September’s Aero Club / Dyno Bar Monthly pinball tournament was nothing short of electric. Seventeen players squared off in a Group Knockout format, trying to avoid those dreaded strikes while battling it out on some of Stern’s finest pinball machines. Over eight intense rounds, the pressure built, and after 3 hours and 25 minutes of nonstop flipper action, the final standings were set. Players were eliminated after 5 strikes using the Fair Strikes system, and in a tournament this stacked, every strike counted. Organizer Mark Schulz put together a top-tier event, complete with a lineup of machines that kept everyone on their toes.
Where the Pinball Magic Happened
Dyno Bar in San Diego, located at 3367 India Street, is quickly becoming a pinball haven. With its cool vibes and an impressive selection of craft beers and cocktails, it’s the perfect spot for pinball lovers to kick back. Reviews rave about the atmosphere and the laid-back charm of this 21+ location, making it a favorite for locals and tournament-goers alike. The mix of vintage arcade decor and modern pinball tech makes Dyno Bar an ideal spot for this monthly showdown. Grab a cold drink, meet fellow pinball wizards, and enjoy the games!
Pinball Machines That Rocked the Tournament
Now let’s talk about the stars of the show—those beautifully designed pinball machines. Dyno Bar had 11 pins on deck, and the lineup didn’t disappoint. Here are a few highlights:
James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern (2022)
This machine packs all the action and intrigue of 007 himself, featuring clips from iconic Bond films. The smooth flow and skill shots keep you on your toes, and it quickly became a crowd favorite. Designed by George Gomez, it’s all about completing Bond missions and racking up those multipliers.
John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024)
New to the scene, this machine offers fast-paced gameplay with an edge. With a theme inspired by the action-packed movie series, John Wick fans were thrilled to take on the various contract modes while dodging bullets (okay, just the pinball kind).
Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021)
Keith Elwin nailed it with Godzilla—this one’s a crowd-pleaser for sure. Its dynamic cityscape destruction theme and multiball chaos really set it apart. The rule set is deep, but even newbies find something to love with those smashable buildings and monster battles.
Game Spotlight: Deadpool Brings the Heat
Round 7 brought us one of the most memorable matches of the night on Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (2018). The theme of this machine is as wacky as the Merc with a Mouth himself, and it delivered a rollercoaster of a match. Mark Maleko Schulz, living up to his reputation, was on fire. He unleashed Deadpool’s “Battle” modes like a seasoned pro, slicing through ninjas and enemies to maximize his score. His ability to lock in multiple “Chimichanga” and “Katana-Rama” bonuses gave him the edge. He played with a swagger that Deadpool himself would’ve been proud of, walking away with a victory in this round, which set him up for the overall win. It was a game of pure strategy and nerves of steel, and Mark pulled it off in style.
Tournament Results: Top Finishers Show Their Skills
Seventeen competitors brought their A-game, but only four made it to the final showdown. The competition was fierce, but here’s how the top players ranked:
- Mark Maleko Schulz 👾 – Hailing from San Diego, Mark showed why he’s ranked 82nd in the state. His consistent play across multiple rounds earned him a well-deserved first place. With 348 IFPA events under his belt, he’s no stranger to high-level competition.
- Brian Heath – Ranked 353rd in California, Brian was a steady contender throughout the tournament. With 141 events logged, he’s gained the kind of experience that kept him in the game until the very end, finishing second.
- Brian Pollard – Despite being newer to the scene with just 16 events to his name, Brian proved he could hang with the best. His rank of 869th in the state doesn’t do justice to the fight he put up to finish in third place.
- David Dau – Rounding out the top four, David, ranked 162nd in California, put on a solid performance with his experience from 95 IFPA events, but just couldn’t outlast the competition in the final rounds.
California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
Here’s a quick look at the current top 10 IFPA standings for California:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 951.61 |
| 2 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.54 |
| 3 | Nic Stein | Davis | 818.56 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.84 | |
| 5 | Jason Zahler | 778.2 | |
| 6 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.65 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.75 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.46 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.17 |
| 10 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 592.71 |
Wrapping it All Up
Another fantastic night at Dyno Bar with Mark Schulz leading the charge as both the tournament organizer and winner. The setting, the machines, and the competition all combined for a truly memorable evening of pinball. Special thanks to Mark for pulling off a smooth event, and kudos to Dyno Bar for providing such a cool spot for the tournament. If you’re ever near the Aero Club, don’t miss out on the chance to grab a drink and flip some pins!
Keep an eye out for more pinball news and highlights coming your way soon—there’s always another battle waiting on the horizon!