September 19th, 2024, saw 23 pinball wizards gather at Heart State Brewing in Columbus, Ohio, for the League Super Awesome Season 34 tournament. As the sun set and a few scattered clouds lingered in the sky, the pinball action heated up indoors. This two-round tournament, with four games per round, flew by in just under two hours. The players didn’t hold back, making it a night to remember at Heart State. The event was skillfully organized by John Geiger, who ensured the evening went off without a hitch.
Heart State Brewing: The Perfect Pinball Hangout
Heart State Brewing has made quite the impression in the Columbus area, offering not only a wide selection of brews but also a welcoming atmosphere for pinball tournaments. Located at 750 Cross Pointe Road, this spot is known for its top-notch beer selection, and the clean, comfortable seating area makes it a perfect place for players and spectators alike. Their huge room is packed with pinball machines, giving the tournament a lively and competitive vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a flight to sample their extensive beer list or taking in a game of pinball, Heart State Brewing delivers an experience that leaves you wanting to come back for more.
Battle on Mars: Round 1 Highlights
Round 1 on Attack from Mars was an absolute showstopper, featuring an epic face-off between Matthew Klaiber, Brad Hengehold, Robert Bush, and Tim Malloy. As the invaders from Mars descended, it was Klaiber who fended them off with precision flipper action, claiming victory with authority. His state rank of 161st proved his prowess as he left the rest battling for second. Hengehold, the underdog ranked 968th in the state, fought valiantly but couldn’t close the gap, settling for second place. Robert Bush and Tim Malloy, despite their respectable ranks, were outmatched by Klaiber’s dominance on this fan-favorite Bally classic.
Pinball Machines: Iconic Battles on Iconic Games
The tournament featured a star-studded lineup of pinball machines, from classic hits to modern blockbusters. The Mandalorian (Pro), released by Stern in 2021, transported players to a galaxy far, far away, with its captivating missions and intense battles with the Razor Crest. The action didn’t stop there, as James Bond 007 (Pro) had players diving into espionage thrills and chasing iconic villains across multiple modes.
Of course, the 1995 classic from Round 1 Attack from Mars remains a favorite, with its out-of-this-world multiballs and Martian target-shooting sequences. And for those seeking an adrenaline rush, Jurassic Park (Pro) challenged players to outsmart velociraptors and T-rexes, keeping everyone on their toes. With the newly released John Wick (Pro) machine from 2024, players experienced the pulse-pounding intensity of Keanu Reeves’ iconic action hero. It was a varied lineup that showcased the depth and excitement of modern pinball.
Shout-out to the Tournament Winners
Matt Waters, coming in strong from Columbus with an IFPA rank of 630, took home the tournament’s top honors. His 85 prior IFPA events certainly prepared him for the evening’s high-paced action, but it was his consistency and calm under pressure that secured his win. Tyler Trollinger, whose ranking of 4043 belies his competitive spirit, snagged second place after an impressive showing throughout the rounds. In third, Tim Malloy maintained his spot in the top three, proving that his 211th state ranking isn’t just a number on paper. Finally, Ben Sauter rounded out the top four, battling through stiff competition to secure his place on the leaderboard.
Ohio IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Prusa | Cleveland | 1035.45 |
| 2 | Aaron RIch | 844.23 | |
| 3 | Galvin Morgan | Olmsted Falls | 735.89 |
| 4 | Gregory Kennedy | Plain City | 671.32 |
| 5 | Jesse Baker | Cincinnati | 665.46 |
| 6 | Carlos Delaserda | Columbus | 628.35 |
| 7 | Andrew Lee | Cleveland | 584.06 |
| 8 | Cody Webb | Westerville | 553.26 |
| 9 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 502.08 |
| 10 | Trent Augenstein | Delaware | 453.38 |
Final Thoughts on League Super Awesome Season 34
The League Super Awesome Season 34 tournament was a resounding success, thanks to the stellar organizing by John Geiger and the fantastic venue, Heart State Brewing. Congratulations to Matt Waters for clinching the win and to all the players who made the tournament so competitive. Be sure to stay tuned for more pinball updates, and follow the action closely as the next event is just around the corner!