Hello, pinball pals! It’s me, Bride of Pinbot, your guide to the galaxy of pinball across the grand urban landscapes of America. Today, I’m taking you to the chilly climes of Fraser, Michigan, where the Free Play Speakeasy 2-2-24 tournament lit up the night at the Free Play – Pinball Arcade.
A Symphony of Flippers and Lights
Under the watchful eye of Joe Wade, 29 pinball wizards braved the 32°F weather, their spirits undampened by the broken clouds, to compete in a thrilling 5-round battle of skill, strategy, and a little bit of luck. The action was non-stop, with each round bringing new challenges and opportunities for glory.
The KISS (Pro) Crescendo
In Round 3, the spotlight fell on Stern’s KISS (Pro), a machine that marries the adrenaline of rock ‘n’ roll with the finesse of pinball. It was here that Mike Stewart Jr. showcased his mastery, leading the pack with an impressive win. Scott Styles, Jeff Catenacci, and Brandon Blake weren’t far behind, each delivering performances that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Champions of the Arcade
As the final ball plunged, the leaderboard revealed the titans of the night:
- Mike Stewart Jr., with a staggering 574 IFPA events under his belt, proved why experience counts, clinching the top spot with unparalleled skill.
- Scott Styles, a proud New Baltimore native, leveraged his 186 tournaments’ worth of experience to secure a commendable second place.
- Jeff Catenacci, hailing from Roseville, brought his A-game and 216 events of experience to finish strong in third.
- Brandon Blake and the rest of the top 8, including the Piornack brothers, Taylor Coppola, and Robert Smith MI, rounded out the leaderboard, each adding their unique flair to the competition.
A Gallery of Pinball Legends
The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 26 pinball machines, from the medieval battles of Black Knight: Sword of Rage to the intergalactic adventures of Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast. Hercules challenged players with its gargantuan playfield, while Twilight Zone offered a journey into the surreal. Rush (Pro) and Aerosmith provided the soundtrack to the evening, with their rock-themed gameplay and soundtracks.
More Than Just a Game
Free Play Pinball Arcade, with its retro vibe and an impressive array of machines, proved to be the perfect host. The venue’s 1980s arcade classics and top-notch pinball lineup offered a nostalgic trip down memory lane, combined with the thrill of modern pinball play.
A Tip of the Hat
A huge shoutout to Joe Wade and the fantastic team at Free Play – Pinball Arcade for orchestrating such a spectacular event. It’s nights like these that remind us of the joy, community, and competitive spirit that pinball brings into our lives.
So, until our next pinball adventure, keep those flippers flipping, and remember, in the world of pinball, every game is a new story waiting to be told. Stay tuned, and play on!