Pinball Battles in Malvern: A Look at SEPA League’s Latest Tournament

On February 13, 2025, the Southeastern PA Pinball League hosted its Winter 2025 Week 6 tournament at the Pinball Gallery in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Despite the brisk 37°F temperature that felt more like 26°F under broken clouds, 39 dedicated pinball players showed up ready to flip their way to victory.

Pinball Paradise in Malvern

Located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, the Pinball Gallery is a dream come true for pinball enthusiasts. With an ever-expanding lineup of machines spanning decades, this venue offers both classic and modern titles, providing players with an experience that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge gameplay. The venue has everything from early electro-mechanical games to the latest releases from Stern and Jersey Jack. One notable feature? A full lineup of Black Knight machines from different eras, giving players a chance to experience the evolution of one of pinball’s most iconic franchises.

Epic Showdown on Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye

The longest game of the night unfolded in Round 1 on Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro), Stern’s newest release from January 2025. This machine, designed by Keith Elwin, expands on the fantasy-driven pinball theme with deep strategic modes and challenging multi-ball play. The grueling 116-minute game saw players battling through the treacherous Dungeon Crawl mode, where navigating past traps and rolling for attacks determines how many points (and lives) a player can sustain.

Stefano Pinti, ranked 28th in Pennsylvania and 1076th in the IFPA, emerged victorious after an endurance test of patience and skill. Tom Garrett from West Norriton, PA, held his own to secure second place, despite his IFPA rank of 5424 suggesting he was the underdog. Jason Patterson rounded out the top three, showing that rankings don’t always tell the full story when it comes to long-haul battles on new machines.

Classic and Modern Pins Put to the Test

With 78 machines available for tournament play, the lineup was as diverse as the competitors. Here are some of the standout games and why they matter in the world of pinball:

• The Getaway: High Speed II (Williams, 1992) – Designed by Steve Ritchie, this high-energy sequel to High Speed is all about speed and adrenaline. Featuring a toy supercharger that whips the ball around at blinding speeds, the game encourages fast reflexes and precision shooting.
• Metallica (Pro) (Stern, 2013) – Combining heavy metal with pinball perfection, this game, designed by John Borg, is packed with fast-flowing ramps, inline drop targets, and an electric chair multiball. It’s one of Stern’s most popular music-themed machines and a real test of endurance.
• Sinbad (Gottlieb, 1978) – A classic electromechanical-to-solid-state transition game, Sinbad features four flippers and a unique bonus system that requires players to knock down specific drop targets in sequence. It’s simple on the surface but deceptively challenging.
• Jurassic Park (Premium) (Stern, 2019) – Another Keith Elwin-designed masterpiece, this game brings Isla Nublar to life with complex shots, a moving T-Rex toy that literally eats the ball, and challenging escape sequences. It remains a favorite among both casual and competitive players.
• Stranger Things (Pro) (Stern, 2019) – Love it or hate it, this game captures the eerie aesthetic of the Netflix show, featuring an interactive Demogorgon shot, ultraviolet lighting effects, and plenty of mode-based challenges. When the shots are flowing, this game can be a high-scoring thrill ride.
• Aztec (Williams, 1976) – An old-school electromechanical pin, Aztec may lack complex ramps, but it makes up for it with a classic symmetrical playfield design that emphasizes ball control and nudging.
• Eight Ball Deluxe (Bally, 1981) – One of the all-time greats in pinball history, this game set the standard for skill-based drop-target shooting. It’s a game that rewards precision, much like lining up the perfect shot in a real pool game.
• JAWS (Premium) (Stern, 2024) – The latest blockbuster-themed pin from Stern, this one immerses players in shark-infested waters with a dynamic ruleset that requires completing various shark-hunting objectives. If you love Deadpool or Godzilla, this game will be right up your alley.
• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Williams, 1991) – Another Steve Ritchie classic, T2 was one of the first games to incorporate a dot-matrix display. The fast ramps and skill-based cannon shots make it a timeless tournament staple.

Celebrating the Champions

The top finishers put on a stellar display of skill:

• 1st Place: Scott Davis – Ranked 5456 in IFPA with 41 events under his belt, Scott played with remarkable consistency, managing high-pressure shots with ease. His patience and ability to capitalize on bonus multipliers made him a formidable force throughout the night.
• 2nd Place: Ryan Strobel – With only 15 events played and an IFPA rank of 8986, Ryan was the breakout star of the evening. His aggressive playstyle and willingness to take risks on high-difficulty shots kept the competition on edge. His second-place finish suggests he’s a rising talent in the scene.
• 3rd Place: Matt Zwitkowits – Holding an IFPA rank of 1818 and a state ranking of 105th, Matt’s extensive experience (96 events played) showed in his strategic shot-making and ability to recover from near-eliminations. His composure under pressure made him a force to be reckoned with.
• 4th Place: Frank Egitto – With an IFPA rank of 2557 and 64 events played, Frank demonstrated excellent flipper control and a deep knowledge of tournament play strategies. Though he narrowly missed the podium, his smart decision-making and consistency kept him in the mix until the end.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Powerhouses

Wrapping Up a Flippin’ Good Time

The Southeastern PA Pinball League’s Winter 2025 Week 6 tournament was a thrilling showcase of skill, endurance, and classic pinball action. Huge thanks to organizer Bill Disney for running a smooth event and to the Pinball Gallery for hosting another exciting night of competition. Congratulations again to Scott Davis for taking home the win! Stay tuned for more pinball tournament highlights—because the silverball never stops rolling.