Pinball Pandemonium: Max Match Play Delivers Non-Stop Action at Next Level

Pinball tournaments don’t get much better than this. On February 21, 2025, players gathered at Next Level Pinball Museum in Hillsboro, Oregon, ready to battle across an unmatched selection of machines. Overcast skies and a brisk 47°F couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm inside as 21 competitors went head-to-head in a high-energy, ten-game match play format. When the dust settled, the top ten players advanced to the finals—though, in an amusing technical glitch, the software insisted there were “0 rounds and 0 games per round.” Maybe the machines were just trying to keep things mysterious.

Next Level Pinball Museum: A Flipper Fanatic’s Paradise

Located at 1458 Northeast 25th Avenue in Hillsboro, OR, Next Level Pinball Museum is a massive tribute to gaming and pop culture. With over 615 pinball and arcade machines all set to free play, it offers an overwhelming selection for players of all skill levels. The 27,000-square-foot space isn’t just about pinball—it’s also packed with memorabilia, from vintage lunch boxes to signed movie collectibles, making it feel like a walk through pop culture history. Visitors regularly praise its spacious layout, great value, and endless variety of games, ensuring that no one leaves without flipping away a few hours of fun.

Mastering Bram Stoker’s Dracula: Tips for Tournament Triumph

Bram Stoker’s Dracula, released by Williams in 1993, is a fast, unforgiving machine that rewards precision and strategy. Known for its dark, atmospheric theme and lightning-quick gameplay, BSD is not for the faint of heart, but players who can manage its chaos will find it incredibly satisfying.

The key to success in BSD is stacking its three multiball modes—Mist, Coffin, and Castle. Activating multiple multiballs at once increases jackpot values and turns the game into a thrilling battle for control. Mist Multiball, the game’s most famous feature, uses a hidden magnet to move the ball across the playfield, giving players just one shot to knock it free and start the mode. Meanwhile, Coffin and Castle Multiballs require players to lock balls in their respective areas before launching into high-scoring frenzy.

For those aiming for big points, the best strategy is to set up all three multiballs before activating them together. This stacks the jackpots and creates an opportunity for huge scores. But be warned—BSD’s fast drains and brutal outlanes will punish players who aren’t careful with their shots. Keeping the ball under control, making deliberate flips, and avoiding unnecessary risk are crucial to survival on this machine.

If you’re playing BSD in a tournament, patience and precision are your best friends. It’s a game that demands respect, but those who can master it will experience some of the most rewarding moments in pinball.The Mist Multiball is particularly noteworthy. The ball physically travels across the playfield via a magnet, creating a ghostly effect that mesmerizes players before they attempt to knock it free for an extra ball in play. Meanwhile, locking balls in the Coffin and Castle increases jackpot values, making this machine a true test of controlled shooting and fast reflexes. With its atmospheric lighting, eerie sound effects, and challenging outlanes, Bram Stoker’s Dracula rewards those who embrace its chaotic energy while punishing careless flipper work.

Standout Machines: Icons of Design and Gameplay

With 229 machines available during the tournament, a few classics stood out not just for their gameplay, but for their historical significance:

• Space Shuttle (Williams, 1984): A landmark game that helped revitalize pinball in the mid-’80s, Space Shuttle was the first machine to introduce a toy—a miniature shuttle—on the playfield. This game also pioneered the concept of “playfield multipliers,” making it a strategic challenge as players tried to boost their scores with careful shot selection.
• No Fear: Dangerous Sports (Williams, 1995): This machine is all about speed. With no pop bumpers and lightning-fast ramps, it keeps players on edge as they navigate extreme sports challenges like skydiving and cliff-jumping. The talking skull, which delivers sarcastic commentary, adds a humorous touch to this adrenaline-fueled experience.
• Tales from the Crypt (Data East, 1993): A favorite among horror fans, this game features classic Crypt Keeper soundbites and gruesome animations. The Crypt Jam multiball mode is a highlight, encouraging players to hit jackpots while dodging the game’s notorious unpredictable bounces.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Data East, 1991): Based on the original animated series, this game brings nostalgia to any ’90s kid with its colorful art and voice clips. It features a unique spinning pizza disc that adds chaos to multiball play, requiring quick reflexes to keep the ball in play.
• Cue Ball Wizard (Gottlieb, 1992): This machine blends pinball with billiards, featuring a rotating cue ball in the center of the playfield that players must strategically aim at for high-scoring trick shots. The game’s layout makes it accessible to beginners but offers deep strategy for experienced players who can master bank shots and controlled flips.
• Creature from the Black Lagoon (Bally, 1992): A pinball love letter to 1950s drive-in culture, this game combines smooth ramp shots with a challenging multiball mode where players attempt to rescue the Creature’s captive. The holographic Creature that appears in the playfield is one of the most memorable visual effects in pinball history.
• Scooby-Doo (CE) (Spooky Pinball, 2023): A modern entry from Spooky Pinball, this game immerses players in the classic mystery-solving antics of Scooby and the gang. Featuring full voice acting, interactive toys, and deep rule sets, it brings new-school complexity to a beloved franchise.
• World Poker Tour (Stern, 2006): A unique blend of poker and pinball, this game challenges players to complete hands by shooting specific lanes and ramps. Strategic players who understand both pinball control and poker odds can make the most of this hybrid experience.
• Guns N’ Roses (Data East, 1994): This rock-and-roll classic was designed with input from the band itself, incorporating original songs, a guitar-shaped ramp, and a “concert mode” where players activate different stage effects. It’s a must-play for music and pinball fans alike.

Celebrating the Champions: A Round of Applause

The tournament showcased remarkable talent, with the following players leading the pack:

1. Jeff Monroe from Portland, Oregon: Jeff, ranked 12th in the state, overcame a fiercely competitive field to claim first place. Their extensive experience in 238 IFPA events clearly paid off, allowing them to navigate the diverse machine lineup with precision and confidence.
2. Nick Elliott from Beaverton, Oregon: Nick, ranked 9th in Oregon, fought hard to secure second place. With over 400 tournaments under his belt, his ability to adapt to different playstyles and machines was on full display throughout the night.
3. Billy Brown III: Billy, ranked 35th in the state, played an impressive tournament, holding his own against higher-ranked competitors. His ability to remain steady under pressure helped him land a well-earned third-place finish.
4. Noah Sicard: With a state ranking of 2nd, Noah was a favorite to win it all. Though he finished in fourth, his performance was nothing short of dominant, showcasing his ability to make deep runs in high-stakes tournaments.
5. Bruce Jones: Ranked 57th in Oregon, Bruce proved that rankings don’t always predict performance. His strategic play and sharp flipper control propelled him into the top five.
6. Mathew Peterson from Portland, Oregon: As Oregon’s #1 player, Mathew is a force to be reckoned with. Though he finished sixth, his national ranking of 320 and over 1,100 IFPA events show he is consistently one of the most formidable competitors in the region.
7. Robert Toland: Unranked but not unnoticed, Robert made a name for himself with a solid showing in the tournament, proving he can compete with the best.
8. Jacob Edwards: Ranked 95th in Oregon, Jacob rounded out the top eight, demonstrating perseverance and skill against a deep competitive field.

Oregon’s Finest: IFPA Top 10 Standings

The Last Tilt: A Night to Remember

With 229 machines in play and fierce competition from start to finish, Max Match Play at Next Level was a testament to the thriving pinball scene in Oregon. The tournament brought out some of the best players in the state, and the diverse lineup of machines kept everyone on their toes. From the gothic brutality of Bram Stoker’s Dracula to the fast-paced ramps of No Fear, the variety of games ensured that no two matches were the same.

A huge shoutout goes to Next Level Pinball Museum for hosting such an incredible event and to the tournament organizers for keeping the action running smoothly (even if the tournament software had a mind of its own). Whether you came to compete or just to soak in the electric atmosphere, this was a night of flippers, skill, and pure pinball excitement.

We’ll be back with more coverage from the world of competitive pinball. Until then, keep your aim steady and your multiballs stacked!