On the balmy evening of February 3, 2025, with clear skies and a comfortable 73°F, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Free Play Arlington for the latest installment of the Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday tournament. The event, organized by the ever-dedicated Chris Delp, featured 26 players battling through six intense rounds, each consisting of a single game. The top eight contenders then advanced to the finals, culminating in two decisive rounds. The entire tournament wrapped up in just under three hours, a testament to the skill and efficiency of both players and organizers.
Free Play Arlington: A Retro Gamer’s Playground
Located at 400 East South Street, Arlington, TX 76010, Free Play Arlington is a must-visit spot for pinball and arcade enthusiasts. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the sights and sounds of classic 80s and 90s games, a well-curated pinball lineup, and an atmosphere that blends nostalgia with a modern arcade experience.
Regulars rave about the friendly and well-trained staff, making newcomers feel right at home. The bar serves up solid drink options, and the food doesn’t disappoint—expect tasty bites like pesto pizza and budget-friendly Sunday specials, including $3 mimosas. Even during peak hours, the space never feels overwhelming, meaning you can get in plenty of quality game time without long waits. Whether you’re chasing high scores or just kicking back with friends, Free Play Arlington delivers an excellent arcade experience.
Check out their full lineup of games and events at freeplayinc.com/arlington.
A Thrilling Semifinal on James Bond 007 (Pro)
The semifinals brought a standout match on Stern’s James Bond 007 (Pro), released in September 2022. This machine, celebrated for its intricate playfield and thematic depth, set the stage for a gripping showdown. Chris Delp, hailing from North Texas and holding a state rank of 57th, showcased his prowess by clinching first place. He was trailed by Jonathon Morales, the state’s 3rd-ranked player, in second place. Jerry Johnson secured third, while Dallas’s own Zach Christopoulos took fourth. The game’s unique features, such as the custom sculpted Herman bash toy with a magnetized ball catch, added layers of strategy and excitement to the match.
Spotlight on the Machines
The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 25 pinball machines. Here’s a closer look at five standout titles:
The Munsters (Premium) by Stern (January 2019): Based on the classic TV show, this machine immerses players in 1313 Mockingbird Lane. Notable features include a custom sculpted Herman bash toy with a magnetized ball catch, highlighting Herman multiball, and a pop-up Spot bash toy hidden under the left ramp.
Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) by Stern (March 2019): A modern take on a classic, this game boasts a menacing Black Knight character that taunts players. The interactive upper playfield and the flail mechanism add layers of challenge and excitement.
Metallica (Pro) by Stern (April 2013): Rock out with this music-themed machine featuring 12 Metallica songs. The electric chair and snake mechanisms, combined with fast-paced gameplay, make it a favorite among pinball enthusiasts.
Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (November 2021): This remake brings back the Wild West theme with enhanced graphics and updated mechanics. Players engage in shootouts, wrangle bandits, and experience dynamic playfield toys that capture the frontier spirit.
Monster Bash (Remake) by Chicago Gaming (October 2018): Gather the Universal Monsters for an epic concert in this beloved machine. The game features interactive toys for each monster, a central bash toy, and a captivating multiball experience.
Celebrating the Champions
The final battle played out on Attack From Mars (Remake) by Chicago Gaming, a machine that turns every game into a blockbuster alien invasion. The moving saucer, flashing strobes, and heart-pounding multiball sequences made for the perfect setting to decide the tournament’s ultimate victor. When the dust settled, the championship belonged to Chris Delp, who held off a stacked field with precision shots and unwavering nerves.
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Chris Delp (North Texas) – Despite entering the tournament ranked 57th in Texas, Chris proved that rankings are just numbers. With cool determination, he navigated every game with ease, ultimately landing himself on top of the podium. This marks his 135th IFPA event, and he walked away with one of his biggest wins yet.
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Brian Krivonak (Corpus Christi, TX) – With over 665 IFPA events under his belt, Brian was easily the most experienced player at the top of the standings. His 21st state ranking showed in his precise play, but he just couldn’t close the gap on Chris in the final game. Still, a second-place finish against a tough field is no small feat.
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Duane Fair (Fort Worth) – A dark horse in the competition, Duane came in ranked 131st in Texas, making his podium finish even more impressive. He may not have had the tournament resume of his fellow finalists, with only 54 events played, but his skills spoke louder than any ranking could.
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Jonathon Morales – As the 3rd-ranked player in Texas, Jonathon came in as a tournament favorite, but pinball doesn’t care about predictions. He still had a strong showing, but some tough breaks in the finals kept him just outside the top three. With 184 tournaments under his belt, this won’t be the last time he’s in contention for a win.
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Cross Kirchmeier (Arlington, TX) – Representing the home turf, Cross came in ranked 96th in Texas and put on a solid performance. His 108 IFPA events of experience helped him secure a respectable 5th place finish against some of the state’s best.
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Jerry Johnson – The underdog of the top 8, Jerry entered the tournament ranked 178th in Texas and finished well ahead of expectations. With only 19 IFPA events to his name, this deep run showed he’s a competitor to watch in future tournaments.
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John Richardson (Grand Prairie, TX) – Sitting at 37th in Texas, John had the potential to make a deep run, but the pinball gods had other plans. His 111 tournament appearances helped him claw into the top 8, but he couldn’t find the magic to go further.
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Zach Christopoulos (Dallas, TX) – Rounding out the finals, Zach, ranked 32nd in the state, had a solid showing but couldn’t quite break into the top tier. With 82 events under his belt, he’s got the experience—this just wasn’t his night.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | WPPR Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Southlake | 166.27 |
| 2 | Clark McCoy | Southlake | 92.37 |
| 3 | Jonathon Morales | Austin | 80.54 |
| 4 | Thomas Shipman | Arlington | 77.79 |
| 5 | Michael Hew | 72.99 | |
| 6 | Andrew Hassell | 69.17 | |
| 7 | Eric Anderson | Fort Worth | 63.71 |
| 8 | Daniel Martin | Arlington | 54.45 |
| 9 | Kevin Rodriguez | Denton | 46.28 |
| 10 | Steven McMullin | Stephenville | 44.36 |
Wrapping Up an Electric Night of Pinball
With clear skies and a perfect 73°F, the Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday tournament ran as smoothly as the shots fired across the playfields. The stellar lineup of machines, combined with intense competition, made for an unforgettable evening of pinball action.
A huge shout-out to Chris Delp for organizing another seamless tournament, and to Free Play Arlington for hosting yet another top-tier event. Special congratulations go to Chris Delp, who overcame some of the state’s top-ranked players to claim victory. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just getting into the game, this event proved that pinball in Texas is as competitive as ever.
Stay tuned for the latest pinball news, tournament results, and deep dives into the best machines out there!
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