Eric Wagensonner Outlasts the Field in a Stacked SFPD Tournament

The SFPD Spring 2025 #4 tournament lit up the San Francisco pinball scene on February 26, 2025, with 69 players battling it out over five games in a single round. Hosted by the San Francisco Pinball Department, the event lasted approximately 2.5 hours, kicking off at 7:30 PM under clear skies and a comfortable 60°F.

A Venue Fit for a Pinball Showdown

Nestled near Golden Gate Park, Free Gold Watch at 1767 Waller St, San Francisco, CA 94117, served as the perfect battleground for the tournament. This arcade isn’t just another pinball spot—it’s a paradise packed with machines, from nostalgic classics to ultra-rare finds. The laid-back atmosphere and ultra-friendly staff make it a welcoming spot for everyone, from first-timers to competitive players. Oh, and did we mention their legendary 25-cent monthly pinball game? A dream come true for any flipper fanatic.

Fighting the Foo: Round 1 on Foo Fighters (Premium)

In Round 1, competitors faced off on Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern, a machine that puts players in the middle of an intergalactic battle with the legendary rock band. Released in March 2023, this game represents Stern’s ongoing dedication to music-themed pins, a tradition dating back to titles like KISS (1979) and Metallica (2013). Foo Fighters (Premium) takes it to another level with an original story where the band fights the nefarious “Overlord” in an attempt to save humanity. The playfield features high-speed ramps, a unique upper playfield with additional flipper action, and pulsating light shows synced to the band’s biggest hits. The game even has custom callouts from Dave Grohl himself. It’s no wonder this game has quickly become a favorite among players and collectors alike.

After an intense battle, Lawrence Aguiar from San Leandro emerged victorious, showing why he’s steadily climbing the ranks in California pinball. His sharp shot-making and adaptability allowed him to outmaneuver a strong field. Nick Bonardi, a local San Franciscan, put up an impressive fight, proving that rankings don’t always define performance. Jon Oberto, known for consistent tournament showings, secured third place with solid, calculated play. Jessica Jordan Thompson, despite being ranked outside the top 10, played with impressive confidence, proving that determination and skill can lead to great finishes.

Flipping Through the Lineup

With 48 pinball machines in play, competitors had to adapt to a mix of modern powerhouses and vintage classics. Here’s a look at a few standout machines:

• Spider-Man (Vault Edition) – Stern (2016)
  Originally released in 2007 and given a Vault Edition re-release in 2016, this machine is based on Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. It features fast-flowing ramps designed by Steve Ritchie, one of the most legendary pinball designers in the industry. The game challenges players to defeat Spidey’s biggest villains, including Green Goblin, Sandman, and Venom, while racking up insane combos.
• Venom (Premium) – Stern (2023)
  Venom is a fast-paced, battle-heavy machine that immerses players in the world of Marvel’s symbiote anti-hero. The game features a rotating Carnage ball lock and a fluid playfield that rewards aggressive gameplay. Designed by Brian Eddy, known for classics like Attack from Mars (1995), Venom introduced Stern’s innovative “XP progression” system, allowing players to save their progress across multiple sessions.
• Deadpool (Premium) – Stern (2018)
  Deadpool brings the Merc with a Mouth to life with humor, fourth-wall-breaking animations, and a unique katana ball lock. Designed by George Gomez, one of Stern’s top designers, this game is filled with fast shots, challenging multiballs, and voice callouts by Nolan North, who played Deadpool in video games. The machine’s 8-bit animations and over-the-top humor make it one of the most fun and engaging pins of the modern era.
• Twilight Zone – Bally (1993)
  One of the most revered pins in history, Twilight Zone was designed by Pat Lawlor, the genius behind The Addams Family (1992). The game features a widebody playfield packed with unique elements like the Powerball (a ceramic ball that moves faster than regular pinballs), a working gumball machine, and a mini playfield called the “Powerfield.” Its deep rule set and challenging gameplay continue to make it a sought-after pin even 30 years after its release.
• John Wick (Pro) – Stern (2024)
  A brand-new entry from Stern, John Wick (Pro) throws players into the action-packed world of the legendary assassin. Featuring a hyper-fast playfield with “contract” modes, brutal multiballs, and precision shooting, this game is designed for adrenaline junkies. With dynamic lighting, brutal fight scenes, and an arsenal of flipper-driven combat, it’s a high-energy experience that lives up to its cinematic namesake.

Battling Through the Crowd: The Tournament Winners

Winning a tournament is always tough, but when you’ve got 68 other players standing between you and victory, it’s a whole new level of challenge. Eric Wagensonner navigated the deep field with sharp decision-making, methodical play, and a calm demeanor that carried him to first place. His experience in nearly 400 IFPA events clearly paid off. Andrei Massenkoff, one of the top-ranked players in the state, came close to victory, proving why he’s consistently among the best. Jackie Olson fought through a tough bracket, making smart strategic choices that propelled her onto the podium. Zac Wollons, a powerhouse in the local pinball scene, rounded out the top four, further cementing his reputation as one of the strongest competitors in California.

California’s IFPA Top 10 Standings

Another Tournament in the Books

The SFPD Spring 2025 #4 tournament was a night of fast flips, intense competition, and top-tier pinball action. Huge thanks to San Francisco Pinball Department for organizing this stellar event and to Free Gold Watch for providing such an amazing venue for players to battle it out. Congratulations again to Eric Wagensonner for his hard-fought win!

Stay tuned for more tournament coverage and the latest on pinball’s hottest machines—because the flippers never stop flipping!