Pinball in the TARDIS: Stern Army’s Timey-Wimey Tournament

Hey pinball enthusiasts! Last Thursday was a night to remember as the Stern Army took over Louie’s Tap House for their 3rd Thursdays tournament. Seventeen players battled it out in three rounds of pinball madness, with only the top four making it to the finals. The action started at 6:30 PM and wrapped up in just under three hours.

A Cozy Evening at Louie’s Tap House

Louie’s Tap House, nestled at 5689 Elevator Rd in Roscoe, IL, is the perfect spot for a pinball showdown. This place is known for its chill atmosphere, friendly staff, and fantastic food. The portions are huge, and you might find yourself taking home some leftovers. One of our favorite reviews mentioned the friendly bartender and how the kitchen squeezed in a last-minute order—talk about service! If you’re ever in Roscoe, make sure to stop by and enjoy the vibe. Check them out here.

The Game That Bent Time: Big Game

Round 1 of the tournament featured a legendary showdown on Big Game by Stern Electronics, released back in March 1980. The game seemed to stretch into eternity, clocking in at a mind-boggling 3760 minutes—definitely some wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey shenanigans. Despite the surreal time warp, Vinnie Bologna came out on top, followed by David Slaymaker, Tom Menge, and Mike Hancock.

Pinball Machines in the Spotlight

The tournament featured an exciting lineup of 12 pinball machines. Here’s a closer look at five of them:

• John Wick (Premium) by Stern: Released in May 2024, this game brings the high-octane action of the John Wick movies to life. With intricate artwork and challenging playfields, it keeps players on their toes.
• Deadpool (Pro) by Stern: Since its release in August 2018, Deadpool has been a fan favorite. Its humorous callouts and vibrant design make every game a blast. The katana shots and chimichanga truck are standout features.
• JAWS (Premium) by Stern: January 2024 brought us JAWS, where players face off against the legendary shark. The game’s intense modes and iconic theme music create a thrilling experience.
• Scooby-Doo (CE) by Spooky Pinball: Launched in February 2023, this game captures the mystery-solving fun of the Scooby-Doo gang. The interactive haunted house and classic character animations are top-notch.
• Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern: Released in March 2023, this game rocks out with the legendary band. The rhythm-based gameplay and concert-like atmosphere make it a hit among music and pinball fans alike.

Celebrating the Tournament Winners

Huge congratulations to David Slaymaker, our tournament champion! David’s steady climb through the ranks not only started but eventually led to a nail-biting final round on Big Game. Vinnie Bologna put up a strong fight, securing second place with his impressive flipper skills. Tom Menge showed his veteran prowess, finishing third, while Mike Hancock rounded out the top four with a commendable performance. The intense competition and the thrilling features of Big Game, like its fast-paced multi-ball mode, kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Illinois IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up

The Stern Army tournament at Louie’s Tap House was a fantastic event filled with great games, impressive skills, and unforgettable moments. Kudos to Tom Menge for organizing such a fun evening and to Louie’s Tap House for being the perfect host. You can check out more about the event on their Facebook page. Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights—stay tuned and keep flipping!