Secret Entrance, Serious Pinball: The Speakeasy Tournament

On January 24, 2025, Offworld Arcade in Detroit transformed into a battleground for pinball wizards during the “Speakeasy at Offworld Arcade” tournament. With 20 players competing over five intense rounds, only the top eight advanced to the finals. The event, organized by Joe Wade, kicked off at 7:01 PM and wrapped up in just over two and a half hours.

Offworld Arcade: Detroit’s Hidden Gem

Nestled at 1420 E Fisher Service Dr, Offworld Arcade is a treasure trove for pinball enthusiasts. While finding the entrance might feel like a quest—hint: look for “Tocororo”—the effort is well worth it. Inside, the cozy space houses 20 meticulously maintained pinball machines, offering both classic and rare titles. It’s a haven where every square foot is dedicated to the love of the game.

Clash of the Titans: Round 2 on Godzilla (Pro)

The second round saw players face off on Stern’s 2021 release, Godzilla (Pro). This machine challenges players with modes like “Tesla Strike,” where hitting flashing blue targets and spinning the central spinner are key. Justin Stone from Toledo, Ohio, ranked 16th in the state, dominated this round, showcasing his prowess. Captain Planet secured second place, followed by Detroit’s own Scott Sheahan in third, and Matthew Pagnani from Rochester Hills in fourth.

Machines That Stole the Spotlight

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 19 machines, but a few stood out as highlights of the night. These games aren’t just fun to play; they bring unique design elements and innovations that have made them favorites among pinball enthusiasts.

• Baywatch (Sega, 1995): Designed by Joe Kaminkow and Ed Cebula, this machine leans into the over-the-top 90s action of the TV series. It features a four-flipper layout, a lifeguard tower that serves as a ball lock, and a moving shark fin on the playfield. The large dot matrix display was one of the biggest at the time, making animations pop. Players have to rescue drowning victims, chase criminals on jet skis, and even defuse bombs—it’s pinball, Baywatch-style.
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Williams, 1991): A Steve Ritchie-designed classic, T2 is widely credited for introducing the first dot-matrix display in pinball history and an interactive cannon launcher. The game’s rule set is straightforward but addicting—shoot ramps, complete skull shots, and start multiballs to rack up points. With Arnold Schwarzenegger’s voice clips and an intense metal soundtrack, it’s a high-speed, high-stakes battle for survival.
• NBA Fastbreak (Bally, 1997): This basketball-themed machine, designed by George Gomez, is one of the most unique pinball experiences out there. Unlike traditional pinball scoring, it tracks points like a real basketball game—instead of millions of points, you’re trying to outscore your opponent in a typical NBA game format. A hoop-mounted basket shot, combo-driven play, and fast-break multiball make this machine feel like a true sports showdown.
• Independence Day (Sega, 1996): Based on the blockbuster movie, this game brings the alien-invasion theme to life with an explosive layout and a giant UFO that serves as a centerpiece. The game challenges players to defeat waves of alien ships, trigger multiballs, and complete objectives based on scenes from the movie. The moving target spaceship is a highlight, requiring skillful shots to destroy it at just the right moment.
• Black Hole (Gottlieb, 1981): A true classic, Black Hole is one of the first pinball machines with a lower-level playfield, which is actually played upside-down compared to the main playfield. This innovative feature made it stand out in the early 80s, along with its eerie space theme, mechanical sounds, and incredibly challenging rule set. Locking balls to start the multi-level multiball remains one of the coolest tricks in pinball.

Rising Above: Tournament Champions

Battling through a competitive field, the top players emerged victorious:

1. Scott Sheahan: Hailing from Detroit, with an IFPA rank of 4,498 and 41 events under his belt, Scott clinched the top spot, proving that home advantage and experience go hand in hand.
2. Matthew Pagnani: From Rochester Hills, ranked 10,659 in the IFPA with 40 events, Matthew’s journey to second place showcased his determination and skill.
3. Asa Hans: A relative newcomer from Michigan, with an IFPA rank of 14,844 and participation in 7 events, Asa’s third-place finish was a testament to raw talent making waves.
4. Richard Chesstnutt: With an IFPA rank of 5,602 and 47 events, Richard’s consistent performance secured him the fourth position.

Michigan’s Pinball Powerhouses

Here’s a look at the current top 10 players in Michigan:

Wrapping Up the Flipper Frenzy

A huge shoutout to Joe Wade for putting together an incredible night of competition, and to Offworld Arcade for providing one of the coolest hidden pinball spots in Detroit. The mix of classic and modern games kept players on their toes, and the battles were fierce from start to finish.

Special props to Scott Sheahan for fighting through the field and claiming victory, and to Justin Stone for his commanding performance on Godzilla (Pro)—a game that never fails to bring the drama. Whether you were flipping for glory or just soaking in the arcade’s unique atmosphere, this was a tournament to remember.

Stay tuned for more pinball action, because there’s always another game to play, another multiball to unleash, and another high score waiting to be crushed. Until next time, keep those flippers up and the tilts down!