Tough Tilts and High Scores: Southeastern PA League

Despite the 36°F evening under a sky of broken clouds, pinball players from Southeastern Pennsylvania gathered at the Pinball Gallery on March 6, 2025, for the Division C Playoffs of the Southeastern PA Pinball League – Winter 2025. Organized by Bill Disney, the competition brought together 11 players battling across six rounds, with each round featuring a single game. Over the course of approximately two and a half hours, players faced off on an eclectic mix of 80 different pinball machines, ranging from classic Bally and Williams tables to modern Stern releases.

Stepping into a Pinball Wonderland

Tucked inside the Great Valley Shopping Center in Malvern, PA, the Pinball Gallery is one of the largest pinball arcades in the region. With dozens of machines spanning multiple decades, visitors can step back in time with electromechanical classics or challenge themselves on some of the latest high-tech releases. The steady hum of flippers, bumpers, and jackpot callouts fills the air—it’s an unmistakable sign of a thriving arcade. The place gets loud, but that’s just the sound of a room full of people chasing high scores.

A Thrilling Duel on James Bond 007 (Premium)

One of the most gripping battles of the night unfolded in round five, where players faced off on Stern’s James Bond 007 (Premium), released in 2022 and designed by George Gomez. Featuring missions inspired by classic Bond films, this game rewards sharp shooting and precise control.

Ken Baum made quick work of the “Bird One Multiball” mode—a fast-paced sequence requiring players to lock multiple balls before unleashing a flurry of jackpots. He held control of the flippers while others scrambled to keep up, securing a first-place finish for the round. Colin Chrismer, unranked in the IFPA but proving to be a natural competitor, kept pace and finished second. Patrick Schwab and David Curran struggled to trigger major scoring opportunities, placing third and fourth, respectively.

An Eclectic Lineup of Machines

With 80 machines in play, competitors had to adapt their skills across a broad range of pinball history. Some highlights from the lineup:

Big Deal (Williams, 1977)

A classic electromechanical pinball machine designed by Steve Kordek, Big Deal leans into the timeless appeal of casino themes. Williams was a major force in EM pinball during the 1970s, with Kordek pioneering innovations such as drop targets and multi-flipper layouts. Players had to carefully aim for card suit targets to complete hands and rack up points—a design style that carried forward into many later solid-state casino-themed games.

Legends of Valhalla (Deluxe) (American Pinball, 2021)

One of the newer titles at the tournament, Legends of Valhalla is a thematic powerhouse, packed with Norse mythology, epic quests, and unique gameplay elements. While many players took an interest in its cinematic multiballs, it was Ryan Strobel, later the tournament champion, who used this game to his advantage. His mastery of combo shots and stacking modes set him apart from the rest of the field, helping him secure an early edge in the tournament.

Godzilla (Premium) (Stern, 2021)

This Keith Elwin-designed masterpiece has been a favorite in competitive play since its release. Players had to make use of the Heat Ray button and Mechagodzilla battles to maximize their points. Matthew Curran, a consistent performer throughout the night, executed controlled drop catches and strategic power-ups to climb the leaderboard, proving he could go toe-to-toe with more seasoned players.

Jack•Bot (Williams, 1995)

The third entry in the PinBot trilogy, Jack•Bot put players in a casino-style battle of risk and reward. David Curran, who had been on the bubble in the standings throughout the night, made a last-minute push here, navigating the high-stakes double-or-nothing jackpot to pull himself back into contention for a top finish.

The Champions of the Night

The tournament was tight, but four players emerged at the top.

1. Ryan Strobel finally landed his breakthrough win after coming close in previous events. His ability to maintain a steady, calculated playstyle paid off, with highlights including an impressive run on Legends of Valhalla.
2. Matthew Curran played with consistency, making strong use of Godzilla to rack up points and keep himself in the running. His ability to string together controlled shots proved valuable across multiple rounds, securing him second place.
3. David Curran had a slow start but gained momentum as the tournament progressed. His gamble on Jack•Bot paid off when he managed to cash in on a high-value jackpot, pushing him into third place.
4. Ken Baum, after a stellar performance on James Bond 007, struggled in the later rounds but still managed to lock in a fourth-place finish. His aggressive, high-risk playstyle made him one of the most exciting competitors of the night.

Pennsylvania’s Top Pinball Players

Here’s how the Pennsylvania IFPA Top 10 rankings currently stand:

The Last Bump

With another tournament in the books, the Pinball Gallery once again delivered a night of fierce competition and thrilling gameplay. Whether chasing IFPA points or just flipping for fun, players showed why this venue remains one of the top pinball destinations in the region.

The silver ball never stops rolling—stay tuned for more pinball tournament coverage and updates from the competitive scene!