Shark Infested Waters in Space City Pinball’s Latest Showdown

The skies might have been overcast, but inside Einstein’s Pub, the only storm brewing was the fierce battle for pinball supremacy. Space City Pinball’s PhysXXX Study Group Tournament kicked off on the evening of February 18, 2025, with 21 players ready to test their reflexes, shot accuracy, and nerves of steel. This Group Knockout format meant each round brought them closer to elimination, with three strikes being the ultimate game-ender. After nearly four hours of play, only the best remained standing.

A Pub with Character (and Pinball!)

Tucked away in Katy, Texas, Einstein’s Pub has long been a go-to for those who like their beer cold and their pinball lineup stacked. While it’s not the easiest place to breathe for the smoke-sensitive, it does deliver where it counts—great machines, plenty of space, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay for “just one more game.” More than just a typical watering hole, Einstein’s is a mainstay of the local nightlife scene, offering a mix of live music, sports, and, most importantly, pinball action that keeps players coming back.

The Feeding Frenzy on JAWS (Pro) – Round 6 Showdown

In Round 6, the ocean ran red as players faced off on JAWS (Pro), Stern’s 2024 tribute to Spielberg’s classic. Designed by Jack Danger, this machine brings cinematic tension to life with a ruleset that rewards both risk-taking and survival instincts. The playfield features interactive toys, including a moving shark fin and a sinking boat mechanism, all while John Williams’ iconic score keeps the tension high.

The game’s signature mode, Feeding Frenzy, is all about frantically hitting shots to rack up points—fitting, given the bloodbath that unfolded on the playfield.

Tiffany Simmons made waves with a stellar performance, proving that state rankings don’t always tell the full story. Despite coming in at 214th in Texas, they outmaneuvered the competition, avoiding the chomping jaws of elimination. Don Dura (148th in TX) trailed closely behind, keeping pace but ultimately falling short of the high tide. Meanwhile, Erin Simper (185th) managed to stay afloat long enough to land in third, leaving Philip Salminen (69th) as the unfortunate last bite of the round. The lesson? Even a highly ranked player can end up fish food in the right conditions.

The Machines That Made (and Broke) Champions

With 30 machines in the tournament, players had plenty of opportunities to test their skills on some of the best (and trickiest) tables out there. Let’s take a look at a few of the standouts.

AC/DC (Premium Vault Edition) – 2017, Stern

Designed by the legendary Steve Ritchie, AC/DC is as relentless as the band’s discography. Featuring an upper playfield in the Premium edition, a lower playfield on the LE version, and an incredible soundtrack packed with classic hits, this game forces players to shoot fast and think faster. The cannon shot is a highlight, and let’s not forget Encore Multiball, where the machine turns into absolute chaos—just as any good rock concert should.

Elvira’s House of Horrors (LE) – 2019, Stern

Greg Freres and Dennis Nordman teamed up once again to bring Elvira back to pinball for a third time, following Elvira and the Party Monsters (1989) and Scared Stiff (1996). This game is packed with deep code, campy humor, and clips from real B-horror movies. The interactive Deadhead crypt toy and the House itself (which physically opens and reveals new areas) make it a dream for fans of both horror and solid pinball mechanics.

John Wick (Pro) – 2024, Stern

The latest blockbuster adaptation from Stern, John Wick delivers punishing gameplay worthy of the Baba Yaga himself. This machine is all about control and precision—sloppy shots won’t cut it when you’re trying to complete contracts and take down enemies. With high-speed ramps, brutal outlanes, and an interactive Continental Hotel feature, it mirrors the action-packed intensity of the films.

Stars – 1978, Stern Electronics

A true classic from the solid-state era, Stars is a deceptively simple but absolutely brutal game designed by Steve Kirk. No ball save. No modern gimmicks. Just you, the drop targets, and some of the most unforgiving outlanes in pinball. This game has had a resurgence in competitive play thanks to its skill-based scoring and lack of random ball saves or modes. A misstep on this machine can drain your confidence as fast as your ball.

Game of Thrones (LE) – 2015, Stern

Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game gives players the option to choose their House at the start, altering strategy and playstyle. The LE version boasts a full upper playfield where skilled flippers can rack up major points in Iron Throne Multiball. With fast orbits, brutal modes, and a ruleset that rewards deep knowledge, it’s a fitting tribute to the show’s cutthroat world.

And the Winners Are…

A big congratulations to Joshua Mitchell for taking first place! Ranked 12th in Texas, Joshua’s strong performance wasn’t exactly a surprise, but given the depth of competition, it was no small feat. Philip Salminen, who had an impressive tournament run, finished in second—no stranger to big events with his 381 career IFPA tournaments under his belt. David Dronet, currently 71st in Texas, snagged third place, proving that experience (and 385 IFPA tournaments played) pays off. Jim Mueller, ranked 17th, rounded out the top four with a strong showing.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

For those keeping score, here’s where Texas’ best currently stand:

‘Til Next Time, Keep Flipping!

Cloudy skies couldn’t dampen the excitement of the PhysXXX Study Group Tournament, and Space City Pinball once again put on a stellar event. Huge thanks to Einstein’s Pub for hosting and providing a top-tier pinball battleground. Joshua Mitchell walks away with the top honors, but every player who stepped up to the challenge helped make the night a memorable one. Stay tuned for more pinball action, and as always—keep flipping!