Pinball Wizards Face Off in San Jose at Miniboss Arcade Bar

I’m the Bride of Pinbot, your go-to gal for all things silver ball. When I’m not battling multiballs and chasing high scores, I’m here, sharing tales from the vibrant world of pinball. Today, I’ve got the scoop on a recent tournament that had flippers flipping and bumpers buzzing.

MINIBOSS: You’re Gonna Need a Bigger MULTIBALL

On the evening of February 25, 2025, 23 pinball enthusiasts gathered at Miniboss for a showdown aptly named “MINIBOSS: You’re Gonna Need a Bigger MULTIBALL.” Organized by the ever-passionate crew at Blame It On The Drain Pinball, this four-round, single-game-per-round tournament kept players on their toes for about two and a half hours. The clear skies and a crisp 57°F set the perfect backdrop for some heated pinball action.

Miniboss: More Than Just a Clever Name

Found in the heart of San Jose at 52 E Santa Clara St, Miniboss isn’t just another barcade. This place boasts a unique blend of retro gaming nostalgia and modern flair. Patrons rave about its eclectic atmosphere, noting how the space fills up quickly as the night progresses. The bartenders? Fast, friendly, and masters of crafting uncommon blends that result in some truly unique cocktails. It’s a spot where both casual gamers and hardcore pinballers feel right at home.

Stranger Things Happen in Round 2

The highlight of the evening unfolded during Round 2 on Stern’s Stranger Things (Premium), released in December 2019. Picture this: Tim Hansen from Sunnyvale, with his impressive state rank of 20th and an IFPA rank of 24, stepping up to the machine. Facing him were David A Green (IFPA rank 32,882), Matt Caramella from Groveland (state rank 444th, IFPA rank 16,685), and the unranked yet undeterred Bunny Verbeckmoes.

Stranger Things (Premium) is a love letter to the Netflix phenomenon, capturing the show’s eerie supernatural elements through brilliant pinball design. With a clever use of UV lighting, the playfield transforms into a completely different experience under certain conditions, plunging players straight into the Upside Down. The game also features a challenging Demogorgon shot—players must knock out the creature to progress, which requires precision flipper skills. In this round, Tim showcased why he’s among the top players, clinching first place. David secured second, Matt took third, and Bunny rounded out the group. It was a game that transported players and spectators alike straight into the Upside Down.

A Stroll Through the Monster Lineup

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 13 pinball machines. Here are five that stood out:

Pulp Fiction (LE) by Chicago Gaming (March 2023)

This machine captures the essence of Tarantino’s cult classic. With its vintage design, players navigate through iconic scenes, all while enjoying a killer soundtrack. Unlike many modern pins with ramps and deep rule sets, Pulp Fiction takes a more old-school approach, reminiscent of early solid-state machines. The game’s simple yet rewarding mechanics make it accessible for newcomers while offering plenty of challenges for experienced players. Plus, the callouts and film references make it an absolute blast for movie buffs.

Medieval Madness (Remake) by Chicago Gaming (January 2016)

A faithful reproduction of the 1997 classic, this game transports players to a time of knights and castles. Medieval Madness is often regarded as one of the best pinball machines ever made, thanks to its hilarious callouts, smooth ramp shots, and a playfield that keeps players engaged. The main objective? Take down six castles while battling trolls and launching catapults. Chicago Gaming preserved everything that made the original great while updating it with modern enhancements like improved lighting and display animations.

Monster Bash (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (October 2018)

Gathering Universal’s iconic monsters for one epic jam session, this machine is both fun and approachable. Players work to “reunite the band” by activating Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolfman, and more. With an incredible light show and easy-to-understand objectives, it’s no wonder Monster Bash remains a crowd favorite. The Chicago Gaming remake faithfully reproduces the Williams original, complete with high-quality sound and display upgrades.

Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (October 2019)

Hold onto your butts! This game immerses players in Isla Nublar’s chaos, featuring a T-Rex that chomps on pinballs and thrilling gameplay that captures the essence of the original film. Designed by Keith Elwin, Jurassic Park boasts one of the most exciting layouts in modern pinball, incorporating unique shots, challenging objectives, and intense multi-ball modes. The key to success? Controlling the dinosaurs before they wreak havoc. Players who can master the complex stacking of modes will find themselves on a path to a high-scoring adventure.

Deadpool (Premium) by Stern (August 2018)

Breaking the fourth wall in pinball form, Deadpool offers witty commentary, vibrant visuals, and dynamic gameplay. Its unique layout and humor make it a standout in any lineup. The game features quirky side missions where Deadpool takes on ninjas, juggernauts, and even a T-Rex in classic comic-book style. With smooth-flowing shots and entertaining callouts from the wisecracking antihero himself, Deadpool is one of Stern’s best-designed modern machines.

Celebrating the Champions

The final showdown of the night took place on Monster Bash (Remake LE), and what a battle it was. With the pressure on and every shot counting, Dustin Goldbarg rose to the occasion, proving exactly why he’s one of California’s top players. Ranked 27th in the state and 85th in the nation, Dustin played like a veteran, seamlessly stacking multiballs, hitting the biggest jackpots, and controlling the game with ease. With 137 tournaments under his belt, his skill was on full display as he locked in the victory.

Randy Barrick, however, wasn’t going down without a fight. Coming in at 396th in California, they played with the confidence of a much higher-ranked competitor, consistently making clutch shots and keeping the pressure on Dustin until the very end. With just 16 IFPA events in their history, Randy’s second-place finish showed that their rapid improvement is something to keep an eye on in future tournaments.

Cole Maston, ranked 500th in the state, claimed third place with a steady and strategic approach. Cole adapted well across multiple machines throughout the tournament, making smart decisions under pressure and racking up crucial points when it mattered most. The final round didn’t break their way, but their performance across the event solidified their place on the podium.

Lucy Cachux, a tournament veteran with 166 IFPA events to her name, rounded out the top four. Her gameplay was methodical, focusing on controlled shots and consistent scoring. Though she finished just outside the top three, her experience and ability to grind out points made her a formidable competitor all night.

California’s Pinball Wizards: Top 10 IFPA Standings

Here’s a look at the top 10 players lighting up the California pinball scene:

Hats Off to the Organizers

A massive shoutout to Blame It On The Drain Pinball for orchestrating such a memorable event and to Miniboss for providing the perfect playground for our pinball passions. As I step away from the flippers and back into the shadows, don’t forget to keep an eye on upcoming events at Blame It On The Drain’s page:. ‘Til next time, keep flipping, and if you’re ever in San Jose, make a stop at Miniboss—you never know when the next multiball may drop!