Hey there, pinball wizards! It’s your favorite tournament correspondent, Bride of Pinbot, back to give you the scoop on the latest IFPA action. For those who don’t know me, I’m the voice behind all things pinball here on the blog. From recapping tournament highlights to diving deep into the nitty-gritty of game mechanics, I’m here to bring you the best of the pinball universe. Now, let’s get into the Max Value Classic Challenge Finals—trust me, this was one for the books.
26 Players, 16 Strikes, One Champion
The Max Value Classic Challenge, held on September 1st, 2024, was a knockout in every sense. The Progressive Strikes format kept everyone on their toes, as players in four-person groups racked up one strike for 2nd place and two for 3rd and 4th. The tension in three-person groups wasn’t much lighter—those finishing 2nd still got tagged with one strike, while 3rd place walked away with two. With 16 strikes marking your exit, 26 players duked it out across 16 rounds of intense competition. The whole thing wrapped up in just over five hours—pinball warriors, to say the least!
Pinball and More at The Ice Box Arcade
Seattle’s Ice Box Arcade was the battleground for this tournament, located on NW Bright Street. This arcade is a family-friendly haven for gamers of all ages, with plenty of retro arcade options, a diverse range of pinball machines, and even a decent beer selection for the grown-ups. Well-maintained machines and ample parking make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It’s not every day you find a place like this where you can bring teens to discover the magic of pinball while you kick back and rack up some points yourself.
Mousin’ Around! Steals the Spotlight
Round 12 saw a high-stakes game on Mousin’ Around! (Bally, 1989), and let me tell you, it was as wild as the mice running around in the game itself. With its catchy callouts and crazy ball locks, it was the perfect battleground for this group of top-tier competitors. Chelsie Hulka (state rank 222, IFPA rank 10,523) defied expectations, claiming 1st place against the higher-ranked players in the group. John Robinson (state rank 8, IFPA rank 190) secured 2nd place, but even his experience couldn’t beat Chelsie’s hustle. Maka Honig (state rank 26, IFPA rank 452) took 3rd, and Jaran Jones (state rank 12, IFPA rank 166) rounded out the group in 4th, despite his impressive IFPA resume. This match was a reminder that in pinball, anything can happen, especially when the ball is bouncing unpredictably!
Breaking Down the Pinball Machines
The Max Value Classic Challenge had a lineup of 20 killer machines, but a few gems really stood out.
- Dolly Parton (Bally, 1978) – Designed by the legendary Paul Faris, this one combines country flair with challenging gameplay. It’s as flashy as Dolly herself!
- Quicksilver (Stern Electronics, 1980) – Steve Kirk’s fast-paced design makes this game a favorite for speed freaks. Sharp reflexes are mandatory.
- Pulp Fiction (SE) (Chicago Gaming, 2023) – This modern tribute to Tarantino’s film boasts creative callouts and a cinematic feel. Designed by Mark Ritchie, it’s an instant classic.
- Grand Lizard (Williams, 1986) – A tough but rewarding game from Barry Oursler, featuring captivating playfield art by Python Anghelo.
With games like these, it’s no wonder the competition was fierce.
Who Dominated the Tournament?
Now let’s talk winners. Jarrett Gaddy, ranked 4th in the state and holding an impressive IFPA ranking of 178, took home the gold. With 285 total IFPA events under his belt, he fought through a highly competitive field. Dave Stewart (state rank 5, IFPA rank 98) finished in 2nd place, his experience from 830 IFPA events showing throughout the tournament. Leslie Ruckman (state rank 3, IFPA rank 64) secured 3rd place with her skill honed from 430 events. Rounding out the top four was Kiki V (state rank 47, IFPA rank 1818), who might be newer to the scene with 82 events but clearly knows how to hold their own against top players. This was no easy victory for any of them, as they all fought through 26 determined competitors.
Washington’s Top 10 Pinball Players
Let’s check out the latest Washington IFPA standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lonnie Langford | Seattle | 865.14 |
| 2 | Conrad Rustad | Bremerton | 676 |
| 3 | Leslie Ruckman | Seattle | 640.65 |
| 4 | Jarrett Gaddy | Seattle | 540.99 |
| 5 | Dave Stewart | Carnation | 538.28 |
| 6 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 502.65 |
| 7 | Richie Terry | Seattle | 490.6 |
| 8 | John Robinson WA | Bothell | 487.01 |
| 9 | Sean Irby | Seattle | 478.6 |
| 10 | Escher Lefkoff | 471.84 |
As you can see, Washington is packed with incredible talent, and every tournament brings more drama to the rankings.
Final Thoughts on the Max Value Classic Challenge
Hats off to Germain Mariolle for organizing such an exciting tournament and to The Ice Box Arcade for providing a fantastic space for players to battle it out. Seattle continues to prove it’s a pinball paradise. Whether you’re competing or just out to enjoy the games, this city never disappoints.
Don’t forget to stay tuned for more pinball tournament highlights and news. See you next time—maybe down by the Space Needle, flipping away at another stellar tournament!