Hey there, pinball wizards! This past Monday, February 17, 2025, the Free Play Denton Pinball Monday tournament lit up the flippers at Free Play Arcade in Denton, Texas. With 11 players battling through six intense rounds, the top four advanced to a nail-biting final. Kudos to organizer Chris Delp for orchestrating this electrifying event.
A Look at Free Play Arcade – Denton
Located at 101 West Hickory Street in the heart of Denton, Free Play Arcade is a dream for classic gaming enthusiasts. With a flat entry fee (which varies by the day), players gain access to a treasure trove of arcade and pinball machines—all set to free play. Nostalgia runs wild here, whether you’re jamming out on Guitar Hero or dodging arrows on Dance Dance Revolution. With two bars serving up drinks and a solid menu of arcade-friendly food, Free Play Denton keeps the energy high and the competition fierce. Check out their website for more details.
Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) Steals the Spotlight
The finals came down to a wild match on Cactus Canyon (Remake LE), a remake of the beloved Bally classic, released in November 2021 by Chicago Gaming. This Wild West-themed showdown brought some serious action, with players dueling it out like gunslingers at high noon. The game’s signature Shootout Mode had the crowd on edge, forcing precise shots under pressure. Ultimately, Chris Noah proved himself the quickest draw, nailing the high-scoring sequences needed to seal the win.
Rick Miller put up a fierce fight, narrowly missing first place but solidifying himself as a serious contender in the Texas pinball scene. Tournament organizer Chris Delp, despite spending plenty of time behind the scenes, still managed to step up and claim third place with a strong performance. Meanwhile, Ken Kemp, known for his consistent finishes in past events, rounded out the top four with another impressive run.
A Pinball Lineup to Remember
With 17 machines available, the tournament had a stacked lineup of thrilling games. Here are a few that stood out:
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) (Stern, 2020) – Designed by John Borg, this game brings the chaotic energy of the Turtles to life. The machine features an ultra-fast playfield, unique three-ball Turtle Power multiball, and a Pizza Parlor skill shot that rewards precision. If you love frantic flipper action, this one delivers.
- Scared Stiff (Bally, 1996) – A campy horror classic by Dennis Nordman, this Elvira-led game is famous for its interactive crate toy, smooth ramps, and humor-laced callouts. Players work to complete the six Tales of Terror, making this game as much about strategy as it is about spooky fun.
- The Shadow (Bally, 1994) – A deep-cut fan favorite from Brian Eddy, this game is notorious for its challenging upper playfield and innovative player-controlled ball diverters. The Shadow’s dramatic theme and complex shot layout make it a tough but rewarding game to master.
- Venom (Pro) (Stern, 2023) – The latest from Brian Eddy, this high-energy game leans into the Marvel universe, featuring fluid, flowing shots and a character-based progression system. As you switch between Eddie Brock, Flash Thompson, and other hosts, the machine adapts, keeping every game fresh.
- Godzilla (Pro) (Stern, 2021) – Designed by Keith Elwin, this behemoth of a game won Game of the Year for a reason. The collapsing building, heat-ray spinner, and interactive bridge toy make for an incredibly dynamic experience that rewards creative shot-making and strategic stacking of modes.
And the Winners Are…
With a field of 11 competitors, only one could emerge victorious. Chris Noah, an experienced competitor with plenty of tournament play under his belt, came out ahead, displaying the sharp skills that have made him a rising force in Texas pinball.
Rick Miller, a veteran of many events, gave him a run for his money, proving once again that he thrives under high-pressure matchups. Meanwhile, Chris Delp balanced the dual role of organizer and competitor, showing he could still hold his own among some of the state’s best. Ken Kemp, known for his consistency across numerous IFPA events, rounded out the top four with another strong performance, adding to his reputation as a reliable finisher in competitive play.
Texas IFPA Top 10 Standings
For those tracking the Texas pinball scene, here’s the current leaderboard:
| Rank | Player Name | City | WPPR Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Southlake | 185.1 |
| 2 | Clark McCoy | Southlake | 94.57 |
| 3 | Jonathon Morales | Austin | 94.07 |
| 4 | Eric Anderson | Fort Worth | 78.32 |
| 5 | Thomas Shipman | Arlington | 78.29 |
| 6 | Michael Hew | 73.01 | |
| 7 | Andrew Hassell | 69.21 | |
| 8 | Travis Hanna | Conroe | 57.23 |
| 9 | John Walter | 56.71 | |
| 10 | Daniel Martin | Arlington | 56.3 |
Another Tournament in the Books
A huge shoutout to Chris Delp for expertly running another fantastic tournament and to Free Play Arcade Denton for providing an outstanding venue for competitive pinball. The night’s intense action, capped off by a thrilling finale on Cactus Canyon, proved once again why pinball remains one of the most exciting competitive games out there. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just getting started, there’s always another tournament on the horizon.
Until next time, keep those flippers warm and your skills sharp—there’s always another high score waiting to be beaten!
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