Battle for the Top Spot: Inside the I/O Arcade Heads-Up January Tournament

Pinball fans, gather around! If you weren’t at the I/O Arcade Bar on the evening of January 8th, 2025, you missed a heated battle of flippers and flippers galore. Hosted by Michael Williams, this tournament saw 32 players squaring off, with 8 games played per player in a round robin format, creating a mix of intense head-to-head matches. The action took place under a clear January sky in Madison, WI, where the temperature hovered at a brisk 13°F. But the chill outside couldn’t cool off the competition inside, where the flippers were heating up the machines!

The Home of Pinball Magic: I/O Arcade Bar

Tucked away at 924 Williamson St in Madison, WI, I/O Arcade Bar is a favorite hangout for both pinball enthusiasts and casual gamers alike. With its modern, yet classic vibe, the space offers an ideal mix of entertainment and relaxation. The bar’s extensive drink menu and quality games make it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. And let’s not forget about the giant skeleton on the roof—dressed in seasonal gear, it’s the perfect touch to the fun and quirky atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a competitive tournament or just hanging out with friends, I/O Arcade Bar has something for everyone. If you’re ever in the area, make sure to stop by and enjoy some arcade nostalgia with a cold drink in hand!

Pinball Spotlight: Medieval Madness & The Addams Family

When it comes to fan-favorite pinball machines, Medieval Madness and The Addams Family are in a league of their own. These two iconic titles not only defined an era of pinball but also represented the pinnacle of pinball design and innovation for their time. In this tournament, both games played a major role in the action, with Medieval Madness seeing 8 games played and The Addams Family keeping players on their toes with its longest average game duration of around 19 minutes. Let’s dive into the history of these machines and the companies behind them.

Medieval Madness – Williams (1997)

Released in 1997, Medieval Madness is often regarded as one of the greatest pinball machines ever made. Produced by Williams, a company that dominated the pinball scene during the 1990s, Medieval Madness combined the golden age of pinball with some of the most creative and playful design features. Williams, known for pushing the limits of pinball technology during the ’90s, was at the forefront of incorporating advanced mechanics and deep rule sets that kept players coming back for more. This period, often referred to as the “pinball renaissance,” saw the introduction of memorable games like The Getaway: High Speed II, Attack from Mars, and, of course, Medieval Madness.

The design of Medieval Madness was spearheaded by legendary pinball designer Brian Eddy, who would later go on to work on The Simpsons Pinball Party and Cirqus Voltaire. The game is known for its whimsical medieval theme, including ramp shots that lead to castles, the pop-up dragon, and a catapult that adds a unique interactive feature to the gameplay. The humor and charm embedded in this design made it an instant classic, and it’s no surprise it remains a fan favorite in tournaments today. The machine’s ability to combine fun with challenging gameplay is why it’s often a highlight in tournaments, where players enjoyed going head-to-head on this iconic title.

The Addams Family – Bally (1992)

Released in January 1992, The Addams Family by Bally quickly became a household name and remains one of the best-selling pinball machines of all time. As part of the Bally lineup during the early ’90s, The Addams Family was a pivotal machine in the company’s history, marking a period of both innovation and transition in the pinball industry. By the early ’90s, Bally was merging with Midway, a move that would lead to the development of many legendary machines under the Bally name, including The Addams Family.

The creative force behind The Addams Family was designer Pat Lawlor, a name synonymous with some of the most popular pinball machines ever created. Lawlor had already made a name for himself with Funhouse and Earthshaker!, but The Addams Family was his crowning achievement. The machine brought an unprecedented level of complexity to the game with features like the “Thing Hand,” a mechanical arm that would reach out from the side of the cabinet to deliver the ball to different parts of the playfield. The game also introduced the “Family” modes, which gave players the chance to collect points through various challenges, including multiball modes that became signature features of Lawlor’s designs.

At the time, Bally was refining its approach to incorporating electronic features, adding depth to gameplay with the use of sophisticated audio and visual effects. The theme of The Addams Family, based on the beloved TV show and movie franchise, appealed to a wide audience with its dark humor, eccentric characters, and immersive atmosphere. The quirky art direction and the interactive “Thing” feature also made the game visually stand out on the floor, and its innovative design ensured that it remained a staple in both arcades and home collections for years. The Addams Family continues to be a favorite in tournaments, and its gameplay complexity kept players at the I/O Arcade fully engaged, contributing to some of the longest games of the night.

Tournament Machines: A True Variety of Pinball Perfection

The I/O Arcade Heads-Up January Tournament featured a diverse lineup of 21 pinball machines, providing players with a wide range of challenges. From modern releases to timeless classics, each machine offered unique mechanics and features. Here’s a deeper look at some of the standout games from the night:

• Stranger Things (Premium) – Stern (2019)
  Released by Stern in December 2019, Stranger Things (Premium) brings the eerie world of Hawkins, Indiana, right to your fingertips. The Premium edition is packed with features, including an interactive Demogorgon that pops up to add an element of surprise during gameplay. The upside-down mode, with its changing lighting and sound effects, adds an extra layer of excitement, as players try to unlock key modes like “Escape the Lab” and “The Gate.” The machine’s blend of pop culture nostalgia and fast-paced gameplay keeps players on their toes, offering a perfect challenge for tournament play.
• Deadpool (Premium) – Stern (2018)
  Deadpool is a hilarious and chaotic ride, with its rapid-fire gameplay and quirky callouts. Released by Stern in August 2018, this machine features high-speed ramps, pop bumpers, and plenty of action to keep players engaged. The Premium version introduces an impressive kinetic action feature, including a Deadpool pop-up figure that’s activated during certain modes. Players can activate “Merc with a Mouth” and aim for targets that trigger multiball modes, all while being serenaded by Deadpool’s signature humor and insane sound effects. A great combination of strategy and high-speed thrills.
• John Wick (Premium) – Stern (2024)
  John Wick (Premium) made its debut in May 2024, bringing the relentless world of Keanu Reeves’ hit franchise to the pinball scene. This machine is designed for players who enjoy both strategic depth and fast-paced action. The Premium version is equipped with a motorized action figure of John Wick, which animates during special modes like “Continental” and “Assassination Contract.” The game’s fast ramps, intense ball flow, and highly interactive playfield make it a must-play for those looking for a modern pinball experience with layers of complexity.
• Elton John (CE) – Jersey Jack Pinball (2023)
  Released in October 2023, Elton John (CE) by Jersey Jack Pinball is a true spectacle, blending colorful, vibrant artwork with a soundtrack full of Elton John’s greatest hits. The Collector’s Edition (CE) takes this experience to the next level with LED lighting, interactive playfield features, and an elegant design. Players aim to complete songs from Elton John’s career, triggering multiballs and special modes. The cabinet art is a visual treat, with high-quality touches that make it one of the most eye-catching machines of the year. With its blend of music, strategy, and artistry, Elton John is a solid choice for tournament players looking for a visually stimulating challenge.
• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth – Barrels of Fun (2023)
  Jim Henson’s Labyrinth brings the magical world of the 1986 film to life, with intricate ramps and a playful design that captures the whimsy of the original movie. Released by Barrels of Fun in October 2023, this machine offers a journey through the labyrinth with unique mechanics like the “Goblin King” feature, where players must collect orbs to face off against Jareth himself. The game’s whimsical design and challenging modes make it both fun and rewarding, with interactive features like the spinning maze and hidden playfield surprises.

Shout Out to the Top Players: A Night of Fierce Competition

After over two hours of intense action, the following players emerged victorious:

1. Keith Waz – A powerhouse in the tournament scene, Keith’s performance secured him the top spot. With 111 IFPA events under his belt, Keith’s skill and experience were evident throughout the night.
2. John Walesewicz – Representing Madison, WI, John brought his A-game, earning a well-deserved second place finish. With 125 IFPA events to his name, his local knowledge certainly helped him push through to the top.
3. Jeff Skelly – Jeff, from Monona, WI, claimed third place in a tournament where every flip mattered. His 132 IFPA events were key to navigating the tricky challenges presented by the tournament machines.
4. Van McNeil – Van fought hard through the tournament but ultimately finished in fourth place. Despite having fewer events under his belt (25), his gameplay was solid and showed his potential for future tournaments.

Wisconsin IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping It Up

What an incredible night of pinball action at I/O Arcade Bar! From the fierce competition to the incredible lineup of machines, this tournament was a thrilling experience from start to finish. A big thanks to Michael Williams for organizing such a smooth and exciting event and to I/O Arcade Bar for providing the perfect setting. And, of course, a huge congratulations to Keith Waz for taking home the top spot—what a performance!

As always, keep flipping and stay tuned for more pinball action. We’ll be back with all the highlights, insights, and updates from the world of competitive pinball.