Turtles, Ghosts, and Mummies: BrewQrew’s 4th Tourney of 2025

Another night, another epic showdown under the glow of pinball playfields! BrewQrew 2025 #4 brought the heat to The Brewtique in Cedar Park, TX, as 14 players battled through five intense rounds for pinball supremacy. With a crisp 40°F outside and broken clouds lingering, it was the perfect excuse to warm up inside with a cold beer and some fierce competition.

With tournament organizer Jason Newman keeping the flippers flying, the event wrapped up in just over two hours—plenty of time to grab a post-game pint and analyze every last skill shot.

A Pinball Paradise with a Side of Craft Brews

The Brewtique isn’t just another bar with a couple of pinball machines shoved in the corner. This place is a full-on hangout spot, blending a wide selection of craft beers with classic bar games like foosball and pool. The staff is just as much a highlight as the drinks, with friendly faces eager to talk shop about their rotating selection of IPAs, honey-blond ales, and barrel-aged stouts. And if you want a true insider experience? Find Scott—he’s apparently the go-to guy for all things beer.

With a laid-back atmosphere and a strong reputation for excellent service, The Brewtique is proving to be a solid home for competitive pinball in Cedar Park.

Battle of the Beasts: Iron Maiden Delivers a Thrilling Round 5

Round 5 saw a nail-biting match on Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Stern, 2018), a game that’s as merciless as the metal legends it’s based on. Designed by Keith Elwin—one of the most dominant competitive pinball players in history—this game introduced a new era of strategic, high-risk gameplay to Stern’s lineup.

With four distinct multiball modes themed after Egyptian mythology, lightning-fast orbit shots, and a brutal center ramp that tempts players into danger, Iron Maiden is a machine that rewards bold play but punishes hesitation.

In this round, Adam Barnett went full Run to the Hills mode, keeping the ball alive with near-inhuman reflexes while stacking jackpots and hitting the Orb Multiball at just the right moment. Brad Claire made a valiant effort, coming in second, while Scott Smith and Link Wilson fought hard but couldn’t quite keep up with the furious pace. Adam’s victory may not have boosted an IFPA ranking (yet), but he certainly left an impression with this performance.

Machines That Stole the Show

A great tournament needs a solid lineup, and BrewQrew 2025 #4 did not disappoint. Here’s a look at some of the machines that players had to conquer:

The Getaway: High Speed II (Williams, 1992)

If Iron Maiden was a metal concert, then The Getaway was a high-speed police chase with no brakes. Designed by Steve Ritchie—the “King of Flow”—this game is a sequel to his groundbreaking 1986 title High Speed, the first pinball machine to feature a fully integrated story.

The main objective? Evade the cops by shifting gears, blasting through ramps, and engaging the Supercharger, a magnetic accelerator that sends the ball racing in high-speed loops. Lock three balls, trigger Redline Multiball, and race toward the jackpot—assuming you can handle the relentless speed.

Cyclone (Williams, 1988)

For those who appreciate a little nostalgia, Cyclone delivered all the charm of an old-school amusement park. Unlike its predecessor Comet, which focused on a single looping ramp, Cyclone expanded the experience with a Ferris wheel that carries the ball and a rollercoaster ramp that mimics the thrills of a real-life ride.

There’s no multiball here—just precise shot-making and classic scoring mechanics. But the real draw? That wonderfully sarcastic “Mystery Wheel” that either rewards you handsomely or leaves you shaking your head in disbelief.

Tales from the Crypt (Data East, 1993)

Pinball and horror go together like flippers and pop bumpers, and Tales from the Crypt is one of Data East’s best cult classics. This game features a talking, cackling Crypt Keeper who delivers pun-filled taunts while you try to unlock one of the game’s six different multiball modes.

Its standout feature? The Crate, a bash toy that can be hit multiple times to trigger multiball, and an upper playfield that rewards precise shooting. The game’s gruesome art, chilling sound effects, and chaotic layout make it a favorite among horror fans and players looking for a fast, unpredictable experience.

Ghostbusters (Pro) (Stern, 2016)

Designed by John Trudeau, Ghostbusters is a love letter to the 1984 movie, complete with original voice clips from Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson. But don’t let the nostalgia fool you—this game is brutal.

Between the magnaslings (which unpredictably grab and toss the ball), the deadly right ramp shot, and the infamous Scoleri Brothers drop targets that pop up at the worst possible moment, this game punishes every mistake. Survive all that, though, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the most satisfying multiball sequences in modern pinball.

Championship Clash: The Final Battle

The tournament reached its climax with a high-stakes final round on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Premium/LE) (Stern, 2020), a game that forces players to manage relentless multiballs, tight ramp shots, and one of the most chaotic upper playfields in modern pinball. The machine’s co-op mode may be great for casual players teaming up as their favorite heroes in a half shell, but in a tournament setting, it’s every flipper for themselves.

JustWin lived up to their name, proving that consistency and precision pay off. Ranked 128th in Texas and sitting at 7,146th in the nation, JustWin played like a veteran, nailing crucial weapon hurry-ups and stacking Turtle Power Multiball at just the right time. The strategy paid off, as they locked in first place and claimed the championship title.

Meanwhile, TJ Lewis, an unranked player, put up an impressive fight, making strong use of training mode bonuses to climb his way to second place. It’s always exciting to see new players shake things up, and TJ made sure the top-ranked players felt the pressure.

Adam Barnett, fresh off his victory on Iron Maiden, kept the momentum going, earning third place with skillful use of Pizza Parlor Multiball, but ultimately falling just short of overtaking TJ. Given his performance throughout the night, it’s clear he’s one to watch in future tournaments.

Finally, Ethan Parks rounded out the top four, showing steady play and resilience in a game where even the smallest mistakes can send your ball straight to the sewer.

With strong performances from both ranked and unranked players, this tournament was a perfect reminder that in pinball, anyone can step up and make their mark. Rankings matter, but in the heat of competition, it all comes down to skill, nerves, and maybe a little bit of luck.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

For those keeping score at home, here’s how the Texas pinball elite currently stack up:

Wrapping Up Another Epic Night of Pinball

BrewQrew 2025 #4 proved once again that The Brewtique is a fantastic host for pinball action, offering not only a killer machine lineup but also a great atmosphere to enjoy the game. A huge shoutout to Jason Newman for keeping things running smoothly, and to everyone who came out to flip their way to victory (or just to enjoy the competition).

And let’s not forget that Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast match—Adam Barnett may not be in the rankings yet, but if he keeps up that kind of play, he’ll be climbing the IFPA charts in no time.

Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament coverage! See you at the next one—same time, same place, different multiball.