Shaken, Not Stirred: Bond 007 Decides Dyno’s Pinball Champion

The Aero Club / Dyno Bar Monthly tournament for February 2025 was a thrilling event that brought together 15 passionate pinball players for an evening of friendly competition. Held on February 11th at 6:30 PM, the tournament spanned approximately 3.5 hours, featuring eight intense rounds where players faced elimination after accruing five strikes. The Fair Strikes system kept everyone on their toes, ensuring that each match was as unpredictable as the last.

Dyno Bar: A Retro Gaming Arcade in San Diego

Located in the heart of San Diego at 3367 India Street, Dyno Bar is more than just a watering hole; it’s a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of arcades. With a collection of old-school games and a drink menu that’s the talk of the town, it’s no wonder that both locals and visitors find themselves drawn to its vibrant atmosphere. Unlike modern arcades that focus on ticket redemption games, Dyno Bar stays true to the essence of arcade culture—pinball and cabinets purely for the love of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just getting into the hobby, this is a place worth visiting.

Deadpool (Pro) Brings the Chaos in Round 1

The tournament kicked off with a memorable match on Stern’s Deadpool (Pro), released in August 2018. Designed by George Gomez with artwork by Zombie Yeti, Deadpool brings the Merc with a Mouth into the pinball world in the most fitting way possible—chaotic, hilarious, and packed with combo-driven gameplay. The game features unique battle modes where players take on classic X-Men villains, and the “Snikt” shot—one of the most satisfying ramp shots in modern pinball—can chain together massive points when properly executed.

In this round, Brian Pollard, despite his modest state rank of 655th, showcased exceptional skill, clinching the top spot. Derek Price, a formidable competitor ranked 55th in the state, secured second place. Shannon Carlson from California, holding the 536th state rank, took third, while local organizer Mark Schulz, ranked 249th in the state, rounded out the group. This match was a testament to the fact that in pinball, rankings can often take a backseat to sheer determination and a bit of well-timed multiball mayhem.

Tournament Lineup

The tournament boasted an impressive lineup of 11 pinball machines, featuring some of Stern’s latest and greatest as well as some cult classics. Let’s take a deeper dive into a few that stood out:

• James Bond 007 (Pro) – Released by Stern in September 2022, this game, designed by George Gomez, puts players in the shoes of the legendary spy, spanning missions from the classic Sean Connery-era films. It features fast-flowing ramps, secret gadgets, and a brilliant score multiplier system that keeps every ball exciting. For tournament play, it’s all about hitting the Bird One hurry-ups and nailing the right multiball sequences.
• Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro) – The newest release in the lineup, Stern’s January 2025 D&D pinball machine transports players to the Forgotten Realms, complete with dungeon crawling, wizard battles, and an RPG-inspired leveling system. Expect plenty of deep rulesets and immersive storytelling, making this game a future favorite among competitive players.
• John Wick (Pro) – Introduced in May 2024, John Wick is designed for relentless action, just like the films. Players battle through assassins, unlock Continental perks, and make strategic choices on contracts for massive points. This machine rewards skillful control with its brutally fast loops and precise upper flipper shots, making it a real test for high-level competitors.
• Metallica Remastered (Premium) – Originally released in 2013, this fan-favorite was given the Remastered treatment in 2024 with improved lighting, an updated code package, and a few tweaks to its already beloved design by John Borg. A hard-hitting, music-infused experience, Metallica has some of the best risk-reward modes, with Seek & Destroy multiball being a staple in any high-scoring strategy.
• The Uncanny X-Men (Pro) – Released in September 2024, this fresh take on the Marvel universe offers dynamic team-based gameplay, allowing players to assemble a squad of mutants for specific abilities and battle famous foes like Magneto and Sentinels. Stern has been on a roll with comic book themes, and this one is no exception—expect tight shots and a skill-heavy layout.

The Final Battle: Champions Rise on James Bond 007 (Pro)

The tournament reached its climax on James Bond 007 (Pro), one of Stern’s more recent hits. Designed by George Gomez, this game is packed with thematic features straight from classic Bond films. Players must complete espionage-themed missions, hit the jetpack ball lock, and utilize the unique underwater battle sequence for massive points. Its well-integrated gadgets and fast-paced layout make it a test of precision and strategy.

Emerging victorious was Tom Isaak, whose state rank of 62nd belies their impressive skill and strategic prowess. Tom expertly navigated the gadget-heavy playfield, capitalizing on Bird One hurry-ups and a well-timed multiball. Derek Price, consistently demonstrating top-tier gameplay, secured the second spot. Brian Heath, ranked 108th in the state, showcased resilience and talent, earning third place. Michael Sorrentino, with a state rank of 550th, rounded out the top four, proving that passion and dedication are key components of pinball success. The final game was a true test of strategy, where knowing when to stack modes and activate key Bond gadgets made all the difference.

California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a snapshot of the current top 10 pinball players in California, according to the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA):

A Night of Pinball Perfection

The February 2025 Aero Club / Dyno Bar Monthly tournament was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of pinball enthusiasts for a night of camaraderie and competition. A special shout-out to organizer Mark Schulz and the team at Dyno Bar for hosting such a memorable event. Congratulations once again to our champion, Tom Isaak. Stay tuned for more pinball news and updates, and don’t forget to rate this post below!