Shiny Balls and Clear Skies
The sun had dipped below the San Francisco skyline on August 23rd, 2023, and even though the clear sky showcased a comfortable 72°F, inside the Free Gold Watch arcade, the atmosphere was heating up. Located at 1767 Waller St, the arcade buzzed with the electrifying energy of the SFPD Fall 2023 #2 pinball tournament. With 73 fervent players and the San Francisco Pinball Dept. at the helm, the stage was set for an unforgettable night.
The ‘Dirty Harry’ Standoff
In a setting where time typically flies, one game seemed to defy this norm. A fierce competition on the classic ‘Dirty Harry‘ by Williams had players and spectators riveted. Lasting an astounding 2 hours and 8 minutes, Eric Wagensonner, with an IFPA rank of 287, showcased his prowess by claiming the top spot. Rob Coli, Anish Adalja, and Bridget McCracken made it an event to remember, each with their flips and tricks.
Masters of The Pinball Universe
When the dust settled, and the final ball had rolled into place, Eric Wagensonner stood tall as the champion of the evening. Gabe Da Silveira, Zac Wollons, and Chris Heilig followed suit, securing the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th spots respectively. These players, with their incredible skills and strategy, truly exemplified what it means to master the art of pinball.
Legends and Classics: The Machines
With a staggering collection of 59 machines, Free Gold Watch was nothing short of a pinball paradise. Notable among them were the adventurous ‘Pirates of the Caribbean‘ by Jersey Jack Pinball, the thrilling ‘Rick and Morty‘ by Spooky Pinball, and the mysterious ‘Tales of the Arabian Nights‘ by Williams. Each machine, with its unique gameplay and design, promised (and delivered) hours of fun.
An Arcade Gem in The Heart of San Francisco
Free Gold Watch isn’t just another arcade. It’s an experience. With a vibrant atmosphere, spotlessly clean environment, and a pricing that won’t hurt your wallet, it’s a haven for both arcade newbies and veterans. A heartfelt shoutout to the staff for their friendliness and to the owner for conceptualizing such a gem in the heart of San Francisco. Rest assured, many will be back for more!
Golden State’s Pin;/ball Titans
To honor those who’ve made a mark in the California pinball scene, here are the top 10 standouts:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points | Events Played | Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raymond Ashby | Los Angeles | 513.6 | 20 | 16 |
| 2 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 510.98 | 18 | 4 |
| 3 | Gabe Da Silveira | Oakland | 460.9 | 14 | 1 |
| 4 | Scott Macias | Glendora | 439.46 | 20 | 10 |
| 5 | Nic Stein | Davis | 413.47 | 14 | 3 |
| 6 | Escher Lefkoff | 411.53 | 4 | 1 | |
| 7 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 411.17 | 11 | 4 |
| 8 | Keith Elwin | Carlsbad | 409.63 | 3 | 1 |
| 9 | Johnny Modica | Hacienda Heights | 362.08 | 20 | 3 |
| 10 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 360.27 | 6 | 0 |
So, from the city that gave us the Golden Gate, we received another golden memory. As the balls rest and the lights dim, we await the next pinball extravaganza. Keep those flippers ready!