Flipping the Competition: Mueller Dominates at Space City’s PhysXXX Fall Tournament

The latest installment of Space City Pinball’s PhysXXX 2024 Fall Semester tournament took over Einstein’s Pub on the evening of September 3rd, and it was a showdown to remember. With 17 players, three rounds, and two games per round, this tournament didn’t hold back. The action kicked off at 7:00 PM and lasted just shy of two and a half hours, wrapping up at around 9:30 PM. Although the overcast skies and muggy 86°F weather could have dampened spirits outside, inside the pub, the games were heating up!

Einstein’s Pub: A Dive with a Pinball Heart

Einstein’s Pub on South Mason Road, Katy, TX, might be the very definition of a dive bar, but when it comes to pinball, it’s a local favorite. Sure, the smoke smell in the pinball area isn’t ideal, and it’s not as shiny as some other places, but the charm is undeniable. The drinks are affordable, the servers are friendly, and they’ve got an enviable lineup of pinball machines that more than makes up for the rough-around-the-edges vibe. Whether you’re popping in for the pinball or staying for a cold one, this pub has become a hotspot for Houston’s pinball community.

Avengers: Infinity Quest — The Battle Begins

In Round 1, players found themselves facing off on Stern’s Avengers: Infinity Quest (LE), a pin that delivers more than just a few rounds of pinball—it’s an intergalactic adventure. Released in September 2020, this machine celebrates its anniversary with a cosmic showdown, where players must help the Avengers gather all the Infinity Stones.

Don Dura, one of the more experienced players in the tournament, showed why he’s ranked 53rd in Texas as he led the charge, pulling off some impressive combos and timing his shots perfectly. Matt Katsarelis, though not as highly ranked as Don, gave him a good run for his money. Despite his local familiarity with the Katy pinball scene, Matt ultimately settled for second, while Maritza Chirichigno and Cindi Brennan—both Houston-based competitors—put up a solid fight, rounding out the game with respectable third and fourth place finishes.

Pinball Machines That Rocked the Tournament

With 26 machines in the tournament lineup, players had no shortage of great games to choose from. Let’s dive into a few of the standout games that kept the flippers busy:

Total Nuclear Annihilation by Spooky Pinball, released in January 2017, offers a throwback to classic single-level playfields, but with a twist—players must prevent nuclear reactors from exploding. It’s fast, it’s chaotic, and it tests every player’s multitasking skills.

Led Zeppelin (LE) by Stern, dropped in December 2020, lets you rock out while chasing jackpots, all set to one of the greatest soundtracks in rock history. But don’t get too caught up in the tunes, or you’ll miss your shot at the coveted Zeppelin Multiball.

Stern’s Foo Fighters (Pro), released in March 2023, amps up the intensity with high-energy gameplay and plenty of target shooting. The machine features crazy ramps and a mini playfield that can trip you up if you’re not paying attention.

Congrats to the Champions!

The final game of the tournament took place on No Good Gofers by Williams, and it was an explosive finish! Jim Mueller, who’s been a powerhouse in Texas pinball, lived up to his 16th state ranking by conquering the Slam Ramp with skill and precision. His ability to navigate the chaotic playfield earned him the top spot. He’s no stranger to competitive play, having participated in over 140 IFPA events.

Chris Low, ranked 128th in Texas, surprised many by taking second place. He may not have the highest ranking, but his performance in this tournament showed that he’s got what it takes to challenge the top players.

Don Dura, who had earlier dominated Avengers: Infinity Quest, finished in third, proving that his experience across various games gives him a consistent edge in these competitions.

Darrin Schonefeld, despite being a bit of a newcomer compared to the other top finishers with only 62 IFPA events under his belt, managed to secure fourth place, making this a breakout performance for him.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping it Up with a High Score

Kudos to Space City Pinball for organizing another fantastic event and to Einstein’s Pub for hosting. The tournament was a fast-paced thrill ride from start to finish, with players of all skill levels putting their best flipper forward. Keep your eyes on the calendar, folks—there’s always another tournament just around the corner. If you’re ever in the Katy area, swing by Einstein’s Pub and try your hand at one of their many machines. And hey, after a long day of pinball, you can always head over to the nearby Katy Heritage Museum for a quiet break from all the action.

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