From Godzilla to JAWS: Pinball Glory at The Hills Pub

December’s Hills Pub Monthly pinball tournament brought together 24 eager competitors, each ready to test their skills in a high-stakes Group Knockout format. Over four and a half hours of flipper action, players battled through 10 intense rounds, with eliminations looming after five strikes. Using the Fair Strikes system, every ball mattered. The energy kicked off at noon, and by the end, only one player emerged victorious.

Weather-wise, La Mesa had a perfect day for pinball: a few clouds, 62 degrees, and just enough of a chill to make stepping inside The Hills Pub all the more welcoming. Let’s dive into the highlights of this awesome event.

A Pub with Pinball Perks

The Hills Pub is more than just your average neighborhood hangout. Located on La Mesa Blvd in sunny La Mesa, CA, this spot has carved out a reputation for delivering an unbeatable combo of good vibes and great pinball. Beyond its strong lineup of arcade and pinball machines, The Hills Pub has an updated menu that’s elevated it beyond the typical bar food experience. Think cold beers, top-notch eats, and a patio expansion that’s added a fresh layer of comfort for patrons.

What’s even better? The staff—friendly, helpful, and passionate about making sure everyone has a great time. Sure, parking might get a little tricky depending on when you swing by, but that’s a small price to pay for a destination this inviting. For locals and visitors alike, it’s the perfect setting for pinball tournaments like this one.

Toy Story 4 Shines in Round 10

One of the tournament’s most thrilling moments came in Round 10, where the action heated up on Jersey Jack Pinball’s Toy Story 4. Released in 2022, this game captures the magic of the beloved Pixar franchise with dazzling animations and features like the Duke Caboom jump ramp. Watching players aim for that ramp was like witnessing a mini stunt show in action.

Mark “Maleko” Schulz, ranked 544 in the IFPA and representing San Diego, showed he wasn’t just the organizer but also a force to be reckoned with. He soared to first place, leaving his competitors in the dust. Tom Isaak, with an impressive IFPA rank of 180, claimed second place with strategic shots that kept them in contention. It was a duel of skill and precision, with Mark taking full advantage of the game’s high-scoring opportunities to secure his win.

Machines That Made the Difference

This tournament featured a stellar lineup of 10 machines, each offering its own unique challenges and gameplay experiences:

• Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021): Known for its chaotic multiball modes and visually stunning playfield, this game puts players in the middle of a city under siege. The towering ramps and the interactive Magna Grab magnetic feature create a sense of urgency as players work to unlock kaiju battles and score big.
• Attack From Mars (Remake Special) by Chicago Gaming (2017): A timeless classic, this machine features an alien invasion theme that never gets old. Players aim to destroy the saucer and activate the Martian multiball, all while navigating a fast-paced playfield that rewards precision shooting.
• The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern (2021): Inspired by the hit Star Wars series, this game immerses players in missions to protect Grogu and battle iconic characters. The playfield includes an upper mini-playfield and dynamic encounters with targets that keep every match engaging.
• JAWS (Premium/LE) by Stern (2024): As the newest addition to the pinball scene, JAWS brings suspenseful gameplay with its shark-centric features. Players can lock balls to activate the “Feeding Frenzy” multiball and enjoy thematic animations that make every shot feel cinematic.
• Toy Story 4 by Jersey Jack Pinball (2022): With bright, colorful visuals and engaging features like the Duke Caboom jump ramp, this game captures the heart of the Toy Story universe. Players can relive favorite movie moments while chasing high scores through inventive modes.
• Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern (2019): Featuring a fiery playfield and a taunting Black Knight character, this game challenges players to battle their way through modes like “Rage” multiball. The interactive shield and upper playfield ramp shots make for an intense experience.
• Star Wars (Pro) by Stern (2017): A love letter to the Star Wars franchise, this machine offers fast-paced action and an array of missions tied to the original trilogy. Players can select their character and navigate a playfield packed with ramps, targets, and thematic music.
• Stranger Things (Premium/LE) by Stern (2019): This machine takes players to Hawkins, Indiana, complete with Demogorgons and eerie lighting. The projector feature displays animations directly onto the playfield, adding an immersive layer to the game.

Each of these machines brought something unique to the tournament, challenging players to adapt their strategies and aim for glory.

Top Players Who Stole the Spotlight

By the end of the tournament, the leaderboard reflected a mix of experience and grit:

1. Mark Maleko Schulz from San Diego clinched first place, showing why he’s been a fixture in 359 IFPA events. His home-field advantage and deep knowledge of the machines paid off big time.
2. Tom Isaak showcased their prowess with a strong second-place finish. With 225 events under their belt, their consistency and focus were on full display.
3. Katie Price from Salem, OR, turned heads by landing third place. With only 17 IFPA events on her resume, this rising star is one to watch.
4. Zach Zumaya rounded out the top four, proving that persistence pays off in a competitive field.

Closing Thoughts

The Hills Pub Monthly delivered yet another unforgettable afternoon of pinball, thanks to its passionate players and welcoming location. Special congratulations go out to Mark Maleko Schulz for taking home the win—a well-deserved victory in his hometown!

If you’ve got pinball fever, make sure to check out The Hills Pub. With its killer lineup of machines, tasty menu, and unbeatable atmosphere, it’s a must-visit for any pinball fan. Keep following along for more updates, recaps, and insights into the vibrant world of competitive pinball. See you at the next event!