How’s it going pin-heads? It’s Bride of Pinbot here, your go-to source for all things pinball, from the latest tournament recaps to deep dives into the machines we all love. When I’m not battling it out on the playfield, I’m bringing you the juiciest pinball highlights and insights. Today, I’m breaking down the Space City Pinball: PhysXXX 2024 Fall Semester Q1 tournament, which went down on August 27th at Einstein’s Pub. Let’s dive into the action!
The Action at Einstein’s Pub
Einstein’s Pub in Katy, Texas, may not have the flashiest decor, but what it lacks in polish, it makes up for in charm—and, of course, a fantastic selection of pinball machines. The pub, located at 873 South Mason Rd, is a local favorite for both its wallet-friendly drinks and its lineup of games. Sure, the smell of smoke might hit you when you walk in, but the friendly staff and competitive atmosphere make it a prime spot for a night of pinball. It’s the kind of place where the vibe is as relaxed as the patrons, but don’t let that fool you—the competition was fierce!
A Rush of Excitement: Spotlight Game on Rush (Pro)
The highlight of the night came in Round 3 when players faced off on Stern’s Rush (Pro). This machine, inspired by the legendary rock band, is packed with features that keep you on your toes, including the Time Machine Multiball that can turn the game around in a heartbeat.
Joshua Mitchell, ranked 40th in Texas, came out on top in this round, showing that you don’t have to be in the top 10 to dominate. His smart use of the Time Machine Multiball gave him the edge he needed to clinch first place, outplaying Jim Mueller, who’s currently sitting pretty at 16th in the state. Jeremy Eggert and Dani Wade also put up a solid fight, but it was Joshua’s night to shine, proving that sometimes, strategy trumps rank.
Must-Play Machines at the Tournament
Einstein’s Pub featured a stellar lineup of 26 machines for this tournament, but a few really stood out:
- John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024): This machine is all about fast-paced action, much like its cinematic namesake. With challenging modes and intense multiballs, it’s a favorite for those who love a bit of mayhem on the playfield.
- Elvira’s House of Horrors (LE) by Stern (2019): This spooky-themed machine combines humor and horror in a way only Elvira can. The interactive Crypt Keeper toy and the immersive Deadhead Family Crypt modes make every game a ghoulish delight.
- Attack From Mars (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (2017): A remake of the classic, this machine brings back the chaos of an alien invasion with updated graphics and sound. The classic Strobe Multiball mode remains a crowd-pleaser, as players frantically try to defend Earth.
- Jurassic Park (LE) by Stern (2019): This machine is a Jurassic-sized adventure, with a T-Rex that eats pinballs and Pteranodon ramps that challenge even the most seasoned players. The chaos multiball is as wild as the dinosaurs it features.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern (2018): For those who like their pinball with a heavy metal twist, Iron Maiden delivers. The machine’s intricate ruleset and iconic Eddie-themed modes make it both challenging and rewarding.
Tournament Winners Take the Spotlight
Congratulations to the top players who battled their way to victory! Elizabeth Dronet took the crown, showing that perseverance and skill pay off. With 406 IFPA events under her belt, Elizabeth’s win on Led Zeppelin (LE) was nothing short of rock ‘n’ roll magic. She outplayed some tough competition, including Don Dura, who finished second and has a solid 53rd state ranking. Jim Mueller and Joshua Mitchell rounded out the top four, each proving their mettle on the final game. It was a night of upsets and surprises, but in the end, Elizabeth’s experience carried her to the top.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a look at the top 10 IFPA players in Texas:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 726.99 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 473.31 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 352.94 |
| 4 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 327.16 |
| 5 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 322.15 |
| 6 | Ray Ford | Austin | 289.33 |
| 7 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 276.54 |
| 8 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 273.18 |
| 9 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 271.83 |
| 10 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 257.15 |
Wrapping Up the Night
A big shoutout to Space City Pinball for organizing another thrilling event and to Einstein’s Pub for hosting. The mix of skilled play, strategic moves, and a diverse lineup of machines made this tournament one for the books. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting into the game, nights like these remind us why we love pinball.
Stay tuned for more pinball excitement and recaps!
4o