Silver Balls and Strategy: Breaking Down the Latest Space City Pinball Tournament

The first PhysXXX Spring Semester tournament of 2025 kicked off in style at Einstein’s Pub, bringing together 25 players for a night of competitive pinball action. With a three-round format featuring two games per round, the action was fast and furious, wrapping up in just about two and a half hours. Despite the overcast skies outside, the real storm was brewing inside—on the playfields.

A Spot for Pinball, Pool, and a Pint

Einstein’s Pub, tucked away in Katy, TX, is more than just a bar—it’s a place where you can grab a drink, shoot some pool, and, most importantly, flip your way through a solid lineup of pinball machines. The pub has a long-standing reputation as a go-to spot, thanks to its great prices, friendly bartenders, and plenty of space to spread out. Sure, the DJ can get a little loud sometimes, but there are enough cozy corners to escape into if you’re just there for the games. And with arcade machines and even virtual beer pong in the mix, there’s always something to do while waiting for your next match.

John Wick Brings the Action in Round 3

Round 3 saw an intense showdown on John Wick (Pro) by Stern, a machine that dropped in May 2024. Just like the movie, this game doesn’t let up, and neither did the players. Joshua Mitchell took full advantage of “Guns. Lots of Guns.”, racking up points faster than a hitman on a mission. Chris Low and Don Dura held their own, but neither could quite break through the high score barrage. Meanwhile, Philip Salminen—normally a strong competitor—struggled to get momentum rolling, proving that even top-ranked players can have an off game when John Wick decides he’s in charge.

The Pinball Lineup: Highlights and Hidden Gems

With 26 machines in play, the lineup at this tournament had plenty of variety, but a few standouts made their mark:

• JAWS (Pro) (2024) – One of Stern’s newest releases, this game capitalizes on the tension of the classic Spielberg film. Featuring thrilling shark attacks, intense modes like the “Chum Run,” and an excellent mix of flow and stop-and-go play, JAWS is already proving to be a formidable tournament game.
• Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) (2018) – Designed by Keith Elwin in his breakout debut for Stern, this game quickly became a modern classic. Featuring unique loop combos, a deep ruleset, and a fast-paced layout, it rewards skill and precision. The Eddie-themed animations and hand-drawn artwork also make it a standout visually.
• Foo Fighters (Pro) (2023) – A game that surprised many with its sheer fun factor, this release from Stern features a totally unique layout designed by Jack Danger. With its fast ramps, vibrant callouts, and the inventive “Overlord” battle, it’s a great mix of accessibility and depth.
• Venom (Pro) (2023) – A dynamic, character-based progression system makes Venom stand out. Unlike traditional pinball, players can choose between different Marvel symbiote hosts, altering gameplay strategies. The game’s ability to save progress between games makes it a unique addition to competitive and casual play alike.
• No Good Gofers (1997) – A fan-favorite from Williams’ golden era, this game is best known for its chaotic ramps and the iconic “hole-in-one” shot—a tricky but satisfying moment when players can drop the ball into a spinning wheel for big points. The gofers, Buzz and Bud, taunt players throughout, adding an extra layer of fun.
• Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium/LE) (2020) – Designed by Keith Elwin, this game is a shot-maker’s dream with its challenging combos and deep strategic choices. It’s also notable for introducing a unique three-flipper layout that forces players to master different angles and play styles.
• The Walking Dead (LE) (2014) – A brutally punishing game that embodies the unforgiving world of the hit TV show. Designed by John Borg, this game features tight shots, an unpredictable pop bumper area, and brutal outlanes. It remains one of Stern’s most difficult tournament games.
• Iron Man (2010) – A minimalist but fast-paced game that forces players to make every shot count. This was released during Stern’s transitional period when the company was struggling, and its success helped prove that there was still a strong market for pinball.
• Led Zeppelin (LE) (2020) – Designed by Steve Ritchie, the “Master of Flow,” this game embodies the energy of the legendary rock band. With powerful music integration and a playfield built for speed, it delivers a full-throttle pinball experience.

Battling Through the Ranks

With 25 players in the mix, competition was fierce. Some fought their way up the ranks, while others found themselves battling just to stay in the running. When the dust settled, these were the top four finishers:

1. Jim Mueller – Ranked 47th in Texas and 661st nationally, Jim’s extensive tournament experience (157 IFPA events) paid off big time.
2. Joshua Mitchell – Proving his skills once again, the Houston-based player secured second place in a strong field.
3. Matt Katsarelis – Coming in from Katy, Matt showed that even a lower-ranked player (7541 IFPA) can pull off a big finish with the right mindset.
4. Philip Salminen – A strong tournament veteran from Michigan, Philip rounded out the top four, adding to his long list of 380 IFPA events.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Final Flips and Farewells

Space City Pinball pulled off another fantastic tournament, and Einstein’s Pub proved once again why it’s a prime location for competitive pinball. With a stacked lineup of machines and a dedicated group of players, the night was packed with excitement. Special shoutout to the standout match on John Wick (Pro)—where bullets (or, well, silver balls) were flying, and scores were climbing. Thanks to everyone who came out, and stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament coverage!