A Day of Pinball Mayhem: The Great American Plunge 2024

The Vibe at Murphy’s On 21

Murphy’s On 21 isn’t just your average bar—it’s a hidden gem in South County that has become a haven for pinball enthusiasts. Located at 13226 Tesson Ferry Rd, St. Louis, MO, this cozy spot offers a delightful mix of good vibes, great games, and friendly faces. The bartender’s attentiveness and the well-maintained machines make it a must-visit. With a fantastic selection of beers, quality liquor, and the freedom to bring in your own food (shoutout to those who grabbed Domino’s from next door), Murphy’s strikes the perfect balance between casual and cool. It’s a place where every flipper hit feels like a celebration.

Round 10 Showdown on Godzilla (Pro)

In the final round, the action really heated up on the Godzilla (Pro) machine. The top four players brought their A-game, and the match was nothing short of spectacular. Mike Howard, the local favorite from St. Louis with a state rank of 6th and IFPA rank of 1106, showed why he’s a force to be reckoned with, snagging first place. John Miller MO, ranked 2nd in the state, gave him a run for his money but had to settle for second. Meanwhile, Travis Murie, holding a state rank of 24th and an impressive IFPA rank of 36, proved that he’s a contender, coming in third. Carleton Plourde, St. Louis’s top-ranked player had a rare off day, finishing fourth. It was a match filled with dramatic saves and nail-biting moments—everything a pinball lover could hope for!

The Machines That Stole the Show

• Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021): This beast of a machine is all about epic battles and high scores. With its multi-level playfield, collapsing buildings, and dynamic video mode, Godzilla offers players a truly cinematic experience. The machine’s sound design and visuals are top-notch, immersing players in a world of giant monsters and chaos.
• John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024): If you love action movies, this machine is a must-play. It features intense gameplay with a focus on precision and speed, much like its cinematic namesake. The game’s unique features include a “Continental” hotel multiball and a “Baba Yaga” mode, which challenges players to hit specific targets for big rewards.
• Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): A classic that never gets old, Attack from Mars combines humor and fun in a game about defending Earth from alien invaders. Its straightforward playfield and hilarious animations make it a favorite for players of all ages. The game’s standout feature, the “Martian Multiball,” is a crowd-pleaser.
• Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (2016): Who ya gonna call? This game’s ghostly theme is complemented by ramps that resemble ghost traps and a unique “Ecto-Goggles” feature that adds an augmented reality twist. Players can relive the iconic scenes from the movie as they aim for the “Stay Puft Marshmallow Man” and other key targets.
• JAWS (Pro) by Stern (2024): Dive into the deep end with JAWS, where every shot can be the difference between a high score and a watery grave. The machine’s shark attacks and beach scenes keep the adrenaline pumping, and its “Amity Island” multiball is a thrilling challenge.

Hats Off to the Champs

Congratulations to the top four players of The Great American Plunge 2024! Keri Wing took home the gold with a surprising and well-earned victory. With a state rank of 94th and an IFPA rank of 148, Keri defied expectations and proved that determination and skill can overcome any odds. Carter Crews, ranked 18th in the state and 1252nd in the world, secured second place with consistent performance throughout the tournament. Steve Smith MO, a solid competitor with a state rank of 16th and IFPA rank of 1386, showed great skill to clinch third place. And let’s not forget Steve Rolsing, ranked 3rd in the state and 623rd globally, who rounded out the top four with a commendable performance.

Missouri IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up

A big thank you to Tyler Becker, the organizer, for putting together such a fantastic event, and to Murphy’s On 21 for hosting us in their awesome space. It was an unforgettable day filled with great games, intense competition, and a few surprising twists. We’ll be back with more pinball excitement and recaps, so stay tuned! Until then, keep flipping, and remember that epic showdown on Godzilla (Pro)—it was one for the books!