Cold Hands, Hot Competition: Pinball Warriors Face Off at Mum’s

The skies were as gray as a well-worn pinball apron, and the air had the bite of a tilt warning—perfect conditions for a night of competitive pinball at Mum’s Arcade. The cold didn’t keep the players away, though; 21 determined contenders braved the Michigan winter for The Speakeasy Special, a battle of skill and stamina that lasted three and a half hours. Hosted by Joe Wade, this tournament proved that even in the bleakest weather, pinball passion burns bright.

Mum’s Arcade: Grosse Pointe’s Hidden Gem

Tucked away in Grosse Pointe like a well-kept wizard mode secret, Mum’s Arcade is a true treasure trove for pinball lovers. The spot is open to the public on Wednesdays, offering unlimited free play for just $8—a deal so good it feels like a jackpot shot. Owner Tim runs the place with the kind of welcoming charm you’d expect from a longtime operator, happy to show new players the ropes while keeping the classics running smoothly. Regulars know that on the right nights, a food truck even sets up outside, making it a one-stop shop for flippers and foodies alike.

A Prehistoric Showdown on Lost World

The standout game of the night happened in Round 3 on Bally’s Lost World, a 1978 relic that takes players on a journey through a prehistoric land of danger and big scores. The playfield, illustrated by Paul Faris, is a blend of prehistoric fantasy and bold, colorful artwork that draws players in. The layout is symmetrical with satisfying loop shots and a tough captive ball feature that rewards precision.

In this intense match, Aaron Wilburn Jr. took command early, nailing the upper playfield spinner for crucial points while keeping the ball under control. His skillful nudging helped him avoid disaster in the notorious outlanes, which are known to swallow balls like a lurking T-Rex waiting for its prey. Walter Depuydt put up a solid fight, making excellent use of the bonus multiplier, but in the end, Aaron’s mastery of the captive ball and strategic use of the spinner sealed his victory. Patrick Mendis and Brandon Blake fought fiercely, but the prehistoric jungle proved unforgiving, leaving them in third and fourth place.

The Machines That Kept the Battle Alive

With 15 machines in the lineup, players had to adapt to a diverse range of challenges. A few standouts from the night:

• James Bond 007 (Premium/LE) – Stern (2022): Designed by George Gomez, this machine delivers smooth, flowing shots combined with deep rulesets that encourage strategic play. Featuring classic Bond moments across six films, the playfield integrates dynamic toys like the Aston Martin DB5 ejector seat and an action-packed jetpack multiball.
• Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) – Stern (2019): Another Gomez design, this machine is dripping with B-movie horror charm and humor. The interactive crypt and Elvira’s callouts keep things engaging, while the multiple multiballs and deep modes reward skillful play.
• Cactus Canyon (Remake Special/LE) – Chicago Gaming (2021): Originally released in 1998, this western-themed game was the last of Bally’s WPC-95 machines. The remake keeps the original charm but adds modern enhancements like improved audio, lighting, and interactive callouts. Players loved the fast gunfight sequences and the thrilling showdown with the bad guys.
• Revenge From Mars – Bally (1999): The only pinball machine to blend traditional flippers with a video screen in an innovative Pinball 2000 format. This wacky alien invasion theme kept players on their toes, combining physical shots with animated enemies on the screen, making for an engaging and chaotic experience.
• Stranger Things (Pro) – Stern (2019): A favorite among tournament players, this machine features UV lighting, a Demogorgon bash toy, and challenging ramp shots. The projector-enhanced playfield adds a unique dimension, immersing players into the world of Hawkins, Indiana.

The Final Four Face Off

After a long night of battling through the fog and cold, the finals came down to a climactic finish—on Lost World once again. The machine, which had already delivered a thrilling battle in Round 3, proved to be a fitting battlefield for the final showdown. Its punishing outlanes and demanding shot accuracy made every flipper decision crucial.

1. Aaron Wilburn Jr. – With nerves of steel, Aaron showed incredible consistency on Lost World. His precise spinner shots and control over the captive ball mechanism helped him edge out his opponents in the final match, securing his tournament victory.
2. Walter Depuydt – Walter gave a strong performance, proving he could adapt to Lost World‘s tough playfield. His skillful ball control and use of the bonus multiplier nearly pushed him into the top spot, but Aaron’s sharper execution kept him in second.
3. Patrick Mendis – A seasoned competitor, Patrick played a solid game, demonstrating his ability to adapt across different pinball eras. Though he couldn’t quite overtake Walter or Aaron, his third-place finish was well earned.
4. Brandon Blake – Brandon had his share of strong moments throughout the night, but Lost World’s punishing drains made the final match a tough one for him. Still, he fought hard and secured a respectable fourth-place finish.

Michigan’s IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up a Night in the Fog

Despite the overcast skies and biting cold, The Speakeasy Special was a hotbed of fierce competition and great pinball action. Big thanks to Joe Wade for organizing another excellent event and to Mum’s Arcade for being the cozy retreat that kept players flipping all night.

Congratulations to Aaron Wilburn Jr. for taking home the win—his mastery of Lost World in both Round 3 and the finals proved that sometimes, the best way to navigate the darkness is with the flashing lights of a classic Bally machine.

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