Xyren Silvers Tops the Washington State Knockout Tournament

The air was crisp, and the sky was clear—perfect weather for 31 dedicated pinball players to gather at The Ice Box Arcade in Seattle for the Washington State Group Knockout Tournament. The energy inside matched the brightness outside, with players battling through 11 grueling rounds of progressive strikes. It was a four-hour-and-19-minute clash of skills, reflexes, and strategy, culminating in a memorable showdown.

The Ice Box Arcade: A Cool Spot for Hot Action

Nestled in Seattle’s vibrant NW Bright Street area, The Ice Box Arcade lives up to its name with a chill atmosphere and a warm vibe. This spacious, clean location isn’t just about pinball—it’s an experience. With a lineup of games that takes you back to your childhood and an inviting outdoor area perfect for hanging out between rounds, it’s a haven for casual fun and serious competition alike. The friendly staff and lively environment made it an ideal stage for the tournament’s intense action.

X-Men Showdown in Round 4

Round 4 brought one of the day’s most thrilling matches on The Uncanny X-Men (Pro) by Stern, a game that’s already becoming a modern classic thanks to its fast gameplay and immersive Danger Room mini-wizard mode. This particular battle on the mutant-filled playfield didn’t just come down to technical skill but also mental endurance, as players tested their ability to handle the game’s punishing shots and multiball chaos.

Ryan Slanicka’s victory here was no accident. Though his State Rank of 43rd doesn’t make him an obvious front-runner, Ryan is a player who thrives in competitive environments like this one. His ability to quickly activate Magneto Multiball and rack up jackpots set him apart, as did his calm approach to navigating the chaotic lower playfield.

Max Davidoff’s second-place finish was a testament to his determination and knack for staying in the game. Max may be ranked 77th in the state, but his performance here suggested a player who’s learning to punch above his weight. He kept pace with Ryan for most of the match, leveraging Danger Room and Cyclops shots to close the gap, but ultimately fell short in the final moments.

Elliott Johnson came into the match as the highest-ranked player in the group, sitting at 35th in the state, yet finished third. His aggressive style, usually a strength, didn’t pay off this time, as missed shots on the Wolverine target derailed his flow. It was a rare stumble for Elliott, showing that even top players can have off games when the pressure is on.

James West, the underdog of the group with a State Rank of 42nd and limited tournament experience compared to the others, finished fourth but not without a fight. James managed to activate several key features but struggled to string together the combos necessary to keep up with the pace of his opponents. Still, his perseverance throughout the match showcased his potential for future tournaments.

Machines That Shaped the Day

The tournament at The Ice Box Arcade featured 28 machines, each with its own distinct flavor, but a few iconic games truly left their mark. Here’s a closer look at these standout machines, along with some history and unique features that made them the talk of the tournament:

• Frontier by Bally (1980): With its wild, rugged theme, Frontier transports players into the wilderness, complete with grizzly bears, mountain lions, and soaring eagles. Its classic early solid-state design includes satisfying inline drop targets and unique scoring opportunities through the captive ball and spinner shots. A nostalgic favorite, this game challenges players to channel their inner explorer.
• Junk Yard by Williams (1996): Designed by Barry Oursler, Junk Yard has a whimsical theme centered around scavenging parts to escape a junkyard. Its quirky design includes a wrecking ball toy, a rotating toilet, and a hilarious video mode where players fend off attacks from a space dog. The “Time Machine” feature even nods to iconic Williams games like Taxi and Earthshaker, making it a true piece of pinball history.
• Dragonfist by Stern Electronics (1982): Rare and highly sought after by collectors, Dragonfist is a fast, brutal game with a martial arts theme. Its standout feature is the challenging spinner shot that loops around the playfield, rewarding players with satisfying combos. This machine exemplifies Stern Electronics’ knack for delivering high-speed action during the early ’80s.
• Quicksilver by Stern Electronics (1980): A minimalist yet captivating design, Quicksilver combines a striking mirrored backglass with a deceptively fast playfield. Players need sharp flipper skills to control the ball, as the open playfield leaves little room for error. Its smooth flow and satisfying shots make it a cult favorite among competitive players.
• Judge Dredd by Bally (1993): Based on the legendary comic book character, this wide-body machine delivers an action-packed experience. Designed by John Trudeau, it boasts unique features like the Super Game button for a high-scoring alternative mode, a rotating Deadworld toy, and an intense Multiball sequence. Its deep rule set and striking art by John Youssi make it a fan favorite.
• Pulp Fiction (LE) by Chicago Gaming (2023): One of the newest machines on the block, Pulp Fiction captures the essence of Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic. From the vintage design inspired by 1970s Bally machines to its iconic movie quotes and retro artwork, this machine is a celebration of cinema and pinball. It features a Gold Briefcase Multiball and plenty of surprises for players who explore its modes.
• Genesis by Gottlieb (1986): A quirky and visually unique game, Genesis revolves around assembling a humanoid robot. Its ramps and targets encourage strategic play as players “build” the robot piece by piece. The translite art—featuring a futuristic laboratory—adds to the game’s sci-fi appeal, making it a standout from Gottlieb’s solid-state era.

Champions Who Rose to the Occasion

After 11 exhausting rounds, the top four players emerged as a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, each earning their place in the final standings through grit and strategy.

Xyren Silvers claimed the top spot, proving why he’s regarded as one of the most consistent players in the region. With 137 tournaments under his belt and a nationally IFPA Rank in the top 200, Xyren’s experience shone through. His ability to stay composed under the tournament’s progressive strike format made all the difference, allowing him to outlast the competition.

Vanessa Ish took second, showing that her years of competitive play—nearly 400 tournaments—aren’t just numbers but a deep well of knowledge and adaptability. Though her rankings might not place her among the very top players, her strategic play across a diverse lineup of machines highlighted the kind of competitor who can thrive in any setting.

Michael B Bailey secured third place, a strong finish for a player ranked in the top five in the state. Known for their aggressive yet calculated play style, Michael’s deep understanding of machine rules kept them in the hunt throughout the day. Though they couldn’t quite break into the top two, their ability to consistently place high in competitive events reinforces why they’re a local powerhouse.

Lupe Bryan rounded out the top four, showing impressive endurance and consistency. With nearly 400 events under their belt, Lupe’s tournament experience allowed them to capitalize on key opportunities during the day, even as they faced some of the highest-ranked players in the field. Their steady play earned them a well-deserved fourth-place finish, proving that experience often trumps raw ranking data.

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up a Fantastic Day

A big thank-you goes out to Germain Mariolle for organizing such a smooth, action-packed tournament and to The Ice Box Arcade for being the perfect host. From the crisp weather outside to the fiery competition inside, the day was a win for everyone involved. Special shoutout to the Round 4 showdown on The Uncanny X-Men, where Ryan Slanicka reminded us that pinball is all about clutch moments.

Stay connected for more pinball excitement and highlights from tournaments near and far—because every game is its own story waiting to be told.