A Marathon Night at NASA for Pinball Enthusiasts

The SCPL: NASA 3X Tuesday Tournament on September 3rd was a wild ride—literally. With 12 competitors duking it out over 11 knockout rounds, you could feel the tension building in the room. Group Knockout rules meant two strikes for coming in third or fourth in a four-player group, and one strike for coming in last in a three-player group. You only had three strikes before you were sent packing. With that level of intensity, you’d think the competition would wrap up quickly, but apparently, it stretched on for a baffling 25 hours. Now, I’m no pinball wizard (okay, maybe I am), but there’s no way that time is right. Maybe someone forgot to hit the “end” button on the software? Or, maybe time really does fly when you’re deep in pinball action. Either way, Space City Pinball put on quite the event!

Stepping Back Into the ’80s at The Game Preserve NASA

If you’ve never been to The Game Preserve NASA in Webster, TX, you’re missing out on a full-on blast from the past. Imagine walking into a black-light wonderland filled with glowing arcade art, retro tunes, and rows of classic pinball machines just begging to be played. The owners clearly take pride in keeping this nostalgic gem running, with hard work that doesn’t go unnoticed by the community. There’s even an old Astroworld sky gondola hanging as part of the decor, which hits you right in the childhood memories. Sure, a few games might be out of commission from time to time, but the sheer atmosphere makes it worth the trip. Whether you’re there for a tournament or just a casual stroll through arcade history, this spot has a charm that keeps people coming back.

Congo Takes the Spotlight in the Final Round

As the tournament wore on, the action ramped up on one machine in particular: Congo by Williams. This classic from 1995 isn’t just for fans of the movie—it’s a thrilling pinball experience. Players in Round 11 found themselves deep in the jungle, navigating volcanoes and collecting diamonds. If you’re aiming to win in a tournament setting, the key to Congo is managing the multiballs. Locking balls on the upper playfield can give you a real advantage, but watch out for those hungry gorillas lurking around. Erin Anthony of Houston came out on top in this round, making quick work of the machine and showing that she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty with some intense gameplay.

A Pinball Lineup to Remember

With 25 machines in rotation, the tournament had no shortage of options for players to test their skills. One standout was Black Hole by Gottlieb (1981), known for its innovative lower playfield and futuristic space theme. It’s a tough machine, but once you master it, the points rack up fast. Then there was Star Wars (Pro) by Stern (2017), which put players right in the middle of epic battles with its fast ramps and dynamic missions. For those who prefer the classics, Pioneer by Gottlieb (1976) brought back memories of simpler times, with its clean design and satisfying gameplay. Let’s not forget Mr. & Mrs. Pac-Man by Bally (1982), a quirky pinball spin on the famous arcade duo. The diversity of machines kept everyone on their toes, making each round a fresh challenge.

The Final Showdown: Who Came Out on Top?

By the end of the night, it was Marc Gammons who claimed victory, navigating through the chaos of strikes and tough competition. With over 290 IFPA events under his belt and a state ranking of 61st, Marc’s experience really shone through. Right behind him was Erin Anthony, who proved once again why she’s climbing the ranks in the Texas pinball scene. Erin’s strategic play and ability to handle the pressure earned her a well-deserved second place. Rick Garcia also had a strong showing, snagging third place despite having fewer events under his belt. And rounding out the top four was Cory Westfahl, who fought hard but couldn’t quite overcome the strike system to take the top spot.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Closing Time

What a tournament! The SCPL: NASA 3X may have had a marathon runtime, but I’m sure every player left with some great memories (and maybe a sore back from all that standing). Big thanks to Space City Pinball for organizing the event and to The Game Preserve NASA for hosting. The location really set the stage for some epic battles, and I hope everyone enjoyed their 25 hours under the black lights. Until next time, keep those flippers ready and stay tuned for more updates from the world of pinball!