In the heart of San Francisco, where the fog meets the neon lights and the echo of flippers, the Emporium Hi-Scorium Oct 3 pinball tournament took place. Players and fans gathered on October 3, 2023, starting at 7:00 PM for an action-packed event that would last almost two hours.
The Setting
The Emporium Arcade Bar on Divisadero St provided the perfect backdrop, with the hint of a few clouds in the sky and a crisp 63°F temperature. Organized by the esteemed Myriad Pinball, this showdown saw 20 participants locked in a fierce competition, spread across four qualifying rounds. After which, the top four contenders advanced to the nail-biting finals.
Turtles Take The Spotlight
One of the most thrilling moments of the night was during Round 1 on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern. Clocking in at a staggering 75 minutes, this game kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The ever-resilient Jackie Olson from San Francisco claimed the top spot, with Rob Coli, Gabriel Jensen, and Josh Campoverde following in her tracks.
Tournament Titans
It’s always a pleasure to witness sheer pinball prowess. And this evening was no different. The final rankings had Rob Coli leading the pack. Josh Campoverde, with his unique style, clinched the second spot. Gabriel Jensen’s strategic play earned him the third, while Jackie Olson’s remarkable skills landed her the fourth position.
Arcade Arsenal
A plethora of machines adorned the venue, with a selection of both vintage and latest releases. Some noteworthy machines included:
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern – a testament to the eerie world of Hawkins.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern – a journey through the dino-infested island.
- Foo Fighters (Pro) by Stern – a musical journey with Dave Grohl & co.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro) by Stern – a dive into the sewers with the iconic turtles.
- And the list goes on with Spider-Man, Star Wars (Pro), Metallica (Pro), and the colossal Godzilla (Pro).
The Vibe
Emporium Arcade Bar is more than just a gaming hub; it’s an experience. With a delightful frozen raspberry margarita in hand, players could indulge in a bit of nostalgia with some of the slightly older games or challenge themselves on the newer ones. And here’s a little secret – the pool tables are free! So, shhh…
California’s Pinball Pros
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 599.78 |
| 2 | Gabe Da Silveira | Oakland | 553.28 |
| 3 | Escher Lefkoff | — | 532.31 |
| 4 | Raymond Ashby | Los Angeles | 520.25 |
| 5 | Scott Macias | Glendora | 461.58 |
| 6 | Nic Stein | Davis | 435.99 |
| 7 | Johnny Modica | Hacienda Heights | 420.6 |
| 8 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 415.03 |
| 9 | Keith Elwin | Carlsbad | 409.63 |
| 10 | Leslie Ruckman | — | 408.04 |
San Francisco’s pinball scene continues to grow and shine. It’s evenings like these that showcase the passion, strategy, and community spirit that keeps the game alive. So whether you’re an enthusiast or a novice, the world of pinball awaits. Stay flippin’, and see you at the next tournament!