Belles, Chimes, and Pinball Magic – San Antonio’s Best Battle at What’s Brewing

The Belles & Chimes SATX – B Finals Winter 2024 #4 brought four skilled competitors together for an evening of fast flippers and high-stakes pinball. Hosted at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters on January 24, 2025, the tournament featured one intense round with three games per player. Over three and a half hours, these players gave it their all, proving that pinball is as much about precision as it is about nerves of steel.

With clear skies and a crisp 51°F temperature, it was a perfect night for competitive pinball inside the warm, coffee-filled haven of What’s Brewing.

A Coffee Shop with a Side of Pinball

If you thought What’s Brewing was just a coffee shop, you’d be in for a surprise. Tucked inside its industrial-style space is a full-fledged pinball haven, packed with machines spanning decades of arcade history. Sure, the coffee’s great—especially if you’re into bold cold brews and unique flavors like mint chocolate—but the real draw for pinheads? Row after row of well-maintained pinball machines, from vintage classics to modern heavy-hitters.

It’s the kind of place where you can grab an espresso, take on a game of Atlantis, and forget the outside world exists for a while. And if you’re looking for a chill atmosphere with friendly service and plenty of competitive action, this spot is a must-visit.

A Battle for the Mansion on The Addams Family

Round 1 saw an intense match unfold on The Addams Family (Bally, 1992), a machine known for its dynamic gameplay and hauntingly good modes. As the ball started rolling, Lori Love wasted no time lighting up Seance Mode, racking up jackpots as if she had the spirits on her side. She kept her lead steady, earning first place on the game.

Christina Cheeseman, ever the competitor, navigated The Mamushka Mode with solid shot accuracy, but despite her best efforts, she finished in second. Emily Rhodes and Terri Ward, both unranked, had a rougher go at it—perhaps the magic of the Addams mansion wasn’t on their side this time.

Machines That Stood Out

With only three games in play, every machine mattered. These were the standouts from the tournament:

• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992) – This machine is legendary for a reason. It introduced the “Thing Flip” feature, where the game literally flips for you, and a deep rule set that keeps players hooked. No surprise it was the centerpiece of a high-stakes match.
• The Uncanny X-Men (Pro) (Stern, 2024) – One of Stern’s newest releases, this game brings the world of Marvel’s mutants to life with fast shots and unique character-based objectives. Players had to choose their hero wisely, balancing offense and defense as they battled for supremacy.
• Atlantis (Gottlieb, 1975) – A vintage gem with a tough drop target sequence that rewards precise shots. Players had to aim carefully, as missing just one crucial target could mean losing out on a high score.

Who Took Home the Glory?

At the end of the tournament, the results were locked in, and one player stood above the rest:

1. Lori Love (San Antonio, TX) – With a state rank of 114th and over 200 IFPA events under her belt, Lori proved her skills yet again, securing the tournament victory.
2. Christina Cheeseman (San Antonio, TX) – A solid showing from the tournament organizer herself, finishing in second with 194 events to her name.
3. Terri Ward – While unranked, she made it to the podium with a competitive performance.
4. Emily Rhodes – Another unranked competitor who put up a fight in each game.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

For those keeping track of the Texas pinball scene, here’s where the state’s best players currently stand:

Wrapping It Up with a Skill Shot

The Belles & Chimes SATX – B Finals Winter 2024 #4 was a tight competition that showcased both seasoned players and rising stars. Christina Cheeseman did a fantastic job organizing the event, and What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters once again proved why it’s a top spot for pinball in San Antonio.

Big congratulations to Lori Love for taking the win! If this tournament was any indication, 2025 is going to be another exciting year for competitive pinball. Stay tuned for more tournament highlights and pinball action!