Benton Parkade Battles: First Sunday Pinball Tournament

Kicking Off the First Sunday Strikeout July

Prolific Pinball Players, gather ’round! The First Sunday Strikeout July event was a thrilling Group Knockout Tournament that had us on the edge of our seats. Held on July 7, 2024, this event saw 31 players duke it out in 11 intense rounds. With the Progressive Strikes system in play, the competition was fierce, and every strike counted. The tournament, lasting a solid 6 hours and 22 minutes, took place at the ever-inviting Benton Parkade / Cafe Piazza, despite a bit of light rain and an 86°F temperature.

Café Piazza: More Than Just Pinball

The tournament’s location, Café Piazza, is a gem nestled in the heart of St. Louis at 1900 Arsenal St. This spot is a must-visit, not just for pinball but also for its mouth-watering food and welcoming atmosphere. Imagine sinking your teeth into a BBQ chicken pizza or savoring a delicious breakfast sandwich, all while enjoying the friendly vibes from the bartender and the bustling arcade. If you’re ever in St. Louis, check them out here.

JAWS Bites Back in Round 5

Round 5 on the JAWS (Pro) pinball machine by Stern was a standout. This machine, inspired by the classic shark thriller, brought the excitement of the deep sea to the tournament. Carleton Plourde, our local pinball hero from St. Louis, showed his dominance by securing first place, swimming past his competitors with ease. Corey Thompson, Stephen Chappell, and Scott Morrow put up a good fight, but Carleton’s skills proved too sharp, leaving them in his wake.

Pinball Machines that Rocked the Tournament

Rush (Premium) by Stern (January 2022)

Rush’s intricate playfield and immersive music tracks make it a rock lover’s dream. This machine features an interactive clock and drum set, adding a rhythmic twist to the gameplay.

Space Station by Williams (January 1987)

A classic, Space Station takes players on a journey through the cosmos with its unique multi-level playfield and mesmerizing light shows.

Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (November 2021)

Cactus Canyon combines Wild West themes with modern pinball technology, boasting interactive shootouts and a dynamic playfield.

John Wick (Pro) by Stern (May 2024)

This machine channels the relentless action of the John Wick series. Its fast-paced gameplay and stunning visuals make every shot feel like a high-stakes encounter.

Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (October 2019)

Jurassic Park brings the thrill of dinosaur adventures to life with its T-Rex toy, dynamic ramps, and captivating story modes.

The Addams Family by Bally (January 1992)

A fan favorite, The Addams Family features iconic characters and quirky humor, with Thing’s hand and the mansion’s secret passageways adding unique twists to the game.

Celebrating the Champions

The top players of the First Sunday Strikeout July tournament gave us a thrilling show of skill and strategy, especially in the final match played on the brand-new John Wick (Premium) machine by Stern. Here’s a closer look at their standout performances:

1. Travis Murie – Our champion, Travis, showcased his exceptional skills, earning the top spot with a state rank of 42nd and an impressive IFPA rank of 35. With 206 IFPA events under his belt, his experience clearly paid off.
2. Steve Rolsing – Hailing from St. Louis, Steve’s consistent gameplay secured him second place. Despite a modest 1-point adjustment, his state rank of 3rd and IFPA rank of 626 reflect his dedication, with 359 IFPA events to his name.
3. Tyler Becker – Tyler’s strategic prowess earned him third place. With a state rank of 26th and an IFPA rank of 264, his performance was a testament to his skill, having competed in 241 IFPA events.
4. Carleton Plourde – Our local hero and top-ranked player in Missouri, Carleton, finished strong in fourth place. His state rank of 1st and IFPA rank of 416 highlight his elite status in the pinball community, backed by 105 IFPA events.

These top four players brought their A-game, making the tournament an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Their dedication and passion for pinball were evident in every flip and nudge, reminding us why we love this game so much.

Missouri’s Pinball Elite

Here’s a look at the top 10 standings in Missouri:

Wrapping Up the Tournament

The First Sunday Strikeout July was a resounding success, filled with excitement, skill, and camaraderie. Congratulations to Travis Murie for clinching the top spot, and kudos to all the players for their incredible performances. Café Piazza proved to be the perfect location for this event, blending great food, a friendly atmosphere, and a fantastic arcade setup. For more pinball action and updates, keep following along!

See you at the next tournament!