Endurance and Skill Shine at Queen of the Silver Ball Day 7

On a cloudy September morning in Arlington, Texas, the Queen of the Silver Ball Day 7 tournament brought together 14 fierce competitors. Under the overcast skies and a pleasant 70°F, players pushed their skills to the limit in a long battle that stretched over 13.5 hours. Hosted at Free Play Arlington, this tournament’s grueling format of six rounds with one game per round tested the endurance and focus of every participant. When the dust settled, four finalists faced off in an intense showdown for pinball supremacy.

Stepping into the Retro World of Free Play Arlington

Free Play Arlington isn’t just another arcade; it’s a portal to the past, where the neon glow of pinball machines and the bleeps of classic arcade games take center stage. Nestled in the heart of Arlington at 400 East South Street, this spot is a haven for nostalgia, bringing the magic of the 80s and 90s back to life. For just $13, visitors enjoy unlimited access to games, a well-curated selection of drinks, and a soundtrack that brings out the inner child in everyone. While the Arlington location may not boast the scale of its sibling in Fort Worth, it’s a go-to for both casual gamers and competitive pinball players alike. The blend of friendly staff, iconic machines, and an affordable price makes this spot a standout destination.

Monster Bash Heats Up the Finals

The stage for the finals was set, and the game of choice was Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming, a fan-favorite that never fails to thrill. With its iconic Monsters of Rock feature, players had the opportunity to bring together the band of monsters for a massive points boost. Savannah Archuleta, a rising star in the Texas pinball scene, took full advantage of this feature, pulling ahead of the competition with strategic precision. Savannah’s mastery of the game mechanics was evident as it locked in victory against formidable opponents. Kamber Kirchmeier gave a valiant effort but ultimately couldn’t catch up, finishing second. Grimora and Jess Kirchmeier rounded out the top four in a finale filled with tension and excitement.

Pinball Machines That Lit Up the Tournament

The Queen of the Silver Ball tournament featured a diverse lineup of 29 machines, and a few of them stood out as crowd favorites. Attack from Mars by Bally (1995) had players scrambling to save Earth from alien invaders, with its Martian Multiball and UFO attacks keeping the action fast-paced. Stern’s Godzilla (Pro) (2021) wowed players with its epic kaiju battles, forcing them to master destructive modes like Tank Attack and Heat Ray. Meanwhile, The Munsters (Premium) (Stern, 2019) brought its quirky, gothic charm to the tournament, with its innovative Grandpa’s Laboratory and Dragula Multiball features keeping players hooked.

Williams’ Whirlwind (1990) proved to be a fan favorite as well, with its dynamic spinning discs causing unpredictable ball movement that even the most skilled players struggled to control. The tournament also saw fierce competition on Stern’s Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) (2019), where players took on the infamous Black Knight in one of pinball’s most adrenaline-pumping challenges.

Tournament Champions Stand Tall

Savannah Archuleta, hailing from Corinth, TX, proved why it’s quickly becoming a rising force in the Texas pinball scene. Despite holding a modest state rank of 74th and an IFPA rank just outside the top 1600, Savannah dominated the finals. It was Savannah’s 173rd tournament appearance, and with every flip, it showed the experience gained from competing at such a high level.

Coming in second, Kamber Kirchmeier gave a solid performance throughout the day, leveraging the experience of having participated in 59 IFPA events. Ranked 236th in the state, Kamber played with a calm, calculated approach, but ultimately couldn’t match Savannah’s mastery in the finals.

Grimora, one of the newer competitors, impressed everyone by landing in third place. With only 10 previous tournament appearances and a state rank of 768th, their performance was a standout in this competitive field, marking a significant leap forward for the up-and-comer.

Jess Kirchmeier, representing Arlington, rounded out the top four. While Jess’s IFPA rank sits outside the top 10,000, her familiarity with the local machines and her 28-tournament history helped her navigate through the early rounds. Jess’s competitive spirit showed in every game, making her a formidable contender in this high-stakes competition.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Closing Thoughts: A Long Day Ends with a New Pinball Queen

The Queen of the Silver Ball Day 7 tournament may have lasted nearly 14 hours, but for the competitors, it was worth every second. Savannah Archuleta walked away as champion, showing just how quickly rankings can shift with skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Free Play Arlington proved once again to be a top-tier location for competitive pinball, drawing in players from across the state. If you’re looking for your own pinball adventure, check out their upcoming events at Free Play Arlington.

Stay tuned for more pinball updates, player profiles, and event recaps, and keep your flippers ready for the next battle!