Pinball tournaments have a way of bringing out the best in players, and the Belles & Chimes SATX Summer 2024 #4 was no exception. Held on August 9, 2024, this event brought together 18 skilled players for a thrilling showdown at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters in San Antonio. With five rounds of intense competition and a two-round, three-game-per-round finals, the tournament kept everyone on their toes for just under three hours. The atmosphere was electric, fueled by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the buzz of anticipation. Let’s dive into the highlights of this unforgettable evening.
What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters: The Perfect Blend of Caffeine and Pinball
If you haven’t been to What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters yet, you’re in for a treat. Located at 138 West Rhapsody Drive, this spot is more than just your average coffee shop. Sure, the coffee is top-notch—some of the best in San Antonio, according to locals—but it’s the pinball lineup that really steals the show. Imagine sipping on a rich espresso while surrounded by over 30 pinball machines, all in pristine condition. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to have some fun, this place has something for everyone. The vibe is welcoming, with little stools for the younger crowd, making it a perfect family-friendly destination. And if you’re there for a tournament, like the Belles & Chimes event, you’ll find the perfect mix of caffeine-fueled excitement and pinball action.
Joker Poker Steals the Show in the Semifinals
One of the most exciting moments of the tournament came during the semifinals, where players faced off on Joker Poker by Gottlieb. This vintage gem from 1978 brought out the best—and the most patient—of our competitors. The game stretched on for a staggering 66 minutes, with each player battling it out in true high-stakes fashion. Hope Love, ranked 1924 in the IFPA, came out on top, expertly navigating the “Deuces Wild” mode to rack up points and secure her spot in the finals. Lori Love, ranked 3310, wasn’t far behind, proving that rankings don’t always dictate the outcome. Alice Young and Nadia Didehbani also put up a fierce fight, with their rankings of 1205 and 5478 respectively showing just how competitive this match really was.
A Mix of Old and New: The Pinball Lineup
The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 57 pinball machines, each one offering a unique challenge. Let’s take a closer look at a few standout games:
- John Wick (Pro) by Stern, released in May 2024, is a recent favorite, combining fast-paced action with sleek design. It’s no surprise that players were drawn to this one, as it perfectly captures the intensity of the John Wick films.
- Flash Gordon by Bally, a classic from May 1980, brought a touch of nostalgia to the event. Designed by Claude Fernandez and featuring artwork by Kevin O’Connor, this game is known for its challenging gameplay and beautiful art. It’s a reminder of why some classics never go out of style.
- Twilight Zone by Bally, released in May 1993, remains a fan favorite. Designed by Pat Lawlor, this game is a deep dive into the unknown, with tons of modes and a playfield that keeps you coming back for more. It’s always a hit in tournaments for its complexity and fun factor.
- Venom (LE) by Stern, one of the newer games released in July 2023, has quickly become a tournament staple. Its vibrant artwork and fast gameplay make it a thrilling choice for both new and seasoned players.
Celebrating the Top Players
A big round of applause goes to the top players of the Belles & Chimes SATX Summer 2024 #4. Hope Love, who clinched first place, has proven once again why she’s a force to be reckoned with. Ranked 114th in the state with 114 IFPA events under her belt, Hope’s win was well-deserved. Amanda Fincher, from Austin, took second place, showing why she’s ranked 130th in the state with 83 events. Her consistent performance is nothing short of impressive. Sophie Gronnevik secured third place, a fitting achievement for someone with 157 IFPA events and a 159th state ranking. And let’s not forget Lori Love, who rounded out the top four with her state rank of 99th across 170 events—talk about experience!
Here’s the Texas Top 10:
| 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 It All Up
As the dust settled and the last flippers were flipped, the Belles & Chimes SATX Summer 2024 #4 tournament proved to be a thrilling evening of competition and camaraderie. With top-notch machines, fierce competition, and the perfect location at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters, this event had it all. A big shout-out to Christina Cheeseman for organizing such a fantastic tournament, and of course, congratulations to Hope Love for taking home the top prize!
Stay tuned for the latest pinball news and follow-ups—there’s always more pinball action just around the corner!