Free Gold Watch Delivers a Classic Clash in the SF Rain

The fifth edition of the SFPD Spring 2025 tournament rolled into town on March 12 with light rain misting the streets of San Francisco and temperatures hovering around 49°F—the kind of night where your best bet was to be indoors, flipping your way to glory. And for 72 determined players, the place to do it was none other than Free Gold Watch, where the San Francisco Pinball Dept. hosted a five-game, single-round showdown that stretched for 2.5 electrifying hours.

Arcade Meets Art Studio: Free Gold Watch

If you’ve never been to Free Gold Watch, imagine a place where an art print shop collides headfirst with a vintage arcade. Tucked away on Waller Street, this spot doesn’t just house an impressive number of machines—it curates an experience. The vibe is relaxed, the pinball lineup is wild (hello, rare machines), and the lighting is just right. None of that annoying glare that makes you feel like you’re battling the sun instead of the slingshots. With 60 machines in active tournament rotation—including everything from classic electromechanicals to modern LCD showstoppers—it’s a location that treats pinball like the art form it is.

A 160-Minute Trek Into the Jungle

Of all the games in the tournament, Congo by Williams stole the show—and the clock. Released in November 1995 and designed by the often-underrated John Trudeau, Congo is one of those ‘90s DMD sleepers that somehow slipped under the radar at launch but gained cult love over time. It’s fast, quirky, and full of risk-reward moments, especially when players go chasing the elusive Super Multiball or those delicious diamond jackpots.

The game turned into a 160-minute saga during Round 1. Yes, two hours and forty minutes—on one machine. At the heart of the chaos was Gabe Da Silveira, who used a methodical, multiball-heavy approach to survive what basically became an endurance match. Behind him, John Tracey and Jeremy Herrman proved they had both the stamina and skill to keep up, while guest player Brandon Dubois did what every pinballer secretly hopes for: held his own in an epic on a machine nobody saw coming.

What They Played: Machines That Made the Cut

With 60 games in the lineup, Free Gold Watch went all out to showcase decades of pinball evolution. Here’s a closer look at some of the machines that stood out—not just for how they played, but for what they meant to pinball history.

Medieval Madness (Remake Royal Edition) – Originally released in 1997 and designed by Brian Eddy, Medieval Madness became an instant classic. The Royal Edition remake by Chicago Gaming pulls out all the stops: color-changing RGB LEDs, high-fidelity sound, and even 3D interactive toppers. It’s got everything—exploding castles, hilarious voice work, and that perfect balance of smooth shots and brutal drains. In tournaments, it’s a crowd favorite because it rewards control but punishes overconfidence.

Lord of the Rings (Stern, 2003) – This Keith Johnson-coded saga might just be one of the deepest rulesets of the early 2000s. Designed by George Gomez, LOTR was a big deal for Stern at the time—it showed that the company could produce long-form, story-driven games post-Williams era. With multiballs stacked on top of each other like Tolkien chapters, it’s a machine that tests both endurance and planning. And yes, that Ring ramp is still as satisfying as ever.

Sinbad (Gottlieb, 1978) – A relic from the electromechanical-to-solid-state transition, Sinbad features dual bonus ladders, harsh outlanes, and four flippers with surprisingly strategic shot value. Designed during Gottlieb’s System 1 era, this machine might look simple, but it’s all about nudging, trapping, and knowing when to go for broke. It’s also a fun throwback to the days when pinball was less about code and more about guts.

Deadpool (Premium) (Stern 2018) – When George Gomez returned to the design chair for Deadpool, he gave us a machine that combined modern flow with campy charm. The Premium version includes the animated disco ball, Wolverine’s katana-ripping action, and some of the most entertaining callouts in modern pinball. Add in rules from Dwight Sullivan and you’ve got a game that rewards combo-heavy aggression but still throws curveballs with chaotic battle modes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (Williams, 1993) – Steve Ritchie’s design and Dwight Sullivan’s rules make this widebody one of the most revered ‘90s pins. The dual cannons, the bold “Engage!” multiball launch, and a codebase that was miles ahead of its time—all of it makes STTNG both a technical marvel and a high-stakes tournament pick. It’s fun, but if you’re not paying attention? It’s drain city.

JAWS (Premium) (Stern 2024) – The new kid on the block. Still wet behind the fins, JAWS is Stern’s 2024 entry, with Dwight Sullivan’s rules and Keith Elwin on design. Early reviews rave about the immersive movie integration and brilliant use of tension—especially in the Shark Encounter modes. Players are still learning its nuances, but even now, it’s got the makings of a modern tournament staple.

Attack From Mars (Remake Special) (Chicago Gaming 2017) – Another Brian Eddy masterpiece remade for the 21st century. It’s fast, it’s funny, and its rules are transparent enough to lure in casuals while remaining deep enough to challenge veterans. Tournament players know the play: bash the saucer, but watch the outlanes. This remake doesn’t mess with the formula—it just makes it shinier.

Cactus Canyon (Remake Special) (Chicago Gaming 2021) – Originally left incomplete in 1998, Cactus Canyon got a second chance thanks to Chicago Gaming’s special edition release. With new modes, polished code, and better mechanical reliability, it finally became the game it was meant to be. The wild west theme is charming, and in competition, it demands precise shooting—especially during multiball mayhem and quickdraw challenges.

Stranger Things (Premium) (Stern 2019) – A divisive game when it launched, Stranger Things has aged surprisingly well. Brian Eddy (yes, again!) delivered an innovative layout with a projector-based visual gimmick and a hidden Demogorgon shot that either makes or breaks your round. In tournament settings, it’s become a favorite for those who’ve learned how to exploit its shot geometry without falling into the Upside Down.

And the Winners Are…

Give it up for Andrei Massenkoff, who reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the most consistent and dangerous players in the world. With hundreds of IFPA events under his belt and a long track record of top-tier finishes, he walked into Free Gold Watch as the most experienced player in the room—and played like it. Cool under pressure, sharp on the flippers, and always a step ahead of the game, Andrei claimed first place without breaking a sweat (at least outwardly).

Coming in second, Gabe Da Silveira made a strong statement on his home turf. Known around San Francisco for his quick reads and calm demeanor, Gabe held his own through a tough field—and even survived Congo’s multi-hour jungle marathon. He may not be in California’s top 50 (yet), but after this showing, the state’s higher-ranked players might want to look over their shoulders.

Daniel Gonzalez grabbed third with a performance that turned heads. While he’s not usually at the top of the standings, Daniel has been quietly climbing through the ranks in the Bay Area scene. His sharp decision-making and strong finishes across multiple machines proved that he’s no longer just a dark horse—he’s someone to watch.

Rounding out the top four was Eric Wagensonner, a veteran of the tournament circuit with nearly 400 events on record. He’s got more pinball mileage than most, and it showed. Even when the competition got intense, Eric stayed steady and methodical, grinding his way through the field with the kind of grit you only get from years of flipper battles.

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Wrapping Up: Rain, Ramps, and Royalty

SFPD Spring 2025 #5 was a testament to everything that makes San Francisco’s pinball scene thrive: a stacked venue like Free Gold Watch, passionate organizers like the San Francisco Pinball Dept., and players willing to go toe-to-toe with the beast that is Congo. Congratulations again to Andrei Massenkoff for clinching the win, and props to every player who made this a night of multiballs, madness, and mechanical mayhem.

Stay tuned for more pinball recaps, game breakdowns, and of course, the latest in tournament action. Until next time—keep your flippers up and your tilt warnings minimal.