Pulp Fiction Showdown: Daniel Martin Takes Top Honors at Free Play Dallas

Pinball lovers in the Dallas area got a chance to showcase their skills on January 13, 2025, at the Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday tournament. The competition kicked off at 7:00 PM sharp and lasted just over three hours, with players battling it out in a seven-round showdown. The top four from the round-robin rounds earned their spot in the finals, where they would face off in a high-stakes single-game challenge. With clear skies and temperatures holding steady at 45°F, it was a perfect night for pinball—and there was no shortage of excitement.

If you’re a pinball fan, Free Play Dallas has earned rave reviews as a top spot in the city for gaming. From the nostalgic vibes of old-school video games to the state-of-the-art pinball machines, there’s something for everyone. The drinks pack a punch, and the atmosphere is full of energy, making it a great location for casual players and competitive pinball wizards alike. Want to check it out? You can get more info about this exciting arcade at Free Play Dallas.

Pulp Fiction Showdown: Daniel Martin Takes the First Round

Round 1 of the Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday tournament saw a thrilling match on Pulp Fiction (SE), manufactured by Chicago Gaming and released in March 2023. The game’s unique film noir theme and iconic scenes kept the players engaged as they navigated its complex rules and special features, including the famous “Big Kahuna Burger” jackpot.

Daniel Martin, who’s no stranger to the competitive scene, emerged victorious in this opening round. From Arlington, Texas, Daniel triumphed over Michael Hew, who finished in second. Despite some fierce competition, Daniel’s ability to rack up points with a steady flow of jackpots secured his win. He finished with a commanding lead, leaving the rest of the field in the dust. Michael Hew, ranked 5th in the state, wasn’t far behind, but in the end, Daniel’s steady play and quick thinking made the difference.

The Heart of the Tournament

The Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday Tournament featured 17 pinball machines, offering a variety of experiences from classic designs to modern marvels. Each machine has its own unique flair, with developers and designers working hard to create memorable gameplay experiences. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout machines from the tournament:

• Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021)
  Released in 2021, Godzilla is one of Stern’s most ambitious pinball machines. Designed by George Gomez and featuring art by Matt Andrews, the game takes players through a series of battles with kaiju, culminating in a showdown with the legendary Godzilla. The machine is packed with moving parts, including a destructible skyscraper and a ramp that mirrors Godzilla’s destructive path. Players aim to trigger the Radioactive Breath multiball and collect Kaiju Kills to rack up big points.
• Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (2021)
  Originally released in 1998 by Bally, Cactus Canyon has been reimagined by Chicago Gaming for modern players. The remake adds new mechanics like a drop-target bank and mode-based gameplay that enhance the experience. The remade edition, designed by John Trudeau (who worked on the original), pays homage to the Wild West theme while offering a fresh twist with new features like Ambush Mode. Whether you’re saving the town or aiming for big points, Cactus Canyon has something for every pinball fan.
• Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (2016)
  This Stern Pinball release brings the iconic Ghostbusters franchise to life on the pinball machine. Designed by Erik Burnett and featuring art by Christopher Franchi, Ghostbusters (Pro) boasts a unique Slimer toy that interacts with the ball, as well as Ecto-1 ramps and Ghost Trap modes. The game mixes humor, excitement, and strategy, allowing players to tackle ghosts and unlock The Containment Multiball. If you’ve ever wanted to be a Ghostbuster, this machine lets you take on that role in full pinball glory.
• Venom (Pro) by Stern (2023)
  Released in 2023, Venom (Pro) introduces players to Marvel’s antihero with a focus on Venom’s symbiote powers. Designed by Keith Elwin, a legend in the pinball world known for his work on Iron Maiden and Jurassic Park, this machine is packed with fast-paced gameplay and skill shots. The Venom Attack and Symbiote Multiball are key features that ramp up the action, while the artwork and music from Stern bring the venomous world of Marvel’s dark antihero to life.
• Gorgar by Williams (1979)
  Released in 1979, Gorgar was revolutionary for its time, being the first pinball machine to feature recorded speech. Designed by Barry Oursler and with art by Jim Patla, it was a game-changer. The voice of Gorgar himself gives players taunts and threats, adding a thrilling layer of interactivity. The goal is to defeat Gorgar by collecting points through ramp shots, with the game’s eerie atmosphere making it a classic among pinball fans. This machine remains a nostalgic favorite that still holds up in competitive tournaments.
• John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024)
  The latest addition to the pinball world, John Wick (Pro), released in May 2024, takes players deep into the world of the iconic film franchise. The team at Stern Pinball used their expertise to design a machine with fast gameplay and intense action. With Steve Ritchie at the helm as the designer, this game features exciting modes based on John Wick’s quest for vengeance. Players can shoot through High Table and Continental modes, all while avoiding the Vigilante Multiball.

The Top Players and Their Final Match on Pulp Fiction (SE)

After another heated competition on Pulp Fiction (SE) in the finals, Daniel Martin emerged as the victor of the Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday Tournament. Ranked 15th in the state and with nearly 90 IFPA events under his belt, Daniel demonstrated why he’s such a consistent performer. His steady, calculated gameplay throughout the tournament allowed him to edge out the competition, with his victory in the final game on Pulp Fiction (SE) serving as a testament to his pinball skills.

Finishing in 2nd place was Michael Hew, ranked 5th in Texas. Michael, who has participated in over 60 IFPA events, was a formidable contender but couldn’t quite keep pace with Daniel in the final round. Hew’s aggressive playstyle and strong results in earlier rounds showed why he’s ranked so highly in the state, but in the end, it was Daniel’s strategic approach that made the difference.

In 3rd place, John Richardson from Grand Prairie, ranked 44th in the state, showed resilience throughout the tournament. Although John has more than 100 IFPA events under his belt, he couldn’t clinch a higher finish, but he was a strong competitor in every round.

Rounding out the top four was Mark Thornton from Corpus Christi, ranked 131st in Texas. Mark’s 4th-place finish was a solid showing considering his extensive experience with over 300 IFPA events, but he wasn’t able to break into the top three in this particularly tough field of players.

These four players delivered an exciting tournament, and each demonstrated their strengths across multiple pinball machines. While Daniel ultimately claimed victory, Michael, John, and Mark all showed why they are fixtures in Texas’ competitive pinball scene.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s how the top players from Texas stack up, with some fresh rankings based on recent tournament results:

A Fun Night at Free Play Dallas

The Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday Tournament was a fantastic showcase of skill, competition, and the incredible pinball machines that make our community so unique. From the nostalgia-packed Gorgar to the high-tech Godzilla, each machine brought its own flavor to the tournament. A special thanks to Chris Delp for organizing the event and Free Play Dallas for providing such a stellar venue. With clear skies and the excitement of pinball in the air, it was a night to remember.

Big congratulations to Daniel Martin for his well-earned victory! His steady play on Pulp Fiction (SE) sealed the deal, earning him the title of champion. And hats off to all the players who competed fiercely throughout the tournament—it’s your passion and dedication that keep the pinball scene alive and thriving.

Looking forward to more tournaments, more flips, and more unforgettable moments. Stay tuned for upcoming pinball adventures and, of course, more stories from the world of competitive pinball!