Marathons and Multiballs: Highlights from the September Game On Tournament

Hey, pinball fans! It’s your favorite tournament correspondent, Bride of Pinbot, here to give you the inside scoop on the latest pinball action. You know the drill—covering the thrills, spills, and nail-biting moments of the top IFPA tournaments across the country. And today, I’m reporting from the September edition of the Game On Pinball Monthly Tournament, where the flippers were firing and the competition was fierce.

This month’s event brought together 27 players battling it out over four rounds, with the top 4 advancing to a final showdown. My job? Making sure you get all the juicy details on what went down at Game On Pinball. So buckle up, because this one was a rollercoaster.

A Day at Game On Pinball

With a clear sky and a comfortable 85°F outside, September 8th was an ideal day for pinball action. Game On Pinball hosted 27 players for an exciting afternoon of flipping, tilting, and multiball madness. Over the course of about 2.5 hours, the competition heated up, culminating in a finals showdown that left spectators cheering. Myriad Pinball put together this well-organized event, and you can check out their future happenings on their Facebook page here.

Pinball Machines with a Twist

Let’s dive into some of the standout machines that set the stage for this epic tournament:

• Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995): This classic machine never fails to impress, with its hilarious alien invasion theme and heart-pounding multiball modes. Players had to defend Earth from UFO attacks while trying to lock balls for the Martian Multiball—a chaotic, high-scoring frenzy that can make or break your game.
• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (Barrels of Fun, 2023): A whimsical addition to the tournament, Labyrinth brings the magic of the movie to the pinball world. From navigating the twisting mazes to battling Jareth, it’s an immersive adventure with some tricky shots. The optical illusions in this game require precision—and a bit of courage—to hit those ramps.
• Led Zeppelin (Premium) (Stern, 2020): Rock and roll lovers had their hands full with this machine. With features like “Icarus Multiball” and immersive concert visuals, it combines the best of pinball and music. The upper flipper shots add a level of challenge that’s perfect for skilled players looking to rack up huge points.
• Toy Story 4 (CE) (Jersey Jack, 2022): Buzz Lightyear and Woody are back in action! This machine is packed with fun toys and mini-games, but don’t let the kid-friendly theme fool you—this one’s got depth. The spinning carousel and loop combos are not just for show; they can lead to massive scores if you’re on your game.
• Stranger Things (Pro) (Stern, 2019): Fans of the Netflix series flocked to this one, where you face off against the Demogorgon in an intense battle. The Upside Down Multiball is a total game-changer, and with plenty of hidden shots, players had to keep their focus to avoid getting lost in the spooky world of Hawkins.

The Godzilla Marathon

When you hear the name Godzilla, you know you’re in for something big, and that was certainly the case during Round 1 of the tournament. The game took place on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, a machine that’s become a modern classic since its release in September 2021. What makes Godzilla such a beast of a game? For starters, the “Bridge Attack” and “Building Destruction” modes give you the sensation of literally leveling cities with your shots.

For 81 minutes, this table hosted a colossal match that had everyone at the location glued to the action. Dustin Goldbarg, known for his calm under pressure, approached the game like a seasoned kaiju hunter. He spent much of the game building up his destruction bonuses, carefully progressing through Godzilla’s tiered city-destruction modes. When the game entered the “Terror of Mechagodzilla” phase, Dustin’s patience paid off, unleashing an avalanche of points that left his competition scrambling in the rubble.

Winnie DeGregorio, a fierce competitor from San Jose, gave Dustin a run for his money. Her aggressive playstyle saw her focusing on multiball setups, particularly through the “Bridge Attack” mode, which racks up points while juggling multiple balls at once. She kept pace with Dustin until the final minutes, but couldn’t quite bring down the king of monsters himself.

Mike Villarreal and Steven Strell rounded out the match, playing well but unable to contend with the fury Dustin unleashed on the machine. Mike had some impressive moments, especially with his skillful control of the magnetic newton balls—a feature that adds a chaotic layer of strategy to the game—but it just wasn’t enough to topple Godzilla. Steven showed flashes of brilliance in the earlier phases but fell victim to the brutal multiball chaos, losing valuable balls at critical moments.

In the end, Dustin emerged victorious, mastering the chaos and claiming the round in dramatic fashion. His mastery of the game’s unique blend of destruction and strategy proved that, much like Godzilla himself, Dustin was a force to be reckoned with.

Champions Who Reigned Supreme

Now, let’s talk about the tournament’s top players, who truly showed what it means to be at the top of their pinball game.

1. Dustin Goldbarg took home the win, adding to his impressive resume with a State Rank of 16th and an IFPA ranking of 139. With 105 tournaments under his belt, his experience and consistency shone through in every round, culminating in his dominant performance on Godzilla.
2. In second place was Winnie DeGregorio, hailing from San Jose. Despite her lower ranking—216th in the state—she showed incredible poise, outperforming several higher-ranked competitors. Winnie’s strategic play throughout the tournament, especially on Stranger Things, helped her secure a well-deserved spot in the finals.
3. Mike Villarreal came in third, representing the SF Bay Area. With 214 events under his belt and a State Rank of 144, Mike is no stranger to high-pressure situations. His performance in the finals was solid, but he couldn’t quite catch up to Dustin’s flipper magic.
4. Rounding out the top 4 was Steven Strell, whose 15-tournament history shows he’s just getting started. With a State Rank of 377 and an IFPA rank of 6049, Steven’s progress in such a short time has been impressive, and we can’t wait to see more from him.

Game On Pinball: Where Fun and Flippers Meet

If you haven’t been to Game On Pinball in San Jose yet, you’re missing out on one of the best spots to play pinball in the area. Located on Lincoln Avenue, this hidden gem has 20 machines that rotate regularly, ensuring there’s always something fresh to play. Not only do they have top-notch machines, but they also buy and sell pinball machines, so you can take the fun home with you. Plus, being right next to a brewery, you can grab your favorite drink and bring it inside to play—a combo that’s hard to beat! The friendly staff keeps the machines in perfect shape, making sure the experience is smooth for both newbies and seasoned players alike. Check them out at Game On Pinball.

Top Players in California IFPA Rankings

Let’s not forget the current top players in the California IFPA standings. Here’s where they stack up:

Congratulations to the Champion!

A big congratulations to Dustin Goldbarg for his fantastic victory at Game On Pinball Monthly Tournament! Shout-out to Myriad Pinball for putting on such a great event and to Game On Pinball for hosting a memorable day of pinball fun. Remember, they’re not just a spot for top-tier gameplay—they also buy and sell machines! Stay tuned for more pinball news, tournament recaps, and tips on how to level up your game!