On a beautiful day under clear San Diego skies, the San Diego Pinball League hosted its second Brewskis tournament on September 17, 2024. With a warm 72°F temperature and perfect conditions for an afternoon of pinball, 52 competitors gathered at Brewskis Bar & Arcade for five intense rounds of one-game showdowns. Over the course of 8.5 hours, players tested their skills on a variety of machines, battling it out to claim top honors.
A Pinball Oasis at Brewskis Bar & Arcade
Nestled along Miramar Road, Brewskis Bar & Arcade is a hidden gem for arcade and pinball enthusiasts alike. The place exudes a welcoming vibe, perfect for winding down with coworkers or diving into an arcade showdown. Boasting a great balance of a high-energy interior and a more laid-back outdoor space, Brewskis is a go-to for both casual hangs and competitive pinball action. The bar’s extensive collection of pinball machines, all kept in pristine condition by the pinball-loving owner, adds to its charm. With fast service and finger foods like their famous pretzels, Brewskis keeps the drinks flowing so you can focus on slaying the silver ball.
Action-Packed Gameplay on John Wick (Premium)
Round 2 of the tournament brought some real heat when four players faced off on Stern’s John Wick (Premium) machine. This game, released in May 2024, takes players deep into the relentless world of the John Wick universe, where every shot could be the difference between life and death—or in this case, first and second place. Mike Calcagno, ranked 267th in California, brought his sharp shooter skills, knocking out enemies (and opponents) with impressive accuracy. But not far behind was Jeffrey Wright, making a solid run as he kept up with the mayhem. Ultimately, Calcagno came out on top, outshooting the pack, while Kevin Evans and Mike Welsh fought hard to keep pace. The assassin’s game never looked so intense, with every flipper press feeling like a move in John Wick’s deadly ballet.
The Machines of the Tournament
Brewskis rolled out 14 fantastic machines for players to conquer, including some fan favorites and new releases. Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern brought all the ‘80s nostalgia and Demogorgon battles you could ask for, with design by Brian Eddy. Another standout was Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium), where the Mistress of the Dark kept players on their toes with her spooky house full of tricks and surprises, crafted by the legendary Dennis Nordman. Of course, Stern’s Godzilla (Premium), designed by Keith Elwin, never disappoints with its explosive gameplay, while newer titles like JAWS (Pro) and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth from Barrels of Fun added fresh excitement to the competition. And for those who love their games with a side of adrenaline, Venom (Pro) by Stern had players feeling the rush of one of Marvel’s most intense antiheroes.
Tournament Winners
The competition was fierce, but when the dust settled, it was Luca Varriale from California who claimed the top spot. Luca’s consistent play across all rounds showcased why he’s ranked 226th in the state and 1527th in the world. He edged out Derek Price, who sits comfortably as the 16th best in California, adding another strong finish to his record. The tournament organizer himself, Mark Maleko Schulz, finished in third place—proving that even while running the show, he could still deliver the goods. Rounding out the top four was Casey Shaw, whose underdog run showed a lot of heart despite his lower rank.
- Luca Varriale, California – State Rank: 226th, IFPA rank 1527
- Derek Price – State Rank: 16th, IFPA rank 80
- Mark Maleko Schulz, San Diego – State Rank: 93rd, IFPA rank 518
- Casey Shaw – State Rank: 634th, IFPA rank 11160
California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 1001.27 |
| 2 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.56 |
| 3 | Nic Stein | Davis | 833.43 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.86 | |
| 5 | Jason Zahler | 778.22 | |
| 6 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 728 |
| 7 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.68 |
| 8 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.78 |
| 9 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.5 |
| 10 | Dustin Goldbarg | Sunnyvale | 613.26 |
Wrapping Up the Day at Brewskis
It was a great day of competitive pinball at Brewskis Bar & Arcade, with plenty of thrilling moments and tight games. A big thank you to organizer Mark Schulz for keeping things running smoothly and to Brewskis for providing the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable tournament. Congratulations once again to Luca Varriale for his outstanding performance! Keep your flippers ready, and stay tuned for more exciting pinball updates and stories from around the pinball world!