On a chilly evening in Chesterfield, Michigan, with overcast skies and a crisp 48°F, something extraordinary was unfolding at the Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar. The date was December 8, 2023, and the time was ripe for the Sparkseasy pinball tournament, a vibrant showcase of skill, strategy, and a bit of pinball wizardry.
The Venue: A Pinball Wonderland
Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar, known for its fantastic array of pinball machines, set the stage for an unforgettable night. “Always a Blast playing some amazing Pinball Tables!!” – the sentiment echoed by many who walked through its doors, ready to engage in a battle of flippers and lights.
The Tournament: A Round Robin Like No Other
Organized by Joe Wade, the tournament saw 30 players dive into an intense, unsupported round-robin format, playing across 13 games simultaneously. Each participant had the opportunity to play 12 games, leading to a frenetic and dynamic competition.
Game Highlights:
The real stars of the show were, of course, the pinball machines themselves, each with its own story and challenge:
- Star Wars Episode I by Williams: A crowd favorite, seeing action in 7 games.
- The Addams Family Gold by Bally: Known for its strategic depth, it boasted the longest average game duration.
- World Cup Soccer by Bally: A fast-paced game that tested reflexes and skill.
- Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally: A throwback classic that never lost its charm.
- Theatre of Magic by Bally: Where players tried to conjure victory from its intricate playfield.
Spotlight Showdown:
A standout game occurred in Round 1 on ‘The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern’, with Daniel Walczak taking the lead, closely followed by Jeff Catenacci, Andrew Scala, and Kevin Brisbin.
Champions of the Night:
The final rounds witnessed intense competition, with the top 8 battling it out for the crown:
- Chris Grace – Demonstrating remarkable consistency with 6 wins.
- Jeff Catenacci – A close second, also with 6 wins.
- Scott Styles – Proving his mettle with 6 wins.
- Todd Seaver – A solid performance, achieving 5 wins.
- Mike Stewart Jr. – Impressive with 6 wins.
- Daniel Walczak – Outstanding with 7 wins.
- Andrew Scala – Holding strong with 6 wins.
- Kevin Brisbin – A notable contender, with a 5 wins and a point adjustment.
A Night to Remember
The Sparkseasy tournament was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the pinball community’s passion and enthusiasm. From veterans to novices, everyone shared a common joy – the love for pinball. As the lights dimmed and the final scores were tallied, players and spectators alike left with memories of a thrilling evening.
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