A Long Night of Pinball: Inside the Brewskis Stern D&D Tournament

With a crisp 58-degree evening and not a cloud in sight, players at the Brewskis Stern D&D Launch Party had the perfect conditions for a night of high-stakes pinball. No weather excuses, no unexpected storms—just pure, unfiltered competition. And what a battle it was.

This Group Knockout tournament saw 41 players take to the flippers, each trying to outlast the five-strike limit. With nine rounds and nearly 16 hours of play (or, more likely, a clock that never stopped ticking in MatchPlay), endurance was just as crucial as skill.

A Pinball Playground in San Diego

Nestled on Miramar Road, Brewskis Bar & Arcade is part retro arcade, part pinball paradise, and all-around good time. If you love a mix of craft drinks, competitive pinball, and a side of solid pub grub, this is the spot. Reviewers rave about the well-maintained games, excellent bar staff, and, apparently, some unexpectedly fantastic wings and Cobb salad. Bonus points for the spacious patio—and for those who appreciate a bit of nightlife variety, there’s an, uh, entertainment venue conveniently located next door.

But the real draw here? The pinball lineup. Brewskis boasts a constantly rotating selection of well-maintained machines, including a mix of modern releases and classic fan favorites. With a dedicated pinball-loving owner ensuring the machines stay in top shape, it’s no wonder this place has become a must-visit for local players.

The Game That Stole the Show—For 10 Hours!?

The highlight (and possible urban legend) of the night was Round 9’s showdown on Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro) by Stern. Somehow, this game allegedly lasted 627 minutes. That’s over 10 hours. Either someone accidentally entered the time in dog years, or we’ve witnessed the most extreme battle of patience and perseverance in pinball history.

Regardless of actual time spent, Derek Price came out on top, besting Mark Maleko Schulz in a fierce duel, while Tom Isaak secured third place. With the game being the main event’s namesake, it was only fitting that it became the most talked-about match of the night.

Stern’s Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye is the latest addition to the company’s ever-expanding catalog, bringing high fantasy and role-playing mechanics into the realm of pinball. Featuring deep rulesets, boss battles, and an adventure-driven progression, this game is designed to reward strategic play rather than just fast reflexes. Players navigate through different realms, battling monsters and collecting spells to enhance their abilities. Given that it’s the first D&D pinball machine since Williams’ 1987 classic, it’s no surprise that it had everyone’s attention.

Flipping Through the Tournament’s Standout Machines

With 13 machines in the tournament lineup, players had their skills tested across a mix of classics and fresh releases. Here’s a deep dive into some of the highlights:

Elton John (CE) by Jersey Jack Pinball (2023)

Jersey Jack Pinball, founded in 2011, has made a name for itself by producing high-end, deep-rule-set machines that push the boundaries of modern pinball. Elton John (CE) is one of their latest releases, designed by Steve Ritchie—an absolute legend in pinball, known for designing classics like The Getaway: High Speed II and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

This machine brings the concert experience to life, featuring an interactive piano toy, a dazzling light show, and an incredible soundtrack. Jersey Jack’s games are famous for their deep code and immersive experience, and this one is no exception, making it a standout on the tournament floor.

John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024)

Stern has been dominating the pinball industry for decades, and John Wick (Pro) is another addition to their impressive lineup of licensed titles. The game is built for speed, with tight ramps, fast loop shots, and brutal multiball sequences that mirror the non-stop action of the films. Stern has a history of producing high-energy action games, with Deadpool, The Avengers: Infinity Quest, and Iron Man all following similar fast-paced formulas.

Metallica Remastered (Premium) by Stern (2024)

The original Metallica machine, released in 2013, quickly became one of Stern’s most beloved music pins, combining high-speed gameplay with a killer soundtrack. This remastered version brings it back with updated visuals, new animations, and an overall improved presentation, making it a dream for both old-school fans and new players alike.

The Walking Dead (Premium) by Stern (2015)

This game was one of John Borg’s most punishing designs, featuring brutal outlanes, tight ramp shots, and chaotic multiball play. One of its most unique features is the Well Walker bash toy, which not only acts as a target but also dynamically changes gameplay based on how many times it’s hit. Given its challenging nature, it’s a great tournament game that forces players to make precise shots while managing risk.

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun (2023)

Barrels of Fun is one of the newest pinball companies to enter the market, and Labyrinth is their debut title. With breathtaking artwork, an engaging layout, and heavy nostalgia for the 1986 film, this machine made a strong first impression on the pinball world. Barrels of Fun has positioned itself as a company focused on creating high-quality, deeply integrated machines—something Stern and Jersey Jack should keep an eye on.

Champions of the Night

Derek Price walked away victorious, proving why he’s ranked 54th in the state and 61st in the nation with his commanding playstyle. Mark Maleko Schulz, despite being ranked 212th in California, showed that home-turf advantage is real, securing second place in his 368th IFPA event. Tom Isaak, ranked 63rd in the state, claimed third, while Luca Varriale rounded out the top four, delivering an impressive showing despite his 300th-place state ranking.

California’s IFPA Top 10 Standings

Til Next Time, Keep Flipping!

Another epic tournament is in the books, and huge thanks to Mark Schulz for organizing a night of nonstop action at Brewskis Bar & Arcade. And of course, congratulations again to Derek Price for outlasting the competition and claiming the win!

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