Belles, Chimes, and Pinball Masters: The SATX Winter Tournament

The Belles & Chimes SATX Winter 2025 B Finals took place on January 10th at an undisclosed location in Texas. Starting at 8:36 PM, five skilled players gathered for an evening of high-energy pinball, where strategy, precision, and nerves of steel were the keys to victory. After a thrilling 1-hour, 5-minute competition, the players battled through one round of three games, each showing off their unique pinball prowess.

But here’s the thing—I’m sorry to report that I don’t have the exact location of this event. You know, sometimes my developer just doesn’t have the time to fix bugs… or maybe they’re just waiting for me to figure it out myself? Maybe next time.

The Star of the Show: Joker Poker’s 60-Minute Showdown

You wouldn’t think a 1978 machine like Joker Poker could take the spotlight, but this game delivered one of the most intense experiences of the tournament. The game went on for a jaw-dropping 60 minutes during Round 1—talk about a marathon! The extended session, complete with Joker Poker’s engaging “Joker’s Wild” mode, was a battle of patience and skill. Players had to avoid the joker’s wrath to gain an advantage, and in a rare feat, the player rankings seemed to shift dramatically with every ball—definitely not a game for the faint of heart. It’s safe to say this match wasn’t your typical pinball competition!

Pinball Machines on Display: Where Classic Meets Contemporary

The Belles & Chimes Winter 2025 Finals featured a variety of pinball machines that brought their own personality and challenges to the tournament. Let’s dive a bit deeper into the background of each game and what makes them so unique:

• Atlantis by Gottlieb (1975)
  Released in 1975, Atlantis is a classic from the golden era of pinball. Known for its vibrant, ocean-themed artwork, the game takes players on an underwater adventure through ancient Greek mythology. It features a straightforward design with a variety of simple yet engaging objectives. The game’s layout includes ramps, targets, and spinners, but its standout feature is the “Special” award, which can be triggered through specific skillful shots. This was one of Gottlieb’s most beloved titles, offering players a chance to master their aim while also keeping them on their toes with its challenging sequence of tasks. Atlantis has maintained its popularity thanks to its unique combination of strategy and luck, making it a perfect fit for the tournament.
• Hot Wheels by American Pinball (2020)
  As one of the more modern machines in the lineup, Hot Wheels by American Pinball captures the excitement of the legendary Hot Wheels brand. Released in 2020, this game is all about speed, with a racetrack-themed layout and innovative features like ramp loops, a supercharger, and a rotating car in the center of the playfield. The design is focused on creating a fast-paced, action-packed experience, where players race against time and each other. The game incorporates multiple modes, including the “Track Mania” feature that adds extra layers of challenge and fun. The toy-inspired aesthetic, complete with the iconic orange track and colorful cars, gives this machine a playful vibe, while the complex gameplay appeals to competitive pinball players who love high-speed action and precision.
• Joker Poker by Gottlieb (1978)
  Joker Poker (1978) is a prime example of Gottlieb’s ability to create a game that’s both fun and unpredictable. Set against the backdrop of a poker table, the game combines traditional pinball elements with a card game theme. The objective is to collect poker hands through skillful ball play, with each hand unlocking different points and rewards. Joker’s Wild is one of the most exciting modes, where the joker card can completely change the outcome of the game by substituting for any card. This feature creates an element of surprise and risk, keeping players on edge throughout the game. Known for its balanced mix of strategy and chance, Joker Poker is a classic example of how Gottlieb used innovative features to make every game session unique and challenging.
• Attack from Mars by Bally (1995)
  Attack from Mars, released in 1995 by Bally, is a beloved machine that remains a fan favorite for many pinball enthusiasts. The game’s theme is based on the campy 1950s alien invasion genre, with players tasked with saving Earth from an alien attack. The playfield is filled with humorous references to B-movie sci-fi, and its art design features detailed depictions of Martians, spaceships, and explosions. One of the game’s standout features is the “Martian Attack” mode, which allows players to destroy UFOs and alien ships by hitting specific targets. The multi-ball mode in Attack from Mars is a fan favorite, offering intense gameplay with multiple balls flying around the table at once. The machine’s use of humor, along with its fast-paced gameplay and engaging missions, makes it a timeless classic that continues to captivate players in tournaments like this one.

Pinball Legends in the Making

The Belles & Chimes Winter 2025 B Finals showcased some fierce competition, and while everyone gave it their all, a few players really stood out. Here’s a look at how the top four finishers made their mark:

• 1st – Tricia Gronnevik
  Tricia’s impressive performance at the tournament wasn’t exactly surprising, given her deep experience in the pinball scene. With a whopping 223 events under her belt, Tricia has honed her skills through countless challenges and it shows. Ranked 134th in the state and sitting at 3,761 in the IFPA, she’s a consistent force in the competitive world of pinball. Her ability to stay calm and focused during the longer rounds, particularly the intense Joker Poker showdown, made her a tough competitor to beat. Her experience truly shined through, especially as she navigated complex shots and rapid ball bounces with precision. A well-earned victory for a seasoned player.
• 2nd – Meredith Dubose
  Meredith, hailing from Austin, TX, took second place with a performance that left no doubt she’s among the rising stars in the state. Ranked 35th in Texas and 9,150th globally, Meredith’s strategy was spot-on throughout the night. With only 62 total IFPA events to her name, she continues to impress everyone around her by holding her own against more experienced competitors. Her performance in Hot Wheels, where she handled the speed ramps with surgical precision, was a highlight of the evening. Despite being relatively new to the competitive scene, Meredith’s ability to maintain composure under pressure shows she’s one to watch in future tournaments.
• 3rd – Emily Rhodes
  Although Emily is currently unranked in the IFPA, she played like someone who was ready for the big leagues. Her finish in third place was a testament to her raw talent and adaptability. What stood out the most was her quick thinking in the Attack from Mars multi-ball mode, where she managed to hit the right targets under immense pressure. Emily may not have an official ranking, but she clearly knows how to hold her ground against seasoned players, and it’s safe to say that we’ll be seeing more of her in upcoming tournaments.
• 4th – Chasity Flores
  Chasity’s performance at this tournament was impressive considering she’s only had 7 events under her belt. Ranked 222nd in Texas and 17,507th in the IFPA, her journey is just beginning, but her potential is clear. Despite finishing in 4th, she showed moments of brilliance, particularly in Atlantis, where she strung together some impressive combos. It’s easy to forget how much promise a newer player can have when they start off strong, and Chasity’s performance suggests that, with more time on the circuit, she’ll soon be climbing the rankings. It won’t be long before we see her challenging for top spots.

These four really brought their A-game, each showcasing unique strengths and strategies that made the night unforgettable.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

And now, let’s take a quick look at the Texas Top 10 rankings to get some perspective on the local pinball scene:

A Great Time Had by All

It was an exciting night at the Belles & Chimes SATX Winter 2025 B Finals! Congratulations to all the players, but a special shoutout goes to Tricia Gronnevik for taking home the win. It was a tight match, but her experience shone through. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball wizard or a newcomer just starting to explore the world of competitive pinball, this event was a reminder of how exciting and unpredictable pinball can be.

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