July 26th saw an electrifying pinball showdown at the Speakeasy at Starlite, a local favorite gathering spot for pinball enthusiasts. Thirteen players battled it out over six intense rounds, with the top eight advancing to the finals. With the clock ticking for three and a half hours, the tournament kept everyone on their toes, eagerly anticipating who would come out on top.
The Hidden Gem: Starlite Arcade
Nestled in Richmond, MI, Starlite Arcade is a haven for families and pinball aficionados alike. Located at 69345 Main Street, this arcade offers a nostalgic escape from the everyday hustle. The community praises it for being a fantastic, stress-free destination, perfect for a family outing or a quick game fix. The vibe at Starlite is as charming as its vintage pinball machines, making it worth the trip north for anyone looking to enjoy some classic gaming fun.
The Name’s Bond, James Bond
Round 2 of the tournament unfolded like a high-stakes spy thriller on the James Bond 007 (Pro) machine by Stern. Scott Styles stepped into the role of the suave secret agent, expertly navigating the game’s covert missions and gadgets. With a steady hand and a sharp eye, he unlocked multiball modes and disarmed the opposition, channeling his inner Bond with every flip.
Jon Lents, in a close second, played the part of the cunning villain, trying to outmaneuver Styles with a barrage of skill shots and strategic plays. The tension rose as both players raced to complete the “Spectre Showdown,” a pivotal moment in the game that mirrored the intense confrontations in the iconic film series. Matthew Pagnani and Jimmy Piornack also delivered impressive performances, each showcasing their own unique style, but it was Styles’ mastery of the “Q Branch” modes that ultimately gave him the edge. The match was as thrilling as a Bond car chase, filled with suspense and excitement until the very last second.
A Mix of Classics and Newcomers
Starlite Arcade offered an exciting blend of classic and modern pinball machines, creating a perfect battleground for the tournament. Genesis by Gottlieb, a sci-fi-themed machine from 1986, was a crowd favorite with its unique blend of futuristic art and challenging gameplay. Designed by the legendary John Trudeau, Genesis challenged players with its innovative playfield and intense sound effects, reminiscent of a thrilling space odyssey.
Another standout was Godzilla (Premium/LE) by Stern, a 2021 release that roared to life with its impressive visuals and dynamic gameplay. The machine, featuring art by Jeremy Packer (also known as Zombie Yeti), brought the iconic monster’s battles to the pinball table, captivating players with its cinematic modes and interactive features. The game’s magnetic ball capture and building-crushing action made it a must-play for attendees.
For fans of classic pinball, Thunderbolt by Allied Leisure, released in 1977, provided a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Its simple yet addictive gameplay captured the essence of early pinball machines, making it a beloved choice for seasoned players. Meanwhile, JAWS (Pro) by Stern added a modern twist with its thrilling shark-themed adventures. The machine’s innovative features, such as the “Feeding Frenzy” mode and the suspenseful “Rescue Multiball,” kept players on the edge of their seats.
Led Zeppelin (Premium/LE) by Stern rocked the arcade with its music-themed gameplay, offering fans a chance to experience the band’s legendary tunes while navigating complex ramps and targets. The machine’s immersive sound and light show, combined with challenging game modes, made it a hit among music and pinball enthusiasts alike. Rush (Pro) by Stern followed suit, delivering a similar experience with its homage to the iconic rock band, complete with custom callouts and a deep rule set.
Classic pinball lovers were also treated to Dirty Harry by Williams, a machine that perfectly captured the gritty vibe of the iconic film. With its challenging shots and unique features, players felt like they were part of a detective thriller. Twilight Zone by Bally continued to mystify with its supernatural theme and innovative playfield, offering a mix of eerie sound effects and challenging modes. Judge Dredd by Bally rounded out the lineup with its comic book-inspired action, challenging players to uphold the law in a futuristic dystopia.
Together, these machines provided a diverse and thrilling experience for all participants, showcasing the rich history and evolution of pinball.
Hats Off to the Champions
The final round of the Speakeasy at Starlite was a nail-biter on JAWS (Pro), with players diving deep into the game’s intense scenarios. Matthew Pagnani, ranked 11683 in the IFPA, defied expectations by navigating the treacherous waters and emerging victorious. He expertly tackled the game’s challenging “Feeding Frenzy” mode, skillfully racking up points as he faced off against the relentless shark. Pagnani’s fearless approach and calm demeanor allowed him to outscore his higher-ranked competitors, proving that determination and skill can trump rankings.
Jimmy Piornack, with an IFPA rank of 4417, put up a valiant fight, using the “Rescue Multiball” mode to his advantage. Despite his strong performance, he couldn’t quite catch Pagnani, who seemed to have the edge that night. Terry Cole and Jake Piornack, both formidable players, rounded out the top four, each demonstrating their own mastery of the game. The final match was a thrilling underdog story, with Pagnani’s unexpected triumph adding a surprising twist to the evening’s events.
Michigan IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dominic Labella | Bay City | 550.11 |
| 2 | Matthew Stacks | Grand Rapids | 455.92 |
| 3 | Sterling Mitoska | Brooklyn | 439.41 |
| 4 | Ethan Magnum | 384.1 | |
| 5 | Rodney Minch | Grand Rapids | 382.54 |
| 6 | Alex Harmon | Spring Lake | 314.35 |
| 7 | Jason Humphrey | Jackson | 291.37 |
| 8 | Philip Salminen | Midland | 243.11 |
| 9 | Daniel Overbeek | Grand Rapids | 242.7 |
| 10 | Phil Harmon | Fremont | 232.21 |
Wrapping Up the Speakeasy
The Speakeasy at Starlite was a night full of excitement, skill, and camaraderie. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Joe Wade for organizing this stellar event and to Starlite Arcade for providing the perfect backdrop for a fantastic evening of pinball action. Congratulations to Matthew Pagnani, our champion, and all the participants for making this tournament memorable. Stay tuned for more thrilling pinball updates and stories, and keep those flippers ready for the next adventure!