A Battle in La Mesa: The Hills Pub Monthly – June 2024

The Hills Pub Monthly tournament on June 30, 2024, was an electrifying showcase of skill and strategy. The event drew 16 players to face off in an intense Group Knockout format, where each competitor battled through 8 rounds, with elimination looming after 5 strikes. Under the sweltering sun and a clear sky, the temperature soared to 85°F, but that didn’t deter the determined participants.

Discovering The Hills Pub

Nestled in the heart of La Mesa, The Hills Pub is a gem for pinball enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Located at 8758 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942, this venue has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. With a revamped menu, expanded seating, and a dedicated arcade area, The Hills Pub offers a delightful experience for all visitors. The staff’s friendliness and the quality of food make it a must-visit spot. For more details, check out their website.

Godzilla Takes Center Stage in Round 6

The spotlight of the tournament shone brightest during Round 6, when Derek Price triumphed on the thrilling Godzilla (Pro) by Stern. This game, released in September 2021, is renowned for its chaotic and dynamic gameplay, simulating a city under siege by the giant monster. The match was a tense showdown, with Derek Price and Tom Isaak going head-to-head in a battle of skill and strategy.

Derek’s victory hinged on his mastery of the building destruction mechanism, where players must hit specific targets to crumble a city block. As the battle raged on, Derek methodically targeted and destroyed buildings, unleashing chaos and racking up points. His precise shots and strategic use of the “Bridge Attack” multiball mode, where multiple balls are released onto the playfield, allowed him to gain a significant lead. Meanwhile, Tom Isaak, despite their best efforts, couldn’t quite match Derek’s pace and finesse.

In the end, it was Derek Price’s superior control and tactical play that secured his first-place finish, leaving the audience in awe of his performance on Godzilla (Pro).

Spotlight on the Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 9 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and excitement. Here are a few standouts:

• Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern (November 2017): This machine, designed by John Borg with artwork by Christopher Franchi, immerses players in the Marvel Universe with its dynamic gameplay and stunning visuals.
• The Beatles by Stern (November 2018): Paying homage to the legendary band, this machine combines classic tunes with engaging features, designed by Joe Kaminkow.
• Whirlwind by Williams (January 1990): A classic designed by Pat Lawlor, Whirlwind challenges players with its spinning disks and fan topper, simulating a real tornado experience.
• Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (November 2021): This machine brings the Wild West to life, designed by Matt Coriale with fantastic artwork and engaging gameplay.

Celebrating the Champions

The final rounds of the tournament were a dramatic showdown, culminating in a thrilling match on Iron Man (Vault) by Stern. The top contenders displayed exceptional skill, with Derek Price emerging as the undisputed champion. Here’s a closer look at the standout performances:

1. Derek Price – State Rank: 29th, IFPA Rank: 71, Total IFPA Events: 415
   Derek’s extensive experience and high ranking were evident as he dominated the competition. His precise shots and strategic gameplay, honed over 415 IFPA events, proved too formidable for his opponents. His victory on Iron Man (Vault), a machine known for its fast-paced and unforgiving play, showcased his ability to remain calm under pressure and capitalize on multiball opportunities to maximize his score.
2. Michael Kostolnik – State Rank: 139th, IFPA Rank: 1126, Total IFPA Events: 119
   Michael’s performance was a testament to his growing prowess in the pinball scene. Despite being ranked 1126th nationally, he held his own against more seasoned players. His second-place finish was marked by strategic use of Iron Man’s Whiplash and War Machine multiballs, allowing him to stay competitive and edge out many higher-ranked players.
3. Mark Maleko Schulz – State Rank: 82nd, IFPA Rank: 460, Total IFPA Events: 342
   Mark, the tournament organizer, demonstrated his deep knowledge and passion for the game. Ranked 82nd in the state, he leveraged his familiarity with the machines and the tournament environment to secure a strong third-place finish. His deft handling of Iron Man’s fast playfield and timely use of its high-scoring modes underscored his tactical acumen.
4. Sunny Maxey – State Rank: 434th, IFPA Rank: 6154, Total IFPA Events: 24
   As one of the newer competitors with only 24 IFPA events under his belt, Sunny’s fourth-place finish was impressive. His performance on Iron Man highlighted his potential and growth in the sport. Facing off against much higher-ranked players, Sunny’s ability to stay in the game and compete effectively speaks volumes about his emerging talent.

These top players turned The Hills Pub Monthly into an unforgettable event, demonstrating that rankings and experience, while important, are just part of what makes a pinball champion.

California’s Finest: IFPA Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Event

The Hills Pub Monthly – June 2024, was a spectacular event, filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments. Congratulations to Derek Price for his outstanding performance. If you’re ever in La Mesa, don’t miss the chance to visit The Hills Pub and experience its charm firsthand. For more pinball news and updates on past events, stay tuned!

Keep flipping, and see you at the next tournament!