On the evening of January 18, 2024, pinball enthusiasts descended upon Heart State Brewing in Columbus, Ohio, for the League Super Awesome Season 31 Week 2 pinball tournament. Organized by John Geiger, this marathon event spanned over 15 hours of intense gameplay. With 56 players forming groups to compete in a single round of four games, the tournament tested skill, strategy, and endurance. Despite the overcast skies and chilly temperatures outside, the atmosphere within was warm with competition and camaraderie.
Game Spotlight: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Showdown
One of the tournament’s highlights was a face-off on Stern’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Pro), a machine released in June 2020. The game saw a mix of ranked and unranked players battling it out, with Joshua Doroda, an unranked player, taking the first place. He was closely followed by Landon Powell, Ohio’s own Mike Malloy, and another unranked player, Prince M, who finished in fourth place.
Overall Tournament Winners: Pinball’s Finest
The tournament concluded with an exciting mix of veterans and newcomers emerging as champions:
- Player One: An anonymous, unranked player who demonstrated exceptional skill. Or maybe Wade Watts….
- Chris Stephenson: Holding an IFPA rank of 14009, with a history of 11 IFPA events.
- Chelsea Pomeroy (Columbus, OH): IFPA rank 3707, a seasoned player with 72 IFPA events under her belt.
- Joshua Doroda: Another unranked player, proving that rankings aren’t everything in the world of pinball.
The Machines of the Tournament
Among the 15 pinball machines at the tournament, several stood out, drawing players with their unique themes and challenging gameplay:
- Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball (2019): A magical journey through Willy Wonka’s factory.
- Venom (Premium) by Stern (2023): A recent addition, bringing superhero action to the pinball world.
- Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): A classic favorite known for its humorous alien invasion theme.
- Jurassic Park (Pro) by Stern (2019): Offering players a thrilling adventure through dinosaur-infested jungles.
- Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (2018): Combining humor and action in true Deadpool style.
- Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (2019): Capturing the mystery and suspense of the popular TV series.
- The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern (2021): A journey into the Star Wars universe.
- Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast by Stern (2018): A rock-themed adventure with Iron Maiden.
- Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern (2023): The latest addition, blending music and pinball.
Venue and Atmosphere: Heart State Brewing
Heart State Brewing, located in the Gahanna area of Columbus, is more than just a brewery. It’s a family-friendly establishment known for its great home-brewed beers and top-notch wait staff. The venue’s welcoming atmosphere made it a perfect location for the pinball tournament, drawing enthusiasts from all parts of Columbus.
Stay tuned for more updates from the exciting world of pinball. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the scene, there’s always a new challenge and adventure waiting in this dynamic and ever-evolving sport. Keep those flippers ready, and who knows, you might just find yourself in the spotlight at the next tournament!