Pinball Pandemonium in Seattle: Who Triumphed at The Ice Box?

Where the Battle Went Down

Seattle’s own Ice Box Arcade played host to the Emerald City Mixed Group Knockout, welcoming 42 players into its massive open space for a grueling, 13-round fight for survival. The Ice Box isn’t just a collection of blinking lights and flippers—it’s a full experience. With a clean, vibrant atmosphere and a friendly staff that makes you feel at home, it’s no wonder it’s a go-to for pinball lovers in the Pacific Northwest. And for those who needed a breather between rounds, the outdoor area provided a perfect spot to reset before plunging back into the chaos.

Foo Fighters Face-Off: A Second-Round Rock Showdown

Round 2 delivered a banger of a match on Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern, where Jeremy Ritter channeled his inner Dave Grohl and refused to let the ball drain without a fight. The high-energy layout of Foo Fighters, with its fast orbits, unique Area 51 kicker, and the ever-enticing Overlord multiball, made for an electrifying showdown. Stern Pinball has a long history of producing music-themed games, from AC/DC to Metallica, and Foo Fighters stands out with its original storyline and custom animations that make every play feel like a rock concert. Jeremy Ritter, ranked 128th in the state, outlasted Mathew Peterson, David Latimer, and the higher-ranked Armand Go, proving that pinball is as much about skill as it is about keeping your cool under pressure. Ritter’s precision flipper work and well-timed multiballs sealed the deal, leaving the competition singing the blues while he walked away with the win.

Standout Pinball Machines: Old School Meets New School

With 28 machines in rotation, players had their pick of eras, from early ’80s classics to modern powerhouses.

Frontier (Bally, 1980) brought old-school challenge with its unforgiving outlanes and brutal bonus multipliers. Designed by Greg Kmiec, this machine features a rugged, wilderness-themed aesthetic with a unique inline drop target bank that requires careful shot placement. Bally was a dominant force in pinball during the late ’70s and early ’80s, producing iconic games such as Eight Ball Deluxe and Centaur.

Skateball (Bally, 1980) delivered fast flow and satisfying combo shots. Inspired by the skateboarding craze of the time, this table is known for its quick gameplay and classic early solid-state sounds. It was one of the many Bally machines from the early ’80s that emphasized long, continuous ramp shots, setting a standard for future designs.

Star Gazer (Stern Electronics, 1980) brought a bit of the cosmic to the competition. A lesser-known classic, this game features an intricate zodiac-inspired playfield design with three spinners and lightning-fast play. Stern Electronics, the predecessor to today’s Stern Pinball, was an early innovator of the solid-state era, pushing the boundaries of playfield design before going through multiple ownership changes.

Metallica (Pro) (Stern, 2013) kept players on edge with Sparky’s electrocution multiball. Featuring hand-drawn artwork and a soundtrack loaded with Metallica’s biggest hits, this game quickly became a fan favorite. The coffin lock and snake pit features add layers of strategy, making it one of the more immersive music-themed pinball machines ever made.

Monster Bash (Remake) (Chicago Gaming, 2018) resurrected the Universal Monsters for a rock-themed pinball adventure. Originally released in 1998 by Williams, this game became legendary for its hilarious callouts and deep rule set that requires players to assemble the monster band. Chicago Gaming’s remake kept all the magic of the original while enhancing the visuals and mechanics for modern players.

Pulp Fiction (SE) (Chicago Gaming, 2023) gave everyone a taste of Tarantino-style mayhem with its throwback, single-level playfield. Designed in collaboration with Mark Ritchie, this machine is a tribute to the classic mechanical-action pinball era with modern enhancements. The retro art package and iconic movie quotes make it a must-play for both film and pinball fans.

Junk Yard (Williams, 1996) stood out as one of the more unique machines in the lineup. Designed by Barry Oursler, this game features a quirky premise where players scavenge for parts to build a makeshift spaceship. The “Time Machine” feature allows players to play mini-games inspired by other Williams classics, adding an extra layer of nostalgia.

Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Pro) (Stern, 2019) proved once again that the Black Knight franchise is timeless. This latest installment in the series, first introduced in 1980, features the return of the iconic Black Knight character, complete with taunting voice lines and an upper playfield (on the premium version). With its fast, brutal gameplay and the ever-infamous Magna-Save, it’s a true test of skill.

Pharaoh (Williams, 1981) rounded out the lineup with its Egyptian theme and dual-level playfield. A lesser-seen gem, this machine combines drop targets, ramps, and a complex bonus system that rewards strategic play. Williams was known for its innovative designs throughout the 1980s, paving the way for some of the greatest pinball machines ever made.

The Champions: Who Survived the Knockout?

When the dust settled and the final tilt had been played, Leslie Ruckman stood victorious, proving once again why she’s one of Washington’s top pinballers. Ranked 5th in the state and 94th in the world, Leslie’s well-earned win adds to her impressive resume of nearly 500 IFPA events. Rob Homan, with his 51st state ranking, fought his way to second, while Clinton Peterson secured third with a solid showing. Chris Borgstadt, ranked 39th in the state, rounded out the top four, displaying consistency throughout the night. Each of these players battled their way through strike after strike, showing why they belong among the best.

Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Flipping the Final Page

A huge shoutout to Germain Mariolle for running a smooth and competitive tournament, and to The Ice Box Arcade for hosting such an exciting night of pinball. Players came from all over to test their mettle, and the Foo Fighters showdown in Round 2 will be talked about for a while. With a mix of classic Bally and Williams pins alongside modern Stern and Chicago Gaming machines, this tournament was a true showcase of pinball history and innovation. Whether you walked away with a trophy or just some extra pinball wisdom, every flip counted. Stay connected for more pinball excitement and tournament highlights—until next time, keep those flippers up!