Pinball wizards gathered at Einstein’s Pub in Katy, TX, for the Space City Pinball: PhysXXX 2024 Fall Semester Q1 tournament. The event was as wild as the name suggests, with 18 players battling through three rounds of pinball madness. While the numbers claim the tournament lasted a whopping 26 and a half hours, we’re pretty sure a time portal opened up at some point, courtesy of Rick and Morty. A calculation bug seems like a safer bet—because that’s way too long for a Monday night, even for us pinball die-hards.
Einstein’s Pub: Where Pinball Meets Chill Vibes
Einstein’s Pub has a little bit of everything—cheap beer, juicy burgers, and an excellent lineup of pinball machines. The players weren’t just there for the games; the atmosphere was top-notch, and the friendly staff helped set the tone. Sure, there’s a bit of a lingering smoke smell that might not be for everyone, but that’s part of the charm. Regulars don’t seem to mind as long as the pinball machines keep playing like new. Whether you’re a local or making a special trip, Einstein’s is worth the drive. And the best part? Whoever takes care of those machines knows exactly what they’re doing.
Rick and Morty Pinball: Did We Just Travel Through Time?
The standout game of the night? Rick and Morty, no question. This quirky and chaotic machine from Spooky Pinball stole the show in Round 2. Chris Low took first place, but the real winner might have been the game itself—complete with portals, alien invasions, and a multi-ball frenzy that feels straight out of the show. Between Morty’s panicked voiceovers and Rick’s snarky remarks, we could’ve sworn we slipped into a different dimension. That might even explain the bizarre tournament runtime. There’s something about this game that makes time fly—or maybe slow down, who knows?
In this round:
- Chris Low’s solid strategy brought him the win.
- Jim Mueller wasn’t far behind, as usual.
- Dani Wade made a strong showing.
- Troy Saenz held his own, representing Richmond, TX, with his calculated gameplay.
Tournament Highlights: Pinball Machines in the Spotlight
Let’s talk about the machines that made this tournament a real showdown. First up is No Good Gofers—a classic from Williams that always entertains with its chaotic slapstick humor. With ramps that seem to come out of nowhere and the challenge of dodging those pesky gofers, it’s no wonder this machine is a favorite.
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) brought the rock to Einstein’s, with players battling it out to harness the power of Eddie in this epic pinball adventure. With its combo shots and impressive soundtracks, this game had everyone cranking up the intensity.
For a more strategic vibe, Game of Thrones (LE) offered a multi-layered gameplay experience. Players fought for control of the Iron Throne while completing house-specific objectives. The dynamic lighting and challenging dragon multi-ball kept everyone on their toes.
Newcomer Venom (Pro) from Stern added a modern flair to the tournament. With sleek animations and high-speed gameplay, this game is all about quick reactions and even quicker thinking. Players loved the challenge of building up the symbiote and triggering various battles.
And let’s not forget Jurassic Park (LE)—another hit from Stern. It’s always a crowd-pleaser with its dinosaur chases, skill shots, and rescue missions. Plus, who doesn’t love a T-Rex trying to eat a pinball?
Celebrating the Tournament Champs
It was a battle from start to finish, but Jim Mueller claimed the top spot with his skill and consistency. His high state ranking of 16th and over 140 IFPA events under his belt speak to his experience and determination. Travis Hanna, not far behind, secured second place, showing why he’s ranked 12th in the state with 225 events to his name. Don Dura, with a respectable 54th state ranking, took third, proving he’s always one to watch. And rounding out the top four, Joshua Mitchell, who’s been climbing the ranks steadily, put in a great effort. With only 66 events under their belt, Joshua’s 41st state ranking shows there’s plenty more to come from them. Great job to all the competitors—your skills were truly on display!
Top 10 Texas IFPA Standings: Who’s Dominating the Scene?
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 726.97 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 473.31 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 352.94 |
| 4 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 327.16 |
| 5 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 325.49 |
| 6 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 291.28 |
| 7 | Ray Ford | Austin | 289.33 |
| 8 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 276.54 |
| 9 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 273.80 |
| 10 | Randy Nelson | Roanoke | 258.99 |
Closing Thoughts
Another fantastic tournament is in the books, thanks to the team at Space City Pinball and the excellent folks at Einstein’s Pub for hosting. The players brought their A-game, and the competition was fierce, especially during that wild Rick and Morty matchup that might have caused us to lose track of time. We’ll be keeping an eye on future events, so stay connected for more pinball excitement and recaps!