If you missed the Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday tournament on September 2, 2024, let me tell you—it was one for the books! Thirty-eight players gathered for six rounds of intense competition, with only the top eight making it to the finals. The whole event wrapped up in just under three hours, clocking in at two hours and forty-five minutes. Pretty quick for a showdown this fierce!
For more on Free Play Arlington’s upcoming events, check out their Facebook page here.
Stepping into Free Play Arlington
Located at 400 East South Street, Arlington, TX, Free Play Arlington is a local gem. It’s not just the games that make this spot special—it’s the vibe. You’re immediately welcomed by friendly staff, and for just 13 bucks, you’ve got access to an incredible variety of games. The old-school 80s and 90s arcade jams add to the nostalgia, making it a trip down memory lane for seasoned players and a blast for new ones. It’s a place where parents can bond with their kids over classics, and where pinball wizards can flex their skills. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll feel right at home.
For more info, visit Free Play Arlington.
Monster Bash Madness: Semifinals Spotlight
The semifinals delivered a classic battle on Monster Bash (Remake). This 2018 remake by Chicago Gaming is all about resurrecting famous Universal Monsters like Frankenstein, Dracula, and the Mummy for one wild show. The same could be said for the match between Greg Gibson and Steven McMullin—it was a battle of brains versus brute strength. Greg (it) took the lead, unleashing Frankenstein’s monster on a rampage, while Steven (he) kept trying to hit those tricky multiball jackpots. Chris Delp and Chris Noah hung in there, but ultimately, Greg’s sharp aim and precise flipper skills sealed the victory, leaving Steven to settle for second. It was a true monster mash-up!
Pinball Machines to Remember
For those gearing up for competitive pinball, mastering the nuances of each machine can make or break your performance. Here’s a closer look at two of the standout machines from the tournament, along with tips to help you get the edge next time you’re playing.
Godzilla (Pro) by Stern
Godzilla’s chaotic rampage through the city is as thrilling in tournament play as you’d expect. One of the key strategies is locking into the destruction jackpot—this is where you can rack up massive points if you time it right. The destruction jackpot isn’t just about hitting the right shots but knowing when to hit them to keep your scoring momentum going. Keep your eye on those ramps and loops because they can sneak up on you, especially when you’re locked into multiball mode.
Building multiball is another critical feature in tournament play. By shooting the ramps and locking the balls, players can unleash a frenzy of scoring opportunities, especially when they’re able to stack it with the destruction jackpot. The Kaiju battles also keep things unpredictable, and players who can consistently hit their combo shots will find themselves at the top of the leaderboard. Timing and precision are everything in this game, so focus on chaining shots for bigger rewards.
Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern
In Guardians of the Galaxy, strategy starts the moment you select your mission. Some missions are easier than others, and picking the right one can give you an early advantage. Timing the orb multiball is also a crucial move—nail this, and you’ll have a shot at some serious points. Groot multiball is where the game really opens up, though. Stacking it early can give you a scoring cushion, but it also requires patience and solid ball control.
Another element to consider in tournament play is the tightness of the shots. This game doesn’t forgive sloppy aim, so those who can hit their targets consistently—especially the orbits—are likely to come out on top. The soundtrack and movie quotes add to the fun, but don’t let that distract you from the real action. In the end, your success hinges on a few key multiballs and completing modes at the right time. Play smart, and you’ll find yourself outpacing the competition quickly.
Tournament Champions: Taking a Bite out of the Competition
Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX, dominated the finals and took home the top prize, navigating JAWS (Pro) like a seasoned shark hunter. As the 12th-ranked player in the state, Randy’s 88 tournament appearances gave him the edge he needed to outmaneuver the competition. Hot on his heels was Greg Gibson, who played a fantastic tournament, showing why they’re ranked 32nd in Texas.
Steven McMullin also had a strong showing, finishing third and continuing to climb the ranks with his impressive 80 tournaments under his belt. And let’s not forget Rick Miller, who rounded out the top four with a solid performance on the unforgiving waves of JAWS. Each of these players fought hard, but it was Randy who ultimately reeled in the win!
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 726.97 |
| 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 it All Up
In the end, it was a thrilling night for all 38 participants, including several new faces. Congrats to our unranked players like Tyler James and Paul Chen, who gave it their all in their first IFPA event! A huge shoutout to Chris Delp, the mastermind behind this great event, and Free Play Arlington for hosting. If you missed out, don’t worry—there’s always another tournament just around the corner.
Keep following for more updates from the pinball world!