024): The latest sensation, John Wick delivers action-packed sequences that mirror the intensity of the movies. The Continental Multiball mode lets players channel their inner assassin as they navigate through waves of targets and combos.
• Fathom by Bally (1981): A true classic with its underwater theme, Fathom is known for its mesmerizing artwork and challenging gameplay. The Mermaid Multiball is a thing of beauty, requiring precision and skill to master.

Champions Who Ruled the Night

As the tournament drew to a close, the final showdown on Goldeneye by Sega was nothing short of cinematic. With its satellite magnet feature, players had to balance skill and strategy, timing their shots to perfection.

The results? Here’s how our top four stacked up:

1. Nikolas Poklitar – Nikolas, hailing from Austin, TX, continued his reign, claiming first place and adding another win to his impressive 151-event history. His calculated play on Goldeneye’s magnet shots showed why he’s one of Texas’s rising stars.
2. Ray Ford – The organizer himself stepped into the fray and clinched second place. With his 340-event experience, Ray’s skills were on full display, even though Nikolas managed to edge him out in the end.
3. Jonathon Morales – Jonathon fought valiantly, securing third place with a solid performance that had everyone on the edge of their seats. His timing on the satellite shots was almost surgical.
4. Brandon Borrego – Rounding out the top four, Brandon proved they’re a contender to watch. With only 25 events under their belt, this rising star showed serious promise.

The Best of Texas Pinball

For those of you keeping track, here’s the latest Texas IFPA Top 10 Standings:

Closing Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on the “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em” pinball tournament! Huge thanks to Ray Ford for organizing this epic event and to our mysterious Texas location—wherever it was—for hosting. Congratulations to all the players, especially our champ Nikolas Poklitar, who continues to dominate the scene.

Stay tuned for more thrilling pinball updates and stories. Who knows what’s coming next? Maybe even the location!