Pinball, Coffee, and Good Times: Belles & Chimes SATX

The Belles & Chimes SATX tournament brought the heat to San Antonio, and we’re not just talking about the 85°F weather! With broken clouds overhead, 15 pinball wizards gathered at What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters on July 26, 2024, for a showdown of skill and strategy. The tournament featured a thrilling 5-round format with 2 games per round, narrowing down to the top 4 players for the finals. The event, organized by the fabulous Christina Cheeseman, ran smoothly and wrapped up in a brisk three hours.

Brewing Up Fun at What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters

What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters, located at 138 West Rhapsody Drive, is a delightful blend of coffee culture and pinball passion. With over 30 machines and an aroma of freshly roasted beans, this roastery arcade is a the spot for both caffeine addicts and pinball enthusiasts. Whether you’re sipping on a cold brew or a delicious iced mocha, the friendly staff and cozy setup make it the perfect spot to enjoy a game or two. And don’t worry about the kids—there are little stools available for them to get in on the action!

Joker Poker: A Hand of Skill

In Round 1, the Joker Poker machine set the stage for an exciting match, where players faced off in a game reminiscent of a high-stakes poker night. Cinthia Whitefield, embodying the savvy gambler, skillfully navigated the playfield, hitting the drop targets to complete poker hands and rack up points. Her gameplay was akin to a royal flush, outmatching her competitors with precision and strategy. Alice Young, showing her own card-playing finesse, kept up with strong shots and smart moves, finishing second. Lori Love, playing with a blend of caution and boldness, managed to secure third place, while Kristen Saunders, despite her enthusiasm, found herself folding early.

Highlights from the Machines

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 54 pinball machines, including:

• The Addams Family (Bally, 1992): With its spooky mansion theme and clever magnet-powered ball saves, this machine remains a fan favorite. The “Thing” hand and the “Mamushka” dance are just some of the features that keep players coming back.
• Jack•Bot (Williams, 1995): A sequel to the Bride of Pinbot, this game combines a futuristic casino theme with classic pinball mechanics. The multiball mode and jackpot opportunities are a hit with players looking to rack up points.
• Led Zeppelin (LE) (Stern, 2020): Rock out to the legendary band’s music while navigating challenging ramps and targets. The lighting effects and immersive sound make this game a must-play.
• Fish Tales (Williams, 1992): With its fishing theme, Fish Tales offers a unique playfield and quirky humor. The boat ramp and fish flippers provide plenty of action, making every game a fishing expedition.
• Godzilla (Premium) (Stern, 2021): The king of monsters wreaks havoc on this high-octane machine. Players battle kaiju and destroy buildings, all while enjoying a spectacular light show and sound effects.

Celebrating the Winners

Let’s give a big round of applause to our top four players! Cinthia Whitefield clinched the championship with her sharp skills and cool composure. Ranked 2908 in the IFPA, Cinthia has competed in 120 events, showcasing her dedication and talent. Alice Young, a formidable competitor with an IFPA rank of 1195 and experience from 152 events, secured second place with her consistent performance. Lori Love, who has participated in 170 events, brought her expertise to the table, earning a well-deserved third place and holding an IFPA rank of 3307. Kristen Saunders, still rising through the ranks, demonstrated great promise by finishing fourth, adding another impressive performance to her 64-event record. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding achievements and passion for the game!

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up a Fantastic Tournament

As the dust settles and the flippers cool down, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Christina Cheeseman for organizing another successful event. What’s Brewing Coffee Roasters provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of fun and competition. Congratulations to Cinthia Whitefield for her stellar performance, and a shoutout to all the players who made this tournament unforgettable. Stay tuned for more pinball adventures and stories as we continue to follow the thrilling world of competitive pinball!