Strikes, Flips, and Surprises: Friday 3 Tournament Breakdown

The sound of flippers, bells, and the occasional frustrated groan filled the air on February 7, 2025, as 27 pinball players gathered for the “Friday 3” tournament. It wasn’t just another night of casual flipping—this was a true test of endurance, skill, and maybe just a little bit of luck. Players pushed through round after round, dodging elimination while trying to outlast their competitors. Over the course of 14 and a half hours, the competition saw its share of upsets, dramatic comebacks, and clutch performances, proving once again that in pinball, anything can happen. When the dust settled, only the best remained standing, their names etched into the records of Texas pinball history.

The Mystery Venue: Somewhere in Texas

Now, here’s where things get a bit cloak-and-dagger. The tournament’s location? Classified. MatchPlay software, in all its glory, decided to keep this one under wraps. So, while we’d love to spill the beans on the venue, it seems they’ve opted for the “undisclosed location” vibe. We’ll respect their secret lair and move on.

Diner Showdown: Round 5 Highlights

Round 5 brought a memorable clash on Williams’ classic, Diner, released in January 1990. Designed by the legendary Mark Ritchie, “Diner” transports players to a bustling eatery, complete with a rotating diner mechanism and a cast of quirky customers. The game’s art, done by the talented Python Anghelo, perfectly captures the chaotic yet charming vibe of a retro diner. With an iconic callout of “Order up!”, the game tasks players with serving up a five-customer order while racking up points.

In this round, Ellie DeCaprio from Austin, TX, defied expectations, outperforming higher-ranked competitors to claim 1st place. With a state rank of 232nd, Ellie proved that persistence and precision can trump experience on the right day. Nathan McMullin from Stephenville, TX, a formidable player ranked 58th in the state, fought hard for 2nd place, showing why he’s consistently in the conversation at Texas events. Stevan Reyes from Austin, ranked 130th, put up a solid effort for 3rd place, while Yanni Manousakis, despite his IFPA rank of 8,474, struggled to find the right shots and finished 4th. Just goes to show, in the world of pinball, rankings can flip faster than a silver ball.

A Lineup of Legends: Tournament Machines

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 20 pinball machines. Let’s spotlight a few standouts:

• Indianapolis 500 by Bally (June 1995): Designed by Dennis Nordman, this game captures the high-speed thrills of the famous race. With art by Paul Barker, players navigate tight turns and turbo boosts, all while the iconic announcer Tom Carnegie calls the action. This machine is notable for its “Turbo Lock,” which adds an extra layer of strategy by holding balls in play for multiball action.
• AC/DC (LUCI) by Stern (December 2013): A rockin’ creation from designer Steve Ritchie, this machine immerses players in the electrifying world of AC/DC. Featuring art by Stephen Jensen, it boasts 12 classic tracks and a swinging bell to keep the rhythm—and the ball—rolling. One of the standout features is its “Encore Mode,” which challenges players to collect records to reach a final showdown.
• Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams (January 1993): Designed by Mark Ritchie and featuring art by Doug Watson, this game takes players on a cinematic journey through all three original films. One of the most unique features is the Path of Adventure, a tilting mini-playfield that adds an extra dimension of challenge and skill.
• Jack•Bot by Williams (January 1995): Designed by Barry Oursler and Larry DeMar, this machine is a futuristic twist on the casino theme. Python Anghelo’s vibrant artwork complements the high-stakes gameplay, where players face off against the enigmatic Jack-Bot. What makes Jack•Bot stand out is its deep rule set that rewards strategic play, something not as common in games from this era.
• Iron Man by Stern (April 2010): John Borg brings the Marvel superhero to life in this fast-paced game. Kevin O’Connor’s dynamic art showcases iconic villains, while players battle through various modes to save the world. This game is known for its relentless gameplay and fast ball times, making it a true test of skill and reflexes.
• Skateball by Bally (April 1980): A classic from designer George Christian, this machine combines the thrill of skateboarding with pinball wizardry. The art by Kevin O’Connor captures the rebellious spirit of the skate scene. Skateball is known for its approachable but surprisingly deep gameplay, featuring inline drop targets and challenging spinner shots.
• Centaur by Bally (February 1981): Jim Patla’s design introduces a unique black-and-white art scheme by Paul Faris. This sci-fi fantasy game challenges players with its innovative playfield and mesmerizing multi-ball feature. One of its most famous innovations is its “ORBS” speech system, one of the earliest attempts at synthetic voice in pinball.
• Fathom by Bally (August 1981): Another masterpiece from Jim Patla, featuring Greg Freres’ stunning underwater artwork. Players dive deep to rescue mermaids and battle sea monsters in this aquatic adventure. The game is well-loved for its complex rules and inline drop targets, which require precise shooting to activate the lucrative multipliers.

Celebrating the Champions

A hearty congratulations to the tournament’s top performers:

• 1st Place: John Walter from Austin, TX, showcased his expertise throughout the tournament, proving why he’s ranked 13th in the state. His consistent skill and sharp decision-making made him the clear champion by the final round.
• 2nd Place: Jonathon Morales fought hard and lived up to his high state rank of 3rd. His experience in high-stakes matches showed as he adapted to each round’s challenges and nearly clinched the win.
• 3rd Place: Ray Ford from Austin, TX, juggled both playing and organizing duties yet still managed to land in the top three. With his extensive competitive history, Ray demonstrated why he remains a force to be reckoned with.
• 4th Place: Amanda Fincher from Austin, TX, held her own against some of the best in Texas. Despite being ranked 134th in the state, her strategic play and clutch moments propelled her to an impressive 4th place finish.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

For those keeping score, here’s the current top 10 in Texas:

Wrapping Up the Flipper Frenzy

The “Friday 3” tournament was a rollercoaster of pinball intensity, featuring unforgettable matchups, top-tier gameplay, and a few surprising twists. A huge shout-out to organizer Ray Ford for running a seamless event and to the mystery venue for hosting such an epic night of competition. And, of course, congratulations to John Walter for earning the title of champion! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just flipping for fun, tournaments like these remind us why we love the game. Stay tuned for more pinball coverage, and don’t forget to rate this post below!