Eureka Heights Brew Hosts a Legendary Night of Pinball Battles

The flippers were hot, the beer was cold, and the pinball action was relentless at the Eureka Heights: Pre-TWIPYS D&D Launch Party. With 61 players battling it out in a six-round gauntlet, Space City Pinball delivered another intense night of competition at Eureka Heights Brew Co. The overcast Houston skies and a crisp 40-degree temperature couldn’t keep the pinheads away, and for four and a half hours, it was all about skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck.

The Brewery That Brings the Fun

Eureka Heights Brew Co isn’t just about great beer—it’s about great times. Located at 941 West 18th St in Houston, this brewery has carved out a reputation for fun events, friendly staff, and, of course, a solid lineup of pinball machines. From drag bingo to casual beer flights that somehow always hit the mark, it’s the kind of place that makes every visit a good time. With an award-winning beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Space City Pinball chose this as the battleground for some of Houston’s best players.

The 103-Minute Battle: Stranger Things (Pro)

Some games go long, and then there’s this game. The longest battle of the night went down in Round 6 on Stranger Things (Pro), a machine designed by Brian Eddy and released by Stern in 2019. This game is notorious for its TK (Telekinesis) ball lock, where balls seemingly defy gravity as they hover into place via magnetism—a feature that can make or break a player’s multiball setup. The showdown lasted an eye-watering 103 minutes, which is what happens when you have players who refuse to drain. The eventual victor, Jack Revnew, proved that battling a Demogorgon wasn’t just about skill but endurance, outlasting Colin Alsheimer, Aaron Davis, and Jessica Murillo in a game where ramps and multiballs were firing off like fireworks. Jack, ranked 32nd in Texas, showed why he’s a rising force, while Colin—ranked 16,095th—put on an impressive show, proving rankings don’t always tell the full story.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Spotlight

With 18 different pinball machines lighting up the tournament floor, there were plenty of moments to talk about. A few standouts included:

• Toy Story 4 (LE) – Jersey Jack’s family-friendly powerhouse, packed with vibrant animations and a satisfying jump ramp that sends the ball soaring into the playfield’s interactive features. With its deep ruleset and Disney magic, it kept players engaged throughout the night.
• Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro) – Stern’s brand-new 2025 release brought fresh excitement, introducing dice-based gameplay elements that influenced skill shots and strategic decisions, making it an instant tournament favorite.
• Deadpool (Pro) – A pin with one of the smoothest shot layouts of the past decade, designed by George Gomez, featuring hilarious Deadpool callouts, a katana ramp, and fast-flowing combos that reward precision play.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation – This Williams classic, designed by Steve Ritchie, is known for its dual cannons, which allow players to lock and fire balls into play—perfect for setting up high-stakes multiballs.
• John Wick (Pro) – Stern’s 2024 action-packed release challenges players to complete assassination contracts through skillful shot-making, making it a fast-paced thrill ride.
• Godzilla (Premium) – Keith Elwin’s masterpiece, with its magnet bridge, collapsing buildings, and a ruleset that rewards both flow and strategy. A tournament staple and a favorite among the night’s competitors.
• Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) – This Keith Elwin-designed gem features a complex portal lock system that challenges players to collect Infinity Stones in creative ways, making it a deep but rewarding play.

The Champions Emerge

After an evening of hard-fought matches, the final showdown took place on Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming. A machine designed to mimic the feel of classic Bally/Williams games of the early ‘80s, its street-level playfield and old-school drop targets demand accuracy and shot discipline. Tracy Abrahams clinched victory, proving that precision and strategy outweigh brute force in a machine that demands control. Joshua Mitchell secured second place with an impressive tournament run, while Travis Moseman and Robin Rath rounded out the top four. A massive congratulations to the winners!

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Til Next Time, Keep Flipping!

A huge thank you to Space City Pinball for organizing yet another unforgettable event and to Eureka Heights Brew Co for providing the perfect venue. Congratulations again to Tracy Abrahams on their well-earned victory! Whether it was Stranger Things marathons or skillful shot-making on Pulp Fiction, this tournament had everything a pinball fan could ask for. Stay tuned for more flipper-filled action, and until next time—keep flipping and never tilt at the wrong moment!