Venomous Competition: Jim Mueller Triumphs at the EinStein’s Drainiacs Tournament

On January 12th, 2025, 27 players faced off at Einstein’s Pub for the EinStein’s Drainiacs tournament. This Group Knockout event, spanning 17 rounds, kept competitors on their toes for over six and a half hours. With a strikingly cold and overcast day outside, it felt like the right kind of weather for some indoor pinball action. Players accumulated strikes as they progressed through each group round, with 1st and 2nd place finishes securing no strikes and 3rd and 4th resulting in penalties. With intense matches and high stakes, it was an unforgettable day in Katy, Texas.

A Dive, But a Great Time

Einstein’s Pub is the kind of place where the atmosphere is low-key but the pinball action is high-octane. Though not the most polished of locations, it’s known for being a great spot for pinball lovers. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the selection of machines is top-notch. From the sound of it, the burger lineup is worth trying on your next visit. It’s the sort of dive bar you don’t mind driving a little further for because the machines are well-maintained and the staff is friendly. Players come for the games and return for the experience.

Game Spotlight: Round 8 Showdown on Godzilla (Pro)

In Round 8, things got wild on Godzilla (Pro), a machine designed by Stern and released in September 2021. With its immersive gameplay and monster-themed chaos, it’s easy to see why this machine is a favorite at tournaments. The match featured Ty Katsarelis who clinched the win, followed closely by Tracy Abrahams, Joshua Mitchell, and Jim Mueller. The game itself boasts dynamic action with its kaiju-themed modes, such as the epic Godzilla fight, and an engaging multi-ball feature that had players on edge. Katsarelis kept his cool, navigating through the chaos to edge out the competition in this intense round.

Pinball Machines: A Few Standout Machines

The EinStein’s Drainiacs tournament featured some incredible pinball machines, but a few really stood out for their design and gameplay features:

• Stranger Things (LE) by Stern (released December 2019)
  This limited edition pinball machine captures the eerie atmosphere of the hit show with its dark, immersive gameplay and striking visuals. With a unique design by Zombie Yeti, Stranger Things boasts a Demogorgon ramp, a mind-bending Upside Down feature, and captivating lighting effects that pull players right into the show’s supernatural world. The multi-ball modes and adventurous ramp shots make it a thrilling experience for any player. Fans of the series will love the nods to iconic moments, while pinball enthusiasts will appreciate the challenging playfield.

• Attack From Mars (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (released July 2017)
  A modern remake of the classic, this machine brings a fresh twist to a beloved game. The Martian invasion is as entertaining as ever, with a redesigned playfield that stays true to the original while adding some enhanced features. The game’s whimsical humor and frantic multi-ball modes keep players on their toes, while the added sound effects and improved gameplay make it even more engaging. Whether you’re battling the alien invaders or navigating through the chaos, Attack From Mars delivers nonstop fun.

• James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern (released September 2022)
  This pinball machine brings the world of espionage to life, filled with cinematic moments and fast-paced action. The design cleverly integrates key elements from the Bond franchise, with a high-tech playfield and interactive features like ramps, targets, and a secret agent toy. Players must navigate thrilling missions, collecting gadgets and taking down villains along the way. With its catchy soundtrack and stunning artwork, James Bond 007 perfectly captures the excitement of being a secret agent.

These machines truly shined during the tournament, each offering something unique and exciting for the players to master. Whether it was the dark, supernatural world of Stranger Things, the alien chaos of Attack From Mars, or the action-packed spy thriller of James Bond 007, these games brought the competition to life in ways only pinball can.

Overall Tournament Winners

In a tense final round played on Venom (Pro), Jim Mueller, ranked 653rd in the IFPA standings, clinched the win after an impressive display of skill and strategy. With 155 IFPA events under his belt, Mueller’s experience clearly shone through, as he calmly navigated through the final match and kept his nerves in check. His consistency throughout the tournament proved why he’s one of the top players in the scene.

Joshua Mitchell, who finished in 2nd place, was not far behind. Ranked 1187th, Mitchell demonstrated a strong presence, especially given his relatively smaller number of IFPA events (85 in total). His performance at EinStein’s Drainiacs was a standout, showing that even players with fewer tournaments under their belt can rise to the challenge in competitive settings.

Tracy Abrahams, ranked 2113th and with 181 IFPA events played, finished in 3rd place. While Abrahams’ experience is vast, the competition proved to be too stiff at the top, but they still fought their way through each round with impressive play.

Stan Dessens, ranked 3093rd with 67 IFPA events under his belt, took 4th place. Despite being one of the lower-ranked players in the field, Dessens held his own and earned his spot in the final, proving that rankings don’t always tell the full story of a player’s ability to shine when it matters most.

It was a fierce competition, and these players showed why they continue to stand out in the Texas pinball scene.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Closing

Congratulations to Jim Mueller for claiming victory at the EinStein’s Drainiacs tournament! His exceptional performance on Venom (Pro) helped him take the top spot in a tournament filled with fierce competition. Einstein’s Pub remains a solid destination for pinball enthusiasts, with a variety of machines to suit every player’s taste. If you find yourself in Katy, TX, be sure to stop by for a fun time, great pinball, and a burger to fuel your game. Follow along for more pinball news and events!