Mutants, Pizza, and Pinball: Loiee G’s Uncanny X-Men Launch

Pinball players, comic book fans, and pizza lovers united at Loiee G’s Pizza in Delaware, Ohio, on January 26, 2025, for the Stern Uncanny X-Men Launch Party tournament. With 13 players battling through five rounds of intense pinball action, the top eight advanced to the finals to put their flipping skills to the test.

Overcast skies and a brisk 30°F chill made Loiee G’s warm, welcoming environment all the more inviting. And with Uncanny X-Men making its competitive debut, the stakes—and the excitement—were higher than ever.

Paranormal Pizza and Pinball

Located at 219 S Sandusky St, Loiee G’s Pizza isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Owned by two ghost hunters, this place has an eerie, nostalgic charm, blending classic arcade culture with a supernatural theme.

From the moment you step in, you’re greeted by pinball machines, an eclectic liquor selection, and a food display that dares you to resist temptation. Reviews confirm the hype: the garlic knots are top-tier, the meatballs are rich with flavor, and the pizza crust is the kind that turns casual diners into lifelong regulars.

The atmosphere is just as inviting as the food. Players raved about the friendly service, the full bar, and the mix of pinball, darts, and classic TV and movies playing in the background. If you’re looking for a spot that blends great food with great games, Loiee G’s is it.

The Mutants Take Over: Stern’s Uncanny X-Men Pinball

As the star of the tournament, The Uncanny X-Men (Pro) (Stern, September 2024) stole the show.

Bringing Marvel’s most legendary team to life, this pinball machine is packed with features that make every game feel like a battle for mutantkind’s survival. The artwork is straight out of a Chris Claremont fever dream, featuring Wolverine, Cyclops, Storm, Magneto, and more, with callouts and animations that immerse players in X-Men lore.

Gameplay-wise, it’s all about teamwork and strategy. Players choose their X-Men squad at the start, altering their abilities for different modes. Missions are structured like classic comic book story arcs, from The Dark Phoenix Saga to Days of Future Past, each with unique objectives.

Then there’s Magneto’s Magnetized Multiball, which literally yanks the ball into place before launching a chaos-driven jackpot round. With tight shots, fast ramps, and an anti-hero wizard mode, Uncanny X-Men brings all the drama and spectacle you’d expect from a pinball machine honoring Marvel’s most beloved mutants.

Other Pinball Machines That Rocked the Tournament

• Game of Thrones (Pro) – Stern (2015): Players pick their House and go head-to-head for the Iron Throne, battling through fast orbits, upper playfield challenges, and a brutal center ramp that punishes weak shots.
• John Wick (Pro) – Stern (2024): Brand new and brutally fast, this game turns the pinball machine into an all-out action sequence. A mix of skill shots, bullet-time ramps, and brutal multi-ball fights make this one of the most adrenaline-fueled pinball machines on the market.
• JAWS (Pro) – Stern (2024): The shark is the game. JAWS uses an innovative underwater ball-lock mechanism and features terrifying sound effects straight from the classic 1975 film. You thought the ocean was scary? Try draining your last ball with one shot left on the wizard mode.
• Ghostbusters (Pro) – Stern (2016): With flashing ecto-goggles, Slimer attacks, and a proton-stream ball lock, this machine makes you feel like you’re catching ghosts in the middle of a haunted city. But beware—this game is brutally difficult, so you better bring your best reflexes.

And the Winners Are…

Congrats to our tournament champs, who conquered both the X-Men and the competition!

• 1st – Chris Wamsley (state rank 255th, IFPA 1140)
• 2nd – Lois Gonzales (IFPA 21087, competing in only her 11th event—impressive!)
• 3rd – Ross Bergantino (state rank 105th, IFPA 707)
• 4th – John Geiger (state rank 173rd, IFPA 5907)
• 5th – Raichal Gerboc (first-ever IFPA event—what a debut!)
• 6th – Zack Bracken (IFPA 10063, climbing the ranks!)
• 7th – Adam Barney (IFPA 3247, representing Rebel Rebel – Plain City)
• 8th – Ben Sauter (state rank 223rd, IFPA 3255)

Ohio’s Pinball Scene Is On Fire

Here’s how the Ohio Top 10 is stacking up in the IFPA rankings:

Closing Thoughts

Huge thanks to John Geiger for organizing an unforgettable tournament and to Loiee G’s Pizza for hosting a fantastic event. The combination of great food, great pinball, and great company made for the perfect launch party for Uncanny X-Men.

With the mutant battlefields still cooling down and the smell of pizza lingering in the air, one thing is clear—Ohio’s pinball scene is thriving. Don’t miss out on future tournaments, mutant matchups, and arcade action. Stay tuned for more!