Under a clear sky and a perfect 73°F, the second week of Ball Busters Pinball League’s fourth season took place at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, on September 18, 2024. Players geared up for five intense rounds of pinball action, with each game bringing them one step closer to victory. Twelve players showed up for the showdown, and in just 2 hours and 20 minutes, the tournament came to an exciting close. With fast-paced rounds and top-tier machines, there was no shortage of thrills for all involved.
A Pinball Wonderland: Pinball Gallery
Stepping inside, you’re met with rows of well-maintained machines spanning decades of pinball history. From nostalgic antique games to the latest cutting-edge releases, this place has it all. Visitors frequently rave about the seamless gameplay thanks to the perfectly maintained machines and friendly staff. Whether it’s a casual visit or a competitive event like Ball Busters, the Pinball Gallery offers an unforgettable experience. Plus, the wide variety of pinball machines ensures there’s always something new to try, making it a must-stop location for pinball fans in Pennsylvania.
A Magical Match on Toy Story 4 (LE)
Round 3 brought out the magic on Toy Story 4 (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball. If you’ve seen the film, you already know how it tugs at your heartstrings, and the pinball machine captures that same sense of adventure. Amy McManus came out on top, skillfully navigating through game modes inspired by Woody and the gang’s rescue missions. Anita Thallmayer was close behind, expertly hitting ramps and targets while chasing the elusive Super Spinner mode. But it was Lisa Kavanagh and Jamme Thomas who stole the show with their smooth flipper control and a daring attempt at unlocking the Road Trip Multiball. In the end, Amy’s precision on the right orbit sealed her victory in this cinematic battle.
Pinball Machines: A Closer Look
This tournament featured a fantastic lineup of pinball machines, each offering a unique blend of gameplay and design. Here’s a peek at five standout titles that had players buzzing.
The Shadow (Bally, 1994)
Inspired by the classic pulp fiction hero, this machine demands strategic thinking. The dynamic Battlefield mini-playfield is a test of skill and reflexes, as players control a separate flipper with a button to navigate their way through.
Black Knight (Williams, 1980)
One of the all-time greats, Black Knight’s two-level playfield is legendary. Add in Magna-Save, where players can save their ball from draining with the push of a button, and you’ve got a machine that rewards both instinct and precision.
Title Fight (Gottlieb, 1990)
Title Fight is all about pinball’s take on boxing. The interactive ramps create a sense of fast-paced action, simulating the adrenaline of the ring. Players love the Knockout Jackpot feature, adding that extra thrill to every punch (or flipper shot).
Space Station (Williams, 1987)
Space Station takes players on a cosmic adventure with its fast-paced multiball feature. The unique lock mechanism requires precision to light the necessary balls, while its smooth orbit shots deliver a satisfying experience every time.
Celebrating the Champions
The final match on Aerosmith (Premium) had all the elements of a rock concert: flashing lights, electrifying energy, and an audience on the edge of their seats. At the forefront was Becky Egolf, who, despite her relatively modest IFPA ranking (42120), played with the confidence of a seasoned pro. Her aggressive flipper work during the Elevator Multiball was a sight to behold, and it propelled her to first place. For someone who’s only played in 18 tournaments, Becky’s rise to the top was nothing short of impressive, showing that rankings aren’t everything when it comes to raw talent.
Meanwhile, Terri Morton put up a fierce fight for second place. With 155 tournaments under her belt and a state ranking of 67th, she was no stranger to high-pressure situations. Throughout the night, Terri’s deep knowledge of the machines was evident, especially when she leveraged the Toys in the Attic mode on Aerosmith to rack up points. She may have fallen just short of the win, but her strategic play proved why she’s ranked so high in Pennsylvania.
In third place was Amy McManus, a wildcard who came into the tournament unranked. However, after showing some impressive flipper skills earlier in the night, she proved that even without a formal ranking, she could hold her own among seasoned competitors. Amy’s performance, especially on Toy Story 4, caught everyone’s attention, and this could very well be the start of a solid competitive pinball journey.
Rounding out the top four was Emilia Choate, who, with 186 IFPA events under their belt, is no stranger to the competitive scene. Despite their 439th state rank, Emilia’s gameplay was steady throughout the tournament, earning them a respectable fourth-place finish. Their calm demeanor and technical flipper skills kept them in the hunt till the end, proving that consistency in gameplay often pays off.
Pennsylvania IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aleksander Kaczmarczyk | Pittsburgh | 525.71 |
| 2 | Cryss Stephens | 460.86 | |
| 3 | David Riel | Pittsburgh | 343.3 |
| 4 | Jason Zahler | 321.81 | |
| 5 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 286.73 |
| 6 | Tommy Vernieri | Atlanta | 280.4 |
| 7 | Escher Lefkoff | 280.2 | |
| 8 | Jared Schmidt | Pittsburgh | 266.4 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 246.47 |
| 10 | Elliott Keith | Catonsville | 242.58 |
Wrapping it All Up at Pinball Gallery
What a night of pinball at Pinball Gallery! The mix of competitive energy and laid-back fun made this event one to remember. Congratulations again to Becky Egolf for taking home the top prize, and thanks to all the players for their incredible performances. If you’re in the area, Pinball Gallery is a must-visit for any fan of the silver ball. With tournaments like this happening regularly, you won’t want to miss out on the action.
Follow along for more pinball news and updates as we continue to cover events around the country!