Arcade Legends Rise at Seattle’s Max Value Classic Pinball Challenge

On September 1st, 54 competitors gathered at The Ice Box Arcade for the Max Value Classic Challenge, and what an event it was! With five rounds of two games each, players had their skills put to the test, battling it out for a coveted spot in the Finals. The top 26 players moved forward, and after 16 intense rounds, the winners were crowned. The tournament flew by, lasting about 3 hours and 30 minutes, with the competition as fierce as the late-summer heat.

A Classic Seattle Arcade Vibe

The Ice Box Arcade is one of those special places in Seattle that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem. Tucked away on NW Bright Street, this “fun hole-in-the-wall” arcade has a great mix of nostalgia and modern flair. Mostly known for its wide variety of pinball machines, The Ice Box also has some iconic arcade classics like Marvel vs. Capcom 2, complete with booming sound effects that transport you straight back to the early 2000s. Quarters power the machines here, adding to the retro charm, while a generous selection of drinks — both alcoholic and non — keeps players refreshed. Whether you’re chasing high scores or just in it for a good time, The Ice Box has you covered!

Mousin’ Around! Steals the Spotlight

The standout match of the tournament took place in Round 12 on Mousin’ Around! by Bally, a fan-favorite from 1989. The game is a quirky homage to cat-and-mouse capers, filled with fun ramps, cheesy humor, and that iconic multi-ball feature. Chelsie Hulka, ranked 222nd in Washington, pulled off an impressive victory, fending off heavyweights like John Robinson and Maka Honig. Despite being the underdog in a game packed with traps and targets, Chelsie stayed cool, nailing the multi-ball mode and catching her competition off-guard with precise flipper skills. John Robinson, ranked 8th in the state, fought hard but couldn’t quite outmaneuver Chelsie’s sharp play, while Maka and Jaran struggled to keep up with the fast pace of the table. Chelsie’s win on Mousin’ Around! was a moment to remember — a perfect blend of strategy, skill, and a little luck!

Standout Pinball Machines of the Day

With a stellar lineup of 20 machines, a few classics really stood out and brought a mix of challenge and nostalgia to the competition. Quicksilver, released by Stern Electronics in June 1980, is a fast-paced game with sleek, minimalist design that pushes players to focus on sharp shooting and quick reflexes. Its sci-fi theme is enhanced by a simple yet beautiful playfield that rewards those who can master the spinner and hit those drop targets consistently.

Another Stern gem, Stars, from March 1978, may seem straightforward at first glance, but don’t be fooled—this game demands pinpoint accuracy. Its wide open playfield makes every missed shot feel like a glaring mistake, but when you get into the groove, there’s a real sense of satisfaction. The playstyle is unforgiving, and only the most precise players make it out with high scores.

Grand Lizard, released by Williams in 1986, takes players deep into the jungle with its intricate playfield design, featuring ramps and upper-level play that keeps you constantly on your toes. The detailed artwork and roaring sound effects create a wild atmosphere, and that upper playfield requires some serious finesse to manage multi-ball.

For fans of newer machines, Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming, released in March 2023, was a crowd favorite. With its bold references to the cult-classic film, this machine brings pop culture into the pinball world in a way that’s hard to ignore. The classic music, movie quotes, and thrilling playfield design make it both a feast for the eyes and a test of skill.

On the vintage side, Dolly Parton (Bally, 1978) provided that old-school charm, with bright colors and an upbeat soundtrack that made players smile between tough shots. The game’s simple but enjoyable playfield kept everyone engaged, while Seawitch (Stern, 1980) tested players with its fast gameplay and looping shots that can make or break your score in a heartbeat.

Centaur (Bally, 1981), with its unique black-and-white art and futuristic theme, is always a standout. Its multi-ball mechanics and drop targets offer a thrilling experience for players who can keep up with its fast pace. Meanwhile, Meteor (Stern, 1979) brings a similar intensity with its heavy reliance on target shooting and precise control of the ball’s speed.

And finally, Viking (Bally, 1979) rounded out the lineup, taking players on a journey through Norse mythology with its challenging layout and distinctive backglass art. With dangerous outlanes and a steep learning curve, only the boldest players survived this one!

Congratulations to the Champions!

Let’s give it up for the top players of the Max Value Classic Challenge! Taking home the top spot was Seattle’s own Jarrett Gaddy, currently ranked 4th in Washington. With 285 tournaments under his belt, Jarrett’s victory comes as no surprise — his precision and ability to adapt to any machine are what set him apart from the competition. Close behind in second place was Dave Stewart, also from Seattle, ranked 5th in the state and no stranger to pinball glory with over 800 events on his resume. Leslie Ruckman took third place, bringing some extra firepower as the 3rd-ranked player in Washington. Her consistent play throughout the day made her a tough competitor. Rounding out the top five were Kiki V, whose online presence and impressive performance earned them 4th place, and Ashley Weaver, who powered through the competition to take 5th. Congrats to all the players for their amazing performances!

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Wrapping Up the Max Value Classic

The Max Value Classic Challenge was a blast from start to finish! Special thanks to Germain Mariolle for organizing the event and to The Ice Box Arcade for hosting such an epic tournament. Players enjoyed a day packed with fierce competition, amazing pinball machines, and plenty of good vibes. The game of the day, Mousin’ Around!, brought some real drama to the competition, with Chelsie Hulka’s underdog win standing out as one of the highlights. Until next time, stay connected for more pinball excitement!