Ringing in the New Year with Flippers: The Three Strike Tuesday Tournament

Under the crisp, clear Texas sky and a cool 63°F breeze, eight pinball players gathered for the final Three Strike – XXX Tuesday tournament of the year. Hosted by Space City Pinball 🚀, this Group Knockout tournament at The Game Preserve delivered fast-paced action, nostalgic charm, and unforgettable gameplay.

A Unique Knockout Showdown

The tournament’s structure was a high-stakes game of survival. Players had to avoid accumulating three strikes, with strikes awarded based on group performance. In four-player groups, the bottom two players received strikes, while in three-player groups, only the last-place finisher got a strike. Over the course of just 1 hour and 51 minutes, eight rounds unfolded with precision, eliminating competitors until only the most skilled pinball wizards remained.

A Blast from the Past at The Game Preserve

Located on Sawdust Road in Spring, Texas, The Game Preserve is more than just an arcade—it’s a time machine for pinball enthusiasts and retro gamers alike. The walls are lined with classics, from vintage pinball machines to arcade cabinets straight out of the ‘80s. Visitors rave about its welcoming atmosphere, nostalgic charm, and friendly staff who are always eager to share the stories behind their treasured machines. The “pack it in, pack it out” policy for food and drink adds a personal touch, encouraging guests to feel right at home. Whether you’re a Back to the Future fan or just love the hum of old-school pinball, The Game Preserve is a gem worth exploring.

Busting Ghosts in Round 1

The spotlight game for Round 1 was Stern’s Ghostbusters (Pro), a supernatural-themed pinball machine released in January 2016. Its vibrant artwork and immersive gameplay made it the perfect choice to start the tournament with a bang. Players battled through “The Scoleri Brothers” mode, dodging flying ectoplasmic targets and racing to rack up jackpots.

Sam Talamantes, IFPA rank 15,918, came out swinging, snagging first place with an electrifying performance that outpaced even seasoned players. Grayson Turner, ranked 954, gave a solid showing to claim second, demonstrating that his hometown pride translated to smooth flipper skills. Meanwhile, Jacob Talamantes and Daniel Koba, ranked 3,752, found themselves struggling to contain the chaos of the ghostly realm, rounding out the group in third and fourth.

Tournament Guide: The Machines That Made the Night

The Game Preserve’s lineup featured 32 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and timeless designs. Here’s a look at some of the stars of the night:

• Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021): Stern Pinball has a reputation for blending pop culture with innovative gameplay, and Godzilla (Pro) is no exception. Designed by Keith Elwin, one of pinball’s most celebrated designers, this machine immerses players in a cinematic battle against iconic kaiju. Multiball modes like “Bridge Attack” and “Mothra Save” keep the action thrilling, while the magnetic newton ball and collapsing building feature add layers of excitement. Stern’s dedication to high-quality soundtracks and animations make Godzilla a modern classic.
• Roy Clark ‘The’ Entertainer by Fascination Game (1977): This machine stands as a tribute to Roy Clark, a country music legend known for his talent and charm. Fascination Game wasn’t a major player in the pinball world, but Roy Clark ‘The’ Entertainer is a gem that features unique backglass art and an audio package that’s truly a toe-tapping delight. It’s a perfect mix of music and pinball history.
• Lost World by Bally (1978): Bally’s Lost World was part of the wave of fantasy-themed pinball machines popular in the late ‘70s. Its stunning artwork by Paul Faris captures an epic prehistoric landscape, while its gameplay focuses on skill shots and target banks. Bally, a dominant force in the pinball industry during this era, was known for pushing the boundaries of art and innovation, and Lost World is a testament to their legacy.
• Tri Zone by Williams (1979): A favorite among fans of early solid-state machines, Tri Zone is a vibrant and engaging pinball machine designed by Barry Oursler. Its futuristic theme combines classic Williams gameplay with challenging shot layouts. With only two flippers and a focus on accuracy, this game rewards precision and control, making it a favorite for tournament play.
• World Cup Soccer by Bally (1994): Released during the height of soccer mania surrounding the 1994 FIFA World Cup, this game combines high-energy gameplay with a sports theme. Features like the rotating soccer ball, moving goalie, and goal-scoring animations make it a standout. Bally’s use of DMD (dot matrix display) technology for entertaining visuals and callouts adds to the excitement.
• Butterfly by Sonic (1977): This Spanish-made machine by Sonic has a stunningly intricate backglass and playfield design. Known for its artistic flair, Butterfly stands out for its unique bonus multiplier system and smooth gameplay. Sonic wasn’t as prolific as some other manufacturers, but their machines often became collector’s items for their craftsmanship.

Champions of the Year-End Battle

Grayson Turner emerged as the evening’s champion, showing why his rank of 954 is well-earned after competing in over 170 IFPA events. His steady hand and cool composure under pressure carried him to the top. Lucas Talamantes proved that rankings aren’t everything, snagging second place despite being unranked, while Gary Turner (ranked 4,350) brought experience from 162 IFPA events to clinch third. Jacob Talamantes rounded out the podium with a strong performance, showing promise for future competitions.

Flipping into the New Year

The Three Strike – XXX Tuesday tournament was a thrilling way to close out the year, and The Game Preserve was the perfect stage for this fast-paced, competitive event. With its eclectic collection of machines and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder pinball players keep coming back for more. Whether you’re chasing high scores or just soaking in the nostalgia, The Game Preserve is a must-visit spot for pinball fans in Texas.

Congratulations to Grayson Turner for his well-deserved win and to all the players who gave it their all. Stay tuned for more pinball news, tournament recaps, and gameplay tips in 2025. Until then, keep flipping!