Lights, Action, Flippers: Belles & Chimes Phoenix Delivers Excitement

This year’s Belles & Chimes Phoenix tournament was a whirlwind of excitement, with 36 fierce competitors stepping up to the challenge. Hosted by Tracy Lindbergh, the tournament took place on September 21st, 2024, at a mysterious location (keeping it low-key, perhaps?). From the first round at 1:00 PM to the final flipper flip 3 hours and 44 minutes later, it was a non-stop pinball battle that kept everyone on their toes. Whether you were a seasoned veteran or new to the scene, there was something for everyone in this fast-paced format—six rounds, one game per round, and no room for error.

Let’s dive into the standout moments and the games that made this event unforgettable.

A Galactic Battle on Star Trek

One of the most intense matches took place in Round 5 on Star Trek by Data East, a sci-fi classic from 1991. This game, with its space missions and warp-speed action, brought the best out of our four players. Mollie Stoltenberg, currently ranked 60th in the state, demonstrated top-tier precision and strategy. She handled the missions like a seasoned Starfleet officer, hitting the crucial shots to progress through the game’s demanding objectives.

The competition was fierce, though. Casey Halley, ranked 162nd in the state, gave Mollie a run for her money, skillfully navigating the game’s dynamic ramps and multiball mayhem. Jessica Windham and Ashly Hale (Gilbert, State Rank: 254th) weren’t far behind either. Ashly’s skillful use of the upper flipper lanes nearly stole the show, but it was Mollie who managed to outmaneuver her competitors, especially with her clutch shot on the Vengeance target to secure victory. It was a prime example of how this game can take players on a wild, unpredictable ride where experience truly shines.

Pinball Machines That Stood Out

Every pinball tournament is as much about the machines as it is about the players, and this event was no exception. The lineup at Belles & Chimes Phoenix offered a fantastic mix of old-school classics and newer releases, each with their own distinct gameplay styles and challenges. Whether you prefer the simplicity of older machines or the complexity of modern designs, this tournament had something for everyone. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout games.

World Cup Soccer (Bally, 1994)
A fan favorite, World Cup Soccer brings the thrill of the world’s biggest sporting event to the pinball stage. Released in 1994 to coincide with the FIFA World Cup, this machine is known for its high-energy gameplay. Players must score goals by shooting up ramps and completing challenging shots that mimic the fast pace of a soccer match. The goal-scoring mechanism, complete with a spinning soccer ball and animated goalie, keeps the action lively and competitive.

Medusa (Bally, 1981)
A true gem from the early ’80s, Medusa is a game that challenges even the most seasoned players. With its distinct Greek mythology theme and stunning backglass art, this machine is as beautiful as it is difficult. Medusa’s unique flipper configuration and timed drop targets push players to think quickly on their feet, as precision and timing are essential to success. It’s one of those machines that looks deceptively simple but can catch you off guard if you’re not paying close attention.

Monster Bash (Chicago Gaming, 2018 Remake)
If you’re a fan of classic monster movies, Monster Bash is the ultimate tribute. Originally released in 1998 by Williams, this machine was remade in 2018 by Chicago Gaming, keeping all the fun and flair of the original while updating the technology. Players must collect and revive iconic Universal Monsters—Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and more—to form a rock band and put on the ultimate concert. The combination of lighthearted humor, engaging playfield, and modern features makes this machine an instant hit at any event.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (Barrels of Fun, 2023)
This machine is one of the latest releases in pinball, and it brings the magic of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth to life in a completely new way. With intricate pathways, multi-level playfields, and mini-games that reference the film, Labyrinth offers a deeply immersive experience. It’s not just about hitting ramps or drop targets—it’s about navigating the complex world of the Goblin King and working through the puzzles of the labyrinth. This game is a true showstopper, with stunning artwork and innovative design that had everyone talking.

No Fear: Dangerous Sports (Williams, 1995)
For adrenaline junkies, No Fear takes extreme sports to the pinball realm. Released in 1995, this machine features fast-paced gameplay inspired by extreme activities like snowboarding, skydiving, and motocross. Its open playfield design and signature ramps make for quick action, with plenty of opportunities for high-scoring combos. The machine’s voiceover, courtesy of motor racing legend Steve Ritchie, adds an extra layer of excitement, making players feel like they’re racing against the clock.

These were just a few of the machines that tested players’ skills throughout the tournament. Each one brought its own set of challenges, forcing players to adapt and fine-tune their strategies as they moved from one game to the next. Whether they were chasing down the World Cup or battling Universal Monsters, the machines were the real stars of the show

Who Rose to the Top?

With 36 talented competitors, making it to the top was no easy feat. The tournament required players to be on point from the get-go, with each round eliminating the faint-hearted. When the dust settled, Hailey Buhrman stood tall as the winner. Ranked 80th in Arizona and 1858th nationwide, Hailey’s tournament experience (51 IFPA events under her belt) clearly paid off. Her steady hand and ability to stay calm under pressure helped her climb to the top of the rankings.

Stephanie Turner Ranked 32nd in the state took second place, adding another feather to her cap with an impressive performance that only solidified her reputation as a top player. With 219 IFPA events to her name, Stephanie’s experience was evident throughout the competition.

Kayden Helm (State Rank: 241st) and Terri Boyd (State Rank: 157th) also had outstanding performances, rounding out the top four. Terri, a fierce competitor from start to finish, showed off her skills across the board, holding her own against the field.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

For those keeping tabs on the state’s top talent, here are the current top 10 IFPA players in Arizona, based on WPPR points. These rankings show just how competitive the Arizona pinball scene really is

Wrapping Up the Day

At the end of the day, it was another fantastic tournament for the Belles & Chimes Phoenix crew. The players brought their A-game, the machines tested everyone’s skills, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Tracy Lindbergh deserves a huge thank you for organizing such a fun event. There’s nothing quite like the camaraderie and competition of a pinball tournament, and this one was no exception.

Stay tuned for more updates from the pinball world—there’s always another flipper battle on the horizon!