Ramps, Multiballs, and a Brioche Bun: The Latest Abilene Pinball Battle

With a perfect 71°F evening and a clear sky over Abilene, conditions couldn’t have been better for some precision flipper action at Free Play Abilene. The Free Play Abilene Pinball Monday tournament on February 24, 2025, brought together 11 players for five rounds of fast-paced play. Over nearly two hours, competitors navigated some of the best modern pinball machines, battling for control of ramps, multiballs, and jackpots.

A Pinball Playground in Abilene

Located at 250 Cypress Street, Free Play Abilene is more than just a place to flip—it’s a full-blown arcade experience. With over 100 arcade and pinball machines set to free play for a single entry fee, it’s a dream for casual visitors and hardcore players alike. Their food and drink selection is getting rave reviews, with one competitor even swearing by their brioche-bun hot dog as the best in town (maybe that’s the real secret to winning tournaments?). Whether you’re reliving childhood classics or discovering new favorites, Free Play Abilene delivers on every front.

Battle for the Galaxy: Round 2 Showdown on Guardians of the Galaxy

Round 2 of the tournament put three competitors head-to-head on Stern’s Guardians of the Galaxy, a fast-paced 2017 release designed by John Borg, with art by Christopher Franchi. The game is known for its deep ruleset and cinematic feel, bringing players into the chaotic world of Star-Lord and his misfit crew. With six unique character modes, a frantic multiball system, and a soundtrack packed with ‘70s and ‘80s hits, this machine rewards players who can balance strategy with precision shot-making.

Keith Shahan showed exactly why he’s a top-ranked player in Texas. Right from the plunge, he played with confidence, quickly making controlled shots to build up his bonus and unlock crucial modes. While others struggled to keep their balls in play, Keith was dialed in, executing sharp combos through the orbits and ramps to keep his scoring momentum going. His ability to avoid dangerous rebounds and keep the ball safely on the flippers proved to be the difference-maker, allowing him to lock in the highest score of the round.

Will Wolfe, despite being new to competitive pinball, looked like anything but a rookie. He made smart shot choices early, advancing through the mission ladder while taking advantage of the game’s numerous shot multipliers. While his control wasn’t quite as polished as Keith’s, he showed a natural ability to adapt to the fast pace of the machine. A few missed shots cost him key opportunities, but his score was strong enough to claim second place, reinforcing that his debut tournament run was no fluke.

Sarah Kader may have finished third, but she put on an impressive showing, keeping a steady rhythm as she navigated the tricky shots this game demands. She made great use of the left orbit and ramps to trigger key scoring sequences, proving she had a clear strategy in mind. A few unlucky drains kept her from catching the leaders, but she played smart and methodically, showing patience that could serve her well in future tournaments.

A Lineup of Legendary Machines

With nine tournament-worthy machines, players faced a mix of sci-fi battles, rock-and-roll chaos, and fast-flowing fan layouts. Here’s a closer look at some of the machines that shaped the night’s competition:

• The Mandalorian (Pro) – Stern (2021)
  Designed by Brian Eddy (of Medieval Madness fame), The Mandalorian packs in some of the most unique features Stern has put into a game in recent years. The upper playfield, controlled via a mini-flipper, is a nod to classic-era games while still maintaining the fast Stern feel. Missions are built around the first two seasons of the Disney+ show, letting players battle stormtroopers, collect bounties, and—of course—protect Grogu (affectionately known as “Baby Yoda”).

• Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) – Chicago Gaming (2021)
  Originally a 1998 Bally title, Cactus Canyon never had a full production run before Bally’s pinball division shut down. The Chicago Gaming remake restores the wild west shootout action in all its glory, while also adding modernized code and a fully animated talking bad guy on the backglass. Players had to duel outlaws, build their saloon, and save Polly Peril from bandits—all while maintaining control of the flippers.

• Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) – Stern (2019)
  A direct sequel to Steve Ritchie’s legendary Black Knight and Black Knight 2000, this game keeps the Magna-Save feature while adding in a talking, taunting Black Knight who mocks your failures. Players had to battle their way through medieval enemies and defeat the knight himself, all while dealing with lightning-fast ramps and a punishing center shot that led straight to the drain.

• Godzilla (Pro) – Stern (2021)
  One of the most beloved modern pinball games, Godzilla was Keith Elwin’s second design and proved he wasn’t a one-hit wonder after Iron Maiden. The game features some of the most unique wireform ramps, including a collapsing building that physically drops balls onto the playfield. Players had to battle kaiju, destroy bridges, and stack modes to maximize their scoring potential.

The Final Round: Climbing the Stairway to Victory

The last game of the night took place on Stern’s Led Zeppelin (Pro), a machine designed by Steve Ritchie, whose career spans back to Firepower and High Speed. With a high-speed layout, pulsing RGB lighting, and a song list that includes Whole Lotta Love and Immigrant Song, it’s a game that demands both rhythm and precision shot-making.

Keith Shahan, already leading the pack, sealed his tournament victory with an expert use of Electric Magic Multiball, which had him locking balls and racking up jackpots while the machine’s unique spinning toy created controlled chaos.

Will Wolfe, proving that a newcomer can go toe-to-toe with the best, kept his cool and executed strong shots into the upper loops, finishing as the tournament’s runner-up. His ability to keep up with more seasoned players suggests he’s a natural talent in the making.

Chris Delp, a veteran of 138 IFPA events, relied on his experience to battle through the final round. Though he couldn’t quite take down Keith, his ability to stay in the mix landed him a strong third-place finish.

And just outside the podium was Kevin Schkade, another first-time competitor. Though he didn’t crack the top three, his ability to hold his own against experienced tournament players made it clear he’ll be back for more.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s how the state rankings stand after this event:

The Last Tilt

With a mix of seasoned veterans and first-time competitors, this tournament was the perfect way to spend a clear, warm Texas evening. Chris Delp did a fantastic job organizing, and Free Play Abilene once again proved why it’s a top-tier tournament location.

The match on Guardians of the Galaxy was a highlight, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement that makes pinball such a thrilling game. Whether you’re a tournament regular or just getting started, nights like this remind us why we keep coming back—because sometimes, the next multiball is the one that changes everything.

Stay tuned for more tournament action, and until next time, keep flipping!