Do-Si-Do and Drain: Pinball Players Face Off in San Antonio

The Do-Si-Do – Southwestern Belle Pinball Rodeo 2025 lassoed in 62 players for a showdown in San Antonio, where only the sharpest flippers and steadiest nerves would survive. This 11-round Group Knockout tournament meant that every ball counted—players were eliminated after receiving three strikes, but staying in the game required outlasting some seriously tough competition.

The action kicked off at 10:30 AM, and after just under five hours of play, only four players were left standing. With high stakes, classic machines, and a stacked player lineup, this was Texas pinball at its finest.

A Hotel with a Side of Multiball

The Westin San Antonio North set the stage for the tournament, offering players a comfortable but competitive battleground. Known for its friendly staff, clean rooms, and convenient location, it provided a solid mix of relaxation and intensity. The hotel’s spacious event area had plenty of room for 31 machines and 62 competitors, ensuring that every game had just the right mix of focus and friendly trash talk.

When Deadpool Takes the Wheel

Round 4 saw one of the tournament’s most exciting matches played on Deadpool (Pro) by Stern. If you’ve ever wanted your pinball machine to heckle you mid-game, this is the one for you. Fast shots, brutal multiballs, and Deadpool’s signature wisecracks make this game a wild ride. The main strategy? Stack battles, build massive multipliers, and try not to tilt when the ball takes an unexpected bounce off one of the game’s many unpredictable wireforms.

In this round, Erin Malysa from Seattle came out on top, showing that a lower IFPA rank doesn’t mean much when you understand the flow of a game like Deadpool. Lindsey Brown followed in second, proving that even less-experienced players can rise to the occasion when they find their groove. Meanwhile, Sunshine Bon, a frequent finalist in tournaments across the Midwest, and Deanna Scalf, a formidable player from Colorado, rounded out the group, showing that even seasoned players can get caught in Deadpool’s chaotic crossfire.

Machines That Stole the Show

A tournament is only as good as the machines, and this one featured a mix of beloved classics and sleeper hits. Here’s a closer look at some of the standouts:

The Addams Family (Bally, 1992) – The most-produced pinball machine of all time, and for good reason. This Pat Lawlor-designed masterpiece features a magnetic “Power” playfield, a wild Thing hand that snatches your ball, and a rule set that rewards stacking mansion modes. Players who knew how to milk the Bear Kicks and maximize their multiballs had a serious edge in this tournament.

Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995) – The ultimate “shoot the center, blow up aliens” game. This one rewards aggressive shooting—destroying saucers, lighting Martian multiball, and eventually triggering Rule the Universe, one of the most satisfying wizard modes in pinball. Anyone who got dialed in on the center shots could rack up points fast.

NBA Fastbreak (Bally, 1997) – A pin that’s all about speed and flow, with a basketball hoop as its main shot and a fast-moving ruleset that plays completely differently from a traditional pinball game. This game doesn’t have extra balls, a bonus count, or traditional jackpots—you score by sinking baskets and going for fastbreak combos, making it a unique challenge for tournament play.

Joker Poker (Gottlieb, 1978) – A blend of pinball and poker where every flipper decision matters. The goal? Build the best poker hand by lighting the right cards and cashing in for big points. Players who could nudge effectively and keep control of the ball had a major advantage here.

And the Pinball Rodeo Champions Are…

Outlasting 62 competitors is no small feat, but these four players proved they had the skills, patience, and endurance to make it through the final rounds.

1. Cindy Grote – A seasoned tournament player from Colorado, Cindy’s experience in over 230 tournaments paid off as she took home the top prize. Her ability to read the ball and adapt to different machines set her apart from the competition.
2. Sunshine Bon – A Midwest powerhouse who’s played in over 500 IFPA events, Sunshine brought her signature steady gameplay and strategic shot selection to land second place.
3. Samantha Bacon – With a background in over 250 events, Samantha’s consistency was key in securing a third-place finish, proving that sticking to fundamentals can take you far.
4. Elyza Brillantes – The underdog of the final four, Elyza may not have as many tournaments under her belt, but she played like a veteran, pulling off key wins to claim fourth place.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up in True Texas Style

A huge shoutout to Christina Cheeseman for organizing an unforgettable tournament and to The Westin San Antonio North for hosting. With fast-paced competition, legendary pinball machines, and a roster of skilled players, this was an event to remember.

Until next time, keep those flippers loose and your tilts under control—San Antonio, you’ve been a blast!