Battling the Tyrant’s Eye: A Look at the Dyno Bar Pinball Tourney

Despite the misty 56°F evening, 25 players gathered at Dyno Bar for an intense Group Knockout showdown. Over the course of nearly four hours, competitors battled through eight rounds, dodging the dreaded five-strike elimination in a format that rewarded precision and resilience.

The Venue: Dyno Bar – More Than Just a Bar

Located at 3367 India Street, Dyno Bar isn’t just a place to grab a drink—it’s an arcade enthusiast’s dream. Unlike the ticket-dispensing kid-trap arcades, this spot is all about the games themselves. Whether you’re here for pinball, classic cabinets, or multiplayer beat-em-ups like Golden Axe II, there’s always something to dive into. Throw in an impressive lineup of craft cocktails and local beers, and you’ve got a place where players keep coming back.

An Epic Clash on Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye

Round 5 delivered one of the night’s most exciting matches, taking place on Stern’s latest release, Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro).

Casey Shaw, stepping up as an underdog, showed that rankings don’t always tell the full story. Despite being one of the lower-seeded players in the tournament, Casey’s mastery of the game’s strategic spellcasting modes and multiball stacking allowed for a strong comeback. The Tyrant’s Eye feature, which requires precise shot execution to unlock major scoring opportunities, became a battleground for all four competitors. Casey, however, managed to hit the final wizard mode sequence at the perfect moment, sealing the victory.

Gaizah Wagschal put up a valiant effort, keeping pace with sharp, consistent play, but fell just short in the final moments. Meanwhile, Mark Maleko Schulz, a seasoned competitor from San Diego with hundreds of tournament matches under his belt, struggled with an unlucky drain at a crucial point in the game. Zach Zumaya, the least experienced of the group, showed some impressive moments but couldn’t quite break through against the more tournament-tested players.

Five Standout Machines From the Tournament

With 11 machines in play, players had plenty of variety, but a few games stood out:

Guardians of the Galaxy (2017, Stern)
This fast-paced machine immerses players in the Marvel universe, featuring an incredible soundtrack, immersive voice work, and a thrilling orb multiball. The game was released at a time when the Guardians were surging in popularity following their 2014 and 2017 film releases, and Stern capitalized on the franchise’s humor and chaotic energy. The playfield features a mix of flowing ramps and tight shots, rewarding players who can balance speed with accuracy. During the tournament, several players found themselves caught in the game’s challenging Groot Multiball, where ball control is crucial.

Deadpool (Pro) (2018, Stern)
Witty humor and brutal combos make this a fan favorite. The chimichanga truck and unique battle modes make every game feel fresh and unpredictable. Stern took a different approach to licensed games here, opting for a comic book aesthetic instead of movie tie-ins, making the game feel like a true extension of Deadpool’s irreverent world. During the tournament, this machine saw some of the longest ball times, with players exploiting the regenerating ball save features and stacking the Katana-Ramp multiball.

James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) (2022, Stern)
A sleek, retro-styled game celebrating six decades of Bond. Packed with classic spy gadgets and timed missions, it’s a true test of strategic play. This machine was released in a special edition run to honor James Bond’s lasting legacy, featuring a minimalist but highly technical layout inspired by older machines. Its spinner-heavy design requires players to set up shots carefully, and during the tournament, it was the site of some of the closest margins of victory.

Godzilla (Pro) (2021, Stern)
Destroying buildings, battling kaiju, and triggering one of the best multiballs in modern pinball? Yes, please. This game remains a powerhouse in tournament play, with a layout designed by Keith Elwin that has drawn comparisons to some of the most balanced machines in history. Its deep rule set keeps players coming back, and the innovative collapsing bridge feature adds a unique mechanical element rarely seen in modern pins. During the tournament, several players managed to reach Planet X, the game’s final mode, with thrilling last-second plays that turned the tide of their matches.

The Uncanny X-Men (Pro) (2024, Stern)
A love letter to Marvel’s mutants, this machine balances nostalgia with dynamic gameplay, featuring team-up modes and intense villain battles. This game was released just as Marvel was preparing to reintroduce the X-Men to a new film generation, bringing back characters like Wolverine, Storm, and Magneto to the playfield. Stern’s design team focused on fast shots and risk-reward elements, making it an exciting but punishing game in tournament settings. Many players struggled with the game’s Magneto multiball mode, which demands precision in targeting and ball juggling.

The Final Showdown: Meet the Top Four

After eight grueling rounds, the top four players emerged, each with their own hard-fought battle to get there:

1. Mark Maleko Schulz – A veteran of 371 IFPA events, Mark’s experience shined as he methodically worked through the field. While he faced a tough match in Round 5, he rebounded quickly and dominated his later rounds with strong strategic play. His ability to adapt to different machines proved invaluable, allowing him to take the title.
2. Brian Heath – A steady and patient player, Brian had the consistency to climb the ranks. While not always the flashiest on the scoreboard, his ability to minimize mistakes kept him in contention round after round. His biggest moment came in a nail-biting finish on Godzilla (Pro), where he executed an impressive destruction jackpot shot just in time to survive elimination.
3. Tom Isaak – A high-ranked competitor, Tom lived up to expectations with a well-rounded skillset. Their expertise on James Bond 007 (60th Anniversary LE) gave them a huge advantage in key rounds, using precise spinner shots and careful nudging to extend ball times. Though the finals didn’t go their way, Tom proved once again why they are among the best.
4. Fiona Chiong – A strong tournament presence, Fiona fought her way into the top four with calculated play. Her best moment came on The Uncanny X-Men (Pro), where she successfully completed all hero modes before entering villain battle, a rare feat that few competitors managed during the event. While she fell just short of the top three, her performance was nothing short of spectacular.

California’s Top 10 IFPA Standings

Wrapping Up Another Great Tournament

The Aero Club / Dyno Bar Monthly – March 2025 tournament delivered fast action, high-pressure moments, and another well-earned win for Mark Schulz. Dyno Bar continues to prove itself as a top-tier pinball spot in San Diego, blending great games, great drinks, and great competition. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this arcade-style gem is worth a visit.

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