Madison Pinball Action: Inside the Stern Army Tournament at I/O Bar

On February 26, 2025, 43 players gathered at I/O Arcade Bar in Madison, WI, to compete in the Stern Army Monthly MatchPlay Pinball Tournament. Over the course of six rounds, players battled across a variety of machines, testing their reflexes, strategy, and sheer endurance. The competition lasted just over three hours, culminating in a thrilling final match on Jim Henson’s Labyrinth.

So, how did the night unfold? Let’s dive in.

Stepping Into the Arcade

If you’re looking for a spot in Madison that blends nostalgia with a modern bar scene, I/O Arcade Bar is it. Located on Williamson Street, this place boasts a spacious layout with multiple gaming zones, a well-stocked bar, and a lineup of classic arcade hits like Ms. Pac-Man and Dig Dug. But for the pinball players in attendance, the real draw was the diverse mix of machines.

Beyond the games, the atmosphere at I/O is laid-back and welcoming. Drinks are reasonably priced, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a top-tier recommendation from Molly, a bartender who seems to be an attraction in her own right. Whether you’re a seasoned pinball competitor or just looking for a fun night out, I/O delivers.

A Godzilla-Sized Battle in Round 1

Round 1 kicked off with a heated matchup on Godzilla (Premium) by Stern, a machine that has quickly cemented itself as one of the best pinball releases in recent years. Designed by Keith Elwin and launched in September 2021, this game puts players in control of the King of Monsters, battling alien invaders while leveling entire cities. With looping ramps, a dynamic heat ray button, and the unforgettable collapsing skyscraper toy, this table is all about stacking multiballs and timing your destruction jackpots.

Ken Kulig (State Rank: 65th) showed his mastery of Bridge Attack Multiball, locking in massive jackpots while keeping control of the upper flipper shots—an essential skill on this layout. Chris Niemcek followed in second, wisely prioritizing Kaiju Battle modes, which rack up points when played in tandem with other features. True Garlynd had a solid start but got trapped in the brutal outlanes (as so many have before), while Megan Vandenberg struggled to get into the game’s deeper modes.

Machines That Stole the Spotlight

With such a diverse lineup of machines in play, every round brought unique challenges. Some of the standout games included:

The Big Lebowski (Dutch Pinball, 2015)

This long-awaited Dutch Pinball release takes players into the world of The Dude, complete with movie-quoting callouts, a miniature bowling alley playfield, and a White Russian-themed skill shot. The game had a rocky production history, with Dutch Pinball experiencing legal and financial troubles that led to delays in manufacturing. However, those lucky enough to play it now will tell you—it was worth the wait. The layout rewards precision ramp shots and creative nudging, making it a great choice for tournament play.

Jungle Queen (Gottlieb, 1977)

One of the older machines in the tournament lineup, Jungle Queen is a four-player electro-mechanical (EM) game from Gottlieb that emphasizes drop target accuracy and controlled nudging. Released in an era when digital sounds and ramps were still a dream, this machine requires players to nail sequences of targets while dealing with wide-open flippers. Gottlieb, known as the “King of EM Pinball,” was the dominant manufacturer before Bally and Williams took over in the solid-state era.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (CE) (Spooky Pinball, 2024)

Fresh off the production line, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre brings the brutal horror of Leatherface to pinball, complete with gore-filled animations, fast loops, and a chainsaw-shaped ball lock. Spooky Pinball, a Wisconsin-based boutique manufacturer, has made a name for itself by specializing in horror themes (Halloween, Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle, Evil Dead). This game’s deep code and multiball chaos make it a tournament wildcard.

Monster Bash (Remake) (Chicago Gaming, 2018)

Originally released by Williams in 1998, this beloved game was remade by Chicago Gaming Company, which has been bringing back classics like Medieval Madness and Attack from Mars. The objective? Assemble a rock band featuring Universal Monsters like Dracula, The Wolfman, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon. Players who could stack Monster Modes had the best shot at high scores.

John Wick (Pro) (Stern, 2024)

A newcomer to the pinball scene, John Wick brings the high-adrenaline action of the movies to the flippers, with combo-heavy shooting and some of Stern’s fastest ramps to date. The game’s design encourages quick reflexes, tight shots, and relentless mode progression, much like the character himself.

Showdown in the Final Game

When the dust settled, the final battle came down to Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun. This machine, released in 2023, is one of the most visually stunning pins in recent years. Featuring an interactive rotating maze, custom voice work, and gorgeous hand-drawn artwork, it transports players directly into the world of David Bowie’s Goblin King.

In the final moments, Ken Kulig navigated the ever-changing shots with precision, securing his victory in the tournament.

The final standings:

1. Ken Kulig (State Rank: 65th, IFPA Rank: 6059) – A well-earned first-place finish for Ken, who stayed consistent all night.
2. Eugene M Craven (State Rank: 57th, IFPA Rank: 2703) – A strong second-place run that showcased his ability to handle pressure in the late rounds.
3. Bryon Schmitz (State Rank: 39th, IFPA Rank: 1549) – A seasoned competitor who fought his way into the top three.
4. Francis Wisniewski (State Rank: 66th, IFPA Rank: 3101) – A solid finish, proving that persistence pays off in match play.

Wisconsin’s Top 10 Pinball Players

The Last Tilt

The Stern Army Monthly MatchPlay Tournament at I/O Arcade Bar was another action-packed night of pinball, proving once again that Madison’s competitive scene is alive and well. Congratulations to Ken Kulig for his dominant performance, and to all the players who tackled a killer lineup of machines.

Want to test your skills at the next event? Keep an eye on upcoming tournaments here: IFPA Tournament Listing.

Until next time—keep flipping!