Flippers and Firepower: A Look at Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday

On March 10, 2025, the Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday tournament brought together 18 competitors for an evening of fierce, fast-paced flipper action. Over the course of five rounds, each featuring a single game, players fought their way through classic and modern pinball machines, making their mark in just under two hours. The arcade buzzed with energy as the night unfolded, with some upsets, thrilling comebacks, and plenty of multiball mayhem.

Free Play Arcade Dallas: Where Nostalgia Meets Competition

Located in the heart of Trinity Groves, Free Play Arcade Dallas delivers a retro gaming experience with a modern twist. For a $12 entry fee, visitors gain unlimited access to a diverse lineup of arcade classics, from Pac-Man and Galaga to rhythm games and the cult-favorite Killer Queen. Before 9 PM, the space welcomes families looking to introduce a new generation to the joys of old-school gaming, while the later hours shift into a 21+ atmosphere with a well-stocked bar. While the food menu leans into standard bar fare, it’s best to eat beforehand if you’re looking for something more substantial. Parking can be a challenge on busy nights, but the short walk is worth it for one of the best gaming destinations in Dallas.

The Mandalorian Showdown: Round 3’s Epic Battle

A key moment of the night came in Round 3, when four players faced off on The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern. Released in 2021, this game was part of Stern’s ongoing push to bring modern themes to pinball, leveraging cutting-edge technology and intricate rule sets to appeal to both casual and hardcore players. Featuring assets from the hit Star Wars spin-off series, the machine immerses players in the bounty hunter’s journey, complete with iconic characters, missions, and a challenging upper playfield inspired by Grogu (a.k.a. Baby Yoda).

Ken Kemp was up for the challenge, wielding his flippers like a true warrior. Already known for his solid tournament showings, Ken’s ability to control multiball chaos and maximize Razor Crest shots gave him the edge. Zach Christopoulos, representing his home turf of Dallas, kept the pressure on, leveraging his local experience to push Ken to the limit. Meanwhile, Jaye Comer and Kim Connor, both newer faces in competitive pinball, held their own with some clutch saves but couldn’t quite match the firepower of their seasoned opponents. When the dust settled, Ken’s mastery of the Mandalorian’s missions secured him the victory, adding another notch to his growing list of tournament successes.

Pinball Machines That Kept Players on Their Toes

The tournament featured 19 pinball machines, covering a wide range of eras and styles. Here’s a closer look at five standout titles that made an impact:

The Walking Dead (Pro) – Stern (2014)
With a playfield as brutal as the world it’s based on, The Walking Dead doesn’t let players off easy. The game’s tight shots and unforgiving drains force precise control, while its zombie-themed bash toys and intense wizard modes reward those who can survive the chaos. Designed during Stern’s resurgence in the early 2010s, this game helped cement the company’s dominance in the modern pinball industry, capitalizing on the massive popularity of the AMC series at the time.

Aerosmith – Stern (2017)
This rock ‘n’ roll pin features vibrant artwork and a killer soundtrack packed with Aerosmith hits. The standout feature? The Toy Box multiball, which players can load up before unleashing a cascade of balls onto the playfield in a true rockstar moment. Stern’s decision to develop music-based machines was part of a broader effort to attract new audiences, following up on the success of games like AC/DC and Metallica. Aerosmith’s game may not have revolutionized pinball, but it solidified Stern’s formula for music-themed success.

Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) – Chicago Gaming (2021)
A long-awaited revival of Bally’s western-themed classic, Cactus Canyon is a crowd-pleaser with its quick-draw shootouts, train robberies, and quirky humor. The original game was released in 1998 and became the last traditional pinball machine produced by Bally/Williams before they ceased pinball production. This left Cactus Canyon with limited production numbers and a cult following. The 2021 remake from Chicago Gaming brought it back with updated features, giving new generations a chance to experience one of pinball’s lost gems.

Godzilla (Pro) – Stern (2021)
A staple of modern pinball tournaments, Godzilla lets players take control of the legendary kaiju, stomping through cities and battling classic monsters. This game marked the arrival of Keith Elwin as a dominant force in pinball design. A world-class competitive player turned designer, Elwin packed Godzilla with flowing shots, deep strategy, and engaging battle sequences that quickly made it a tournament favorite. With its combo-heavy layout and satisfying destruction jackpot shots, it’s no surprise that this game saw some of the night’s highest scores.

James Bond 007 (Pro) – Stern (2022)
Fast, smooth, and filled with classic Bond moments, this table combines high-speed ramps with mission-based gameplay. Players must complete spy objectives and take down iconic villains, making every game feel like a cinematic adventure. Developed during Stern’s 60th-anniversary tribute to the Bond franchise, the machine paid homage to the character’s legacy, using assets from multiple films across different eras of Bond history.

The Final Standings: Who Dominated the Night?

At the end of five rounds, the top four players emerged victorious:

1. Ken Kemp took home the win, showing once again why he’s a staple in the Texas pinball scene. His ability to navigate challenging playfields and adapt to each machine’s quirks was on full display, proving that experience and skill go hand in hand.
2. John Richardson put up an impressive fight, climbing his way to second place with a mix of consistent play and clutch performances. While he’s still working his way up the state rankings, his tournament presence is steadily growing.
3. Michael Hew finished third, bringing his usual sharp instincts to the table. A frequent contender in Texas tournaments, Michael’s ability to strategize around game objectives helped him stand out in a competitive field.
4. Chris Delp, not only the tournament organizer but also a fierce competitor, rounded out the top four. While balancing event duties and high-level play isn’t easy, Chris showed he could handle both with style.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

A Night of Flipping, Flashing, and Friendly Competition

Another Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday is in the books, and what a night it was. The competition was fierce, the games were top-tier, and the players gave it their all. From classic machines with deep historical roots to modern masterpieces pushing the boundaries of pinball design, this tournament had a little bit of everything.

A huge congratulations to Ken Kemp for his stellar performance, and props to all the players who battled it out across some of the best machines in pinball history. Free Play Dallas continues to be a go-to spot for competitive and casual pinball alike, proving time and time again why it’s a cornerstone of the Texas pinball scene.

Looking for your next tournament? Follow along for more events and updates at Free Play Dallas Events. Until next time, keep those flippers strong and the tilt warnings in check!