The finals for the Speakeasy at Last Level tournament on September 22, 2024, might leave you scratching your head. Between its unknown location and missing tournament results, this event feels as elusive as the tournament’s own poster. One round, three games, three players, and two and a half hours of competitive pinball—but something about it all seems just off, like a pin with a backwards flipper. Whether by design or just a glitch, this tournament has left us with more questions than answers. But that’s pinball for you—always full of surprises!
Location? We’re Still Looking for It!
Well, we’re not sure where the Speakeasy at Last Level took place, and apparently, neither is MatchPlay! Somewhere in Michigan is all we have to go on for now. Maybe Joe Wade, the organizer, will fill in that missing location next time. Until then, we’re just as in the dark as the players were in this speakeasy-style event. If you’re reading this, Joe, toss us a bone so we can put it on the map!
A Dinosaur Showdown on Jurassic Park (Premium)
One of the highlight games from Round 1 was played on Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern, released in October 2019. The game is a fan favorite for its thrilling theme of wrangling dinosaurs back into their enclosures, and these players brought their own intensity to the table. Isaiah Bingham, Nick Campbell, and Jacob Larry squared off in a Jurassic-sized battle, dodging chaos and battling for control over the park.
As the ball zoomed across the vibrant playfield, it was clear that Bingham had mastered the art of taming these mechanical beasts. His precision earned him first place, leaving Campbell scrambling to catch up in second, while Jacob Larry, the least experienced, found himself being overrun by velociraptors on his way to third. The dramatic, multiball action, paired with the game’s clever ramps and shots, made this a battle to remember. Bingham’s win wasn’t just about survival—it was about total domination.
Machines That Roared at This Tournament
The selection of pinball machines at this tournament featured some true crowd-pleasers. Let’s dive into the top five:
WWF Royal Rumble (Data East, 1994) – This machine captures the spectacle of professional wrestling, with its bold artwork and fast-paced play. With features like a six-ball multiball and “Royal Rumble” mode, players get thrown right into the action as they battle their way to the top of the wrestling world.
Godzilla (Premium) (Stern, 2021) – Godzilla has taken the pinball world by storm with its dynamic playfield and innovative design. Packed with ramps, loops, and even a magnet on the playfield that grabs the ball, it’s a thrilling experience for both new and experienced players. The building destruction feature is a fan favorite, as players work to unleash chaos on the city.
Jurassic Park (Premium) (Stern, 2019) – One of the stars of this tournament, Jurassic Park brings the dinosaur theme to life with its brilliant animations, voice work, and intense gameplay. It’s all about capturing those dinos, and this machine’s clever layout, combined with excellent flow, makes for an unforgettable experience.
JAWS (Premium) (Stern, 2024) – Still fresh on the scene, JAWS has players diving into the deep blue sea, evading the shark while completing objectives to keep their boat afloat. The tension ramps up as players engage with its exciting features, like the shark attack multiball.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) (Stern, 2020) – With its neon art and fast-paced action, TMNT captures the spirit of the cartoon series. The gameplay features team-based missions, skill shots, and challenging multiball modes that make for a fun and frenetic experience.
Tournament Results? We’re Still Waiting…
Here’s where the real challenge comes in as a pinball blogger—how do you announce tournament winners when the results vanish into the ether? Maybe the Speakeasy truly was secretive, and the final results were lost in the shadows. Either way, we’ll have to wait for the official scorekeepers to resurface before we can crown the champion. Hey, it’s pinball—we’ve seen weirder bugs!
Michigan’s IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
While we don’t have the final standings from this tournament, here’s a look at the top players in Michigan, according to IFPA rankings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dominic Labella | Bay City | 566.91 |
| 2 | Sterling Mitoska | Brooklyn | 513.03 |
| 3 | Matthew Stacks | Grand Rapids | 489.35 |
| 4 | Ethan Magnum | 418.52 | |
| 5 | Rodney Minch | Grand Rapids | 404.5 |
| 6 | Alex Harmon | Spring Lake | 401.4 |
| 7 | Philip Salminen | Midland | 334.44 |
| 8 | Jason Humphrey | Jackson | 307.99 |
| 9 | Phil Harmon | Fremont | 284.47 |
| 10 | Daniel Overbeek | Grand Rapids | 250.95 |
Closing Out with a Mystery
With the Speakeasy’s undisclosed location and our missing tournament results, it seems this event will go down as one of the more mysterious tournaments of the season. Still, congrats to everyone who participated, especially to Isaiah Bingham for his stellar performance on Jurassic Park!
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you all the latest pinball news from tournaments across the country. Keep flipping, and maybe next time we’ll solve the mystery of where exactly this Speakeasy is hidden! Follow along for more updates and coverage of past events.