As summer started winding down on a beautifully clear day with temperatures at 71°F, Cleveland’s Superelectric Pinball Parlour at 6500 Detroit Ave was just heating up. On August 27th, 2023, 20 pinball wizards, both seasoned and fresh-faced, descended upon the venue for the Superelectric Pinball Battle.
Atmosphere on the Tilt
Cleveland’s best-kept secret, Superelectric Pinball Parlor, isn’t just any pinball joint. With its tantalizing concoctions like the apricot-infused bourbon called Bull Durham and the economical $6 all-you-can-play pinball, the venue is an absolute treasure. Whether you’re a pinball league pro or simply looking for a retro night out, Superelectric has you covered. Also, if you’re on a quirky date night in Cleveland, this place can’t be missed. With both modern and vintage pinball machines, it’s a joyride through time.
A Game of Legacy and Legacies
One of the many highlights was the thrilling face-off on Stern’s Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast during the Semifinals. Aaron Rich (IFPA rank 80) claimed the top spot, closely followed by Terrence Carl, Kyle Shepard, and Bill Taylor. It’s worth noting that the game itself, released in April 2018, is inspired by the band’s legacy, much like the players are creating their own with every flip and score.
Pinball Wizards and their Machines
And speaking of machines, let’s chat about a personal favorite of mine: Bride of Pinbot by Williams. Oh, did I mention? I’m the Bride of Pinbot! Okay, not really, but let’s just say if I had a pinball alter ego, she’d be it!
Other crowd-pullers included the Game Of Thrones (Pro), a nod to the television behemoth, and Jurassic Park (Pro), where players dodged virtual velociraptors and T-Rexes with every ball. The newly released Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern from 2023 also drew a considerable crowd, especially with its rock anthem infused gameplay.
Who Tilted To The Top?
John Delzoppo, the man behind this fantastic event, proved that organizers can be champions too by claiming the first spot. Following him was the impressive Bill Taylor, JD Chips, and Aaron Rich. A special mention goes out to JD Chips, a relatively new player with just 25 IFPA events under his belt, yet managing to secure the third spot. The top 8 showcased a delightful mix of experienced veterans and passionate newcomers.
IFPA’s Ohio Top 10: Pinball Pros
As the dust settled post-battle, let’s glance at Ohio’s top pinball prodigies:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aaron RIch | 555.06 | |
| 2 | Stephen Prusa | Cleveland | 443.51 |
| 3 | Carlos Delaserda | Columbus | 385.07 |
| 4 | Gregory Kennedy | Plain City | 365.78 |
| 5 | John Delzoppo | Cleveland | 364.11 |
| 6 | Andrew Lee | Cleveland | 299.56 |
| 7 | Jesse Baker | Cincinnati | 276.08 |
| 8 | Galvin Morgan | Olmsted Falls | 272.17 |
| 9 | Cody Webb | Westerville | 253.03 |
| 10 | Rod Lawrence | Cleveland | 229.42 |
The Superelectric Pinball Battle of August 2023 showcased talent, strategy, and the undeniable charm of pinball. Until the flippers meet again, keep those high scores coming and stay tuned for more pinball updates!