Overcast clouds hung low, and the chill in the air didn’t stop 18 pinball enthusiasts from gathering for the Spring Semester installment of Space City Pinball’s PhysXXX on January 14, 2025. With three rounds and two games per round, this tournament was all about quick reflexes and even quicker strategy, wrapping up in just about two and a half hours. Hosted at Einstein’s Pub in Katy, TX, this event kicked off the year in style—or should I say, with the sound of flippers and multiball chaos.
Einstein’s Pub: Where Pinball Meets Dive Bar Vibes
Einstein’s Pub, tucked away on South Mason Road in Katy, TX, delivered a cozy, albeit smoky, vibe for the tournament. While some players noted the lingering scent of cigarettes, they were quick to praise the wide array of pinball machines and the friendly servers. Drinks here won points for their competitive pricing, and though the food remained untested by some, it’s clear Einstein’s knows how to fuel a night of gaming. It may not be the flashiest location, but it’s the kind of dive bar that feels like home once the ball gets rolling.
Spotlight Match: Godzilla Pro Rules the Night
Round 3 brought us the game of the night on Godzilla (Pro), Stern’s 2021 release that’s been crushing it on location play and in tournaments ever since. This game’s dynamic features, including the destructible building ball lock and a collapsing bridge ramp, set the stage for some epic moments.
Joshua Mitchell, ranked 1187, unleashed a monstrous multiball that echoed the destruction Godzilla himself is known for, securing him first place in the match and ultimately the tournament. Dani Wade, ranked 7470, kept things competitive, managing to activate key modes and snagging second. Don Dura (ranked 1950) showed consistency and creativity to land third, while Robert Cothran (State rank: 87th) rounded out the match. Godzilla’s chaos pushed players to their limits, proving why this machine is a must-have for tournament organizers.
Tournament Guide: Deep Dive Into the Machines
The lineup at Einstein’s Pub featured 23 games, but here’s a closer look at five standout machines that brought excitement and challenges to the tournament:
Godzilla (Pro) – Stern (September 2021)
This masterpiece has become a modern classic, blending thrilling gameplay with chaotic features that mirror its theme. Players loved battling kaiju while navigating the magnetic Newton ball, the destructible skyscraper, and that hypnotic collapsing bridge ramp. With modes tied to iconic Godzilla movies, it’s a feast for both pinball lovers and monster movie fans.
Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) – Stern (March 2019)
Few games talk back to you like Black Knight, and the taunts are legendary. This machine is a beast, featuring an upper playfield for advanced players, a spinning flail for defense, and a menacing vibe that keeps your heart pounding. Success here depends on daring shots and mastering the flail spinner’s rhythm.
Foo Fighters (Pro) – Stern (March 2023)
One of Stern’s newer machines, Foo Fighters combines rock ‘n’ roll energy with creative gameplay. Its unique upper playfield and adrenaline-pumping modes, like “Save the World,” kept players on their toes. This machine’s smooth flow and clever design make it a fan favorite.
Venom (Pro) – Stern (July 2023)
New to the scene, Venom gave players a chance to test their symbiote synergy. Its lightning-fast gameplay and story-driven modes had players racing to stack abilities while battling familiar Marvel villains. With dynamic shots and an evolving ruleset, it’s a game that rewards bold play.
Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) – Stern (April 2018)
A tribute to the legendary metal band, this machine is a whirlwind of speed and strategy. Featuring four flippers, ramps that send the ball flying, and an epic soundtrack, Iron Maiden pushes players to take risks while unlocking modes like “Run to the Hills.” It’s a high-octane experience every time.
Tournament Winners: Battling Through the Bracket
With 18 players and only three rounds to climb to the top, every shot mattered. After some thrilling matches and clutch performances, the winners emerged:
- Joshua Mitchell – Hailing from Houston, Joshua (ranked 1187) brought his A-game to claim first place. His 85 IFPA events prepared him well for this win.
- Stan Dessens – From Cypress, Stan (ranked 2986) showed why he’s 38th in Texas, battling through the competition for second place.
- Don Dura – With 168 IFPA events under his belt, Don (ranked 1950) used his experience to grab third place.
- Jim Mueller – Ranked 653 nationally, Jim proved his skills across his 155-event career to lock in fourth place.
Texas Top 10 Standings
For those keeping track of Texas’ best, here’s the current leaderboard:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thomas Shipman | Arlington | 68.93 |
| 2 | Clark McCoy | Southlake | 62.38 |
| 3 | Eric Anderson | Fort Worth | 55.76 |
| 4 | Garrett Shahan | Southlake | 50.98 |
| 5 | Michael Hew | 38.17 | |
| 6 | John Walter | 30.4 | |
| 7 | Grayson Turner | The Woodlands | 28.71 |
| 8 | Keb Gallows | 25.69 | |
| 9 | John Speights | Houston | 25.47 |
| 10 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 24.39 |
Pinball and Pints: Wrapping Up at Einstein’s
Space City Pinball knows how to throw a tournament, and their first PhysXXX Spring Semester event didn’t disappoint. The lineup of pinball machines at Einstein’s Pub brought variety and challenge, keeping the competition fierce. And while the smoky dive bar vibe might not be for everyone, there’s no denying the charm of playing on some of Stern’s best releases with a drink in hand.
The next time you’re in Katy, swing by Einstein’s Pub for some casual flipping—or keep an eye out for the next Space City Pinball event. Don’t miss out on future tournament news and updates. Until then, keep your flippers sharp and your multiballs rolling!
No comment yet, add your voice below!