It was an epic evening at Free Gold Watch on September 11th for the SFPD Fall 2024 #3 tournament. With 85 players all vying for top honors, it was a battle of skill, strategy, and stamina. The event ran for a little over two and a half hours, with participants playing five games in a single round. The competition was intense, and with so many players, every shot mattered!
The weather? Scattered clouds with a cool 61°F – perfect pinball weather, if you ask me. And the players were certainly on fire in the friendly but fierce atmosphere.
Free Gold Watch: The Perfect Pinball Playground
Free Gold Watch, located at 1767 Waller St in San Francisco, is a pinball paradise. It’s not just about the sheer number of machines (though 61 pins is nothing to sneeze at) – it’s about the rare finds, like a perfectly maintained Simpsons Pinball Party and some kinetic games that harken back to a different era. The vibe is super chill, and while it’s laid-back, there’s always something happening. Reviews rave about the impeccable condition of the machines, making it a true pinball destination for locals and tourists alike. And on a weekday, you can still find space to play to your heart’s content!
Cyclone’s Storm of Controversy in Round 1
The spotlight game of the night was undoubtedly Cyclone. Released by Williams in February 1988, this classic brought the roller-coaster thrills – and a bit of mystery. The game clocked in at an eyebrow-raising 170 minutes. I mean, that’s the exact length of the entire tournament! Was it a marathon match of patience, or did we stumble into a software bug? One thing’s for sure, Cyclone’s thrilling carnival theme mirrored the wild ride that unfolded.
Eric Wagensonner, who’s ranked 80th in the state, managed to navigate the chaos for a solid first-place finish. Maura Devereux came in second, despite being significantly lower in the rankings – proving that anything can happen when you’re spinning the Cyclone. Local player Paul Glantz took third, and Louise Wagensonner rounded out the top four. Quite the whirlwind!
Pinball Paradise: 61 Machines to Master
With a whopping 61 machines in the lineup, players were spoiled for choice. Here are a few highlights:
- The Simpsons Pinball Party (Stern, 2003): This machine was designed by Keith Johnson and Joe Balcer. Its deep rule set and wacky family humor made it a fan favorite, with players immersing themselves in the crazy world of Springfield.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (Premium) (Stern, 2017): Another hit from Stern, this game is a favorite thanks to its fast-paced action and fantastic callouts. Plus, that Groot multiball is something to behold!
- The Godfather (CE) (Jersey Jack Pinball, 2023): Bringing the iconic crime saga to life, this pin features beautiful artwork and some of the most intricate gameplay of the night.
- Sharkey’s Shootout (Stern, 2000): Classic pool meets pinball. Designed by Jon Norris, this game challenges players to sink shots just like they’re at the local billiard hall.
- Attack From Mars (Remake Special) (Chicago Gaming, 2017): A remake of a fan favorite, Attack From Mars still delivers with its fast-paced alien-invasion theme, all wrapped up in modern gameplay polish.
These machines and many more made the night an unforgettable one.
Surviving the Pinball Gauntlet: The Overall Winners
This was no ordinary tournament – 85 players entered the fray, each trying to come out on top in a field packed with talent. The winners had to overcome a sea of competitors, proving their mettle on each and every machine. Here’s how the top players shook out:
- Jon Oberto from San Francisco, with a state rank of 542nd, IFPA rank of 3221, and a whopping 40 events under their belt, took home the gold.
- Jay Roudebush also from San Francisco, came in second with a state rank of 413th and an IFPA rank of 5801. A strong performance that pushed him to the finals.
- Dan Dempsey claimed third place, bringing his experience (105 events!) and ranking (41st in the state) into play.
- Kwang Chong hailing from Concord, rounded out the top four with a state rank of 66th and IFPA rank of 733.
With so many contenders, it was a true test of endurance and skill to rise above the pack!
California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 951.61 |
| 2 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.54 |
| 3 | Nic Stein | Davis | 818.56 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.84 | |
| 5 | Jason Zahler | 778.2 | |
| 6 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.65 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.75 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.46 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.17 |
| 10 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 592.71 |
Wrapping Up the Fun
Big thanks to the San Francisco Pinball Dept. for organizing yet another fantastic tournament, and to Free Gold Watch for hosting the event. Cyclone may have spun a tale of controversy, but in the end, the night was all about great competition and even better company. Stay tuned for more pinball action and recaps – there’s always another tournament on the horizon!