Black Knight’s 129-Minute Game Stuns at SEPA Pinball W7

The Southeastern PA Pinball League’s Winter 2025 Week 7 tournament was a flippin’ good time! Held on February 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM, 39 pinball wizards gathered at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, PA, for a night of fierce competition. Despite the overcast skies and a chilly 22°F temperature outside, the atmosphere inside was electric.

Pinball Gallery: A Playground for Pinheads

Nestled at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, Malvern, PA, the Pinball Gallery is a prime destination for pinball enthusiasts. With 81 machines spanning decades of pinball history, there’s something for every type of player. Regulars praise the welcoming environment and the dedication of the owners, who have cultivated a space where casual players and hardcore competitors can coexist. The $10 unlimited play entry fee makes it a budget-friendly option for a night out, whether you’re grinding through league play or just reliving the glory days of classic pins.

The Black Knight Battle That Wouldn’t End

One game stood above the rest in terms of sheer endurance. The longest battle of the night took place in Round 1 on Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) by Stern, a modern reimagining of Steve Ritchie’s legendary 1980 and 1989 Black Knight machines. With its intimidating upper playfield, dynamic Magna-Save, and the taunting voice of the Black Knight himself, this machine is no walk in the park.

The battle lasted a jaw-dropping 129 minutes, with players trading blows like warriors stuck in the game’s Rage Multiball mode. Thomas Fernandez emerged victorious, demonstrating precise control and impressive shot-making to conquer the Black Knight’s relentless assaults. Nathaniel Gibson (he/him) from Royersford, PA, fought valiantly for second place, while Jason Patterson locked in third after navigating the brutal layout. Joe Czapka rounded out the group, proving that even the most seasoned players can get caught in the Black Knight’s grasp.

A Lineup Worth Talking About

With 81 machines in play, competitors had a diverse selection of games to test their skills. Let’s take a deeper dive into a few highlights from the lineup:

• Grand Lizard (Williams, 1986) – Designed by Barry Oursler with art by Python Anghelo, this jungle-themed classic stands out with its striking playfield artwork and unique upper flipper-controlled mini-playfield. The ominous sound package and dramatic lightning effects make it an unforgettable experience.
• Led Zeppelin (Pro) (Stern, 2020) – A dream for rock fans, this game brings the energy of Led Zeppelin’s music to the pinball world. Designed by Steve Ritchie, it features an interactive electric guitar ramp, an Expression Lighting System that syncs with classic tracks, and fast-flowing gameplay that rewards smooth shot-making.
• Star Trek (Data East, 1991) – This early ’90s title, designed by Joe Kaminkow and Ed Cebula, embraces the original Star Trek films with its iconic sounds and memorable playfield layout. It’s a challenging yet rewarding game with classic mission-based gameplay, setting the stage for later Star Trek pinball adaptations.
• Title Fight (Gottlieb, 1990) – A lesser-known gem, this Gottlieb brawler-themed game delivers a unique boxing match experience through its “jump rope” and “speed bag” features. It’s an oddball in the lineup but a fun one, giving players an entirely different challenge compared to traditional pins.
• Jack•Bot (Williams, 1995) – Barry Oursler and Larry DeMar revisited their Pin-Bot universe with this casino-themed sequel, blending the best elements of the previous games with a fresh, gambling-inspired rule set. Fans of Pin-Bot and Bride of Pin-Bot will recognize familiar mechanics, but with a twist that keeps gameplay engaging.
• The Getaway: High Speed II (Williams, 1992) – The ultimate road chase pinball, this Steve Ritchie classic builds on the success of 1986’s High Speed with a supercharger ramp that sends balls flying at blistering speeds. It’s pure adrenaline, and the “Redline Mania” mode never fails to get players’ hearts racing.
• Jim Henson’s Labyrinth (Barrels of Fun, 2023) – A fresh addition to the pinball world, this machine brings the beloved 1986 movie to life. With stunning artwork, intricate shots, and a rule set that rewards exploration, Labyrinth proves that modern pinball design is still full of surprises.
• Ghostbusters (Premium) (Stern, 2016) – Designed by John Trudeau, this machine is packed with nods to the classic film, from Slimer to the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. The game’s notorious flipper gap and brutal outlanes make it one of the more challenging modern pins, but that just adds to the excitement.

The Final Showdown on Paragon

As the tournament neared its end, competitors faced off on Paragon, Bally’s 1979 widebody classic. Known for its punishing layout, beastly outlanes, and beautifully detailed fantasy artwork, Paragon is a machine that separates the fearless from the frustrated. The final four contenders put on an impressive display, with Sarah Hopkins taking first place. Ranked 27219 in the IFPA with 61 events to her name, she proved that dedication and skill can overcome even the most daunting of machines. Craig Patton (they/them) from Thorndale, PA, locked in second place, showing off their precise shot execution. Karl Lodwick claimed third, while Keith Saroka, a Pennsylvania state-ranked player at 68th, finished fourth after a strong showing.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Powerhouses

Here’s how the Pennsylvania IFPA Top 10 leaderboard stands:

End of the Line for This One

The Southeastern PA Pinball League’s Winter 2025 Week 7 tournament was a smashing success. A big shoutout to organizer Bill Disney for orchestrating the event and to the Pinball Gallery for providing a top-notch venue filled with stellar machines. As the night concluded, players walked away with battle stories, new rivalries, and an eagerness for the next showdown.

If you weren’t there, you missed out—but don’t worry, the silverball never stops rolling! Stay tuned for more tournament recaps, player spotlights, and pinball insights. Until next time, keep flipping and don’t tilt!