Hey pinball enthusiasts! The Space City Pinball crew pulled off another fantastic event with the Eureka Heights Summer League 2024 #2, and let me tell you, it was an evening full of excitement, nail-biting matches, and, of course, some epic pinball action. Held on August 14, 2024, at the always lively Eureka Heights Brew Co, this tournament brought together 27 players who battled it out over two rounds of three games each. Despite the sweltering heat and an unexpected thunderstorm, everyone brought their A-game, and the night was nothing short of legendary.
Eureka Heights Brew Co – A Local Gem Cranked to 11
If you’ve never been to Eureka Heights Brew Co, you’re missing out on one of Houston’s coolest spots to grab a pint and enjoy some pinball. Nestled in the heart of the city at 941 West 18th St, this place is a fan-favorite for its laid-back atmosphere, top-notch brews, and super friendly staff. The 713 Pilsner is the go-to choice for beating the Texas heat, while the Buckle Bunny cream ale is smooth, with a slightly sweet finish that makes it a crowd-pleaser. And trust me, the vibe here is an 11/10—Spinal Tap would be proud. It’s the kind of place where the good times are always dialed up to the max, which makes it the perfect location for a pinball showdown.
Game Spotlight: JAWS (Pro) – The Beast of Round 2
Round 2 brought the most intense and longest game of the tournament on none other than JAWS (Pro) by Stern. The game stretched a whopping 86 minutes, with each player fighting for survival against the relentless shark. The tension was palpable as the players navigated through the “Feeding Frenzy” mode, where they had to hit a series of targets to avoid becoming shark bait.
John Speights, ranked 83rd in the state, managed to come out on top, showcasing his skills by strategically timing his shots and capitalizing on multiball opportunities. Right behind him was Stan Dessens, who hails from Cypress, and despite being ranked 81st in the state, gave John a run for his money. Troy Saenz, ranked 69th, secured third place, while Veronica Seymour, proving her grit in the face of fierce competition, rounded out the top four. It was a game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats, proving once again why JAWS is a tournament favorite.
Machines that Made the Magic Happen
The lineup of pinball machines at this tournament was nothing short of spectacular. Here’s a quick tour of some of the stars of the night:
John Wick (Pro) by Stern: Released in May 2024, this machine is as action-packed as the movies it’s based on. Players had to navigate through intense fight scenes and shoot their way through waves of enemies. The dynamic playfield and the innovative multi-ball modes make this one a real treat for any fan of fast-paced gameplay.
Toy Story 4 (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball: This game is pure fun, much like the movie it’s based on. Released in June 2022, it features all your favorite characters and some truly innovative playfield toys. The spinning carnival ride and the deep rule set make it a must-play for anyone who loves a good story with their pinball.
Godzilla (Premium) by Stern: A staple in any tournament, Godzilla’s destructive rampage theme never gets old. With its city-smashing modes and epic showdowns with other monsters, it’s no wonder this machine remains a player favorite. The premium version brings even more firepower with added features and toys that keep you coming back for more.
Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming: A machine that oozes cool, just like the movie it’s based on. Released in March 2023, it’s packed with quotes, music, and scenes from Tarantino’s cult classic. The retro playfield and smooth ball flow make this game as stylish as a black suit and tie.
Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern: Players had to escape the island while dodging the jaws of T-Rexes and Raptors. Released in October 2019, this machine is all about survival. The detailed playfield and challenging modes keep you on your toes, ensuring every game is an adventure.
Congratulations to the Champions!
A big round of applause to the champions of the night! The final game on Toy Story 4 (LE) was an absolute thriller, with Ben Whittington emerging victorious. He managed to rack up points with the “Carnival Chaos” mode, which threw a curveball at the competition with its unpredictable scoring opportunities. Ben’s performance was nothing short of stellar, reflecting his high state rank of 20th.
Here’s how the top four finished:
- Ben Whittington – State Rank: 20th, IFPA rank: 1001
- Lee Balusek – State Rank: 7th, IFPA rank: 487
- Stan Dessens – State Rank: 81st, IFPA rank: 3230
- Joshua Mitchell – State Rank: 40th, IFPA rank: 1616
Ben’s win was well-earned, as he navigated the complex modes and outscored some top-tier players to claim victory. But let’s not forget Lee Balusek, who, with a state rank of 7th, showed why he’s one of Texas’s top contenders. And Stan Dessens, fresh off his battle on JAWS, secured a solid third-place finish, demonstrating his resilience throughout the night.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| 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 Up
What a night! A huge thanks to Space City Pinball for organizing this incredible tournament and to Eureka Heights Brew Co for providing such a killer location. The players brought their best, and the competition was fierce from start to finish. Congratulations to Ben Whittington for taking home the top prize, and kudos to all who competed—you made this an event to remember. Stay tuned for more pinball action, and until next time, keep those flippers flipping!