From Kermit’s Pad to a Frog Fry Texas Pinball is Hopping

August 10, 2024, marked the beginning of the Frog Fry, a Group Knockout Tournament that tested the endurance and skills of 16 brave players over a staggering 25 hours and 12 minutes. The tournament’s duration may seem unbelievable, but the MatchPlay software insists this epic showdown really took place. Perhaps there was a glitch, or maybe the players were aiming for some sort of pinball endurance record. Either way, the event was one for the books, even if some of those details are a bit suspicious!

A Mysterious Location?

Now, we have a bit of a conundrum. The MatchPlay software, usually reliable in its details, seems to have left out one critical piece of information: the location. Perhaps this was a secret underground lair, or maybe just a cozy corner in someone’s basement. Either way, we’ll respect their privacy and leave them to their secrets. Sometimes, the best tournaments are those that remain shrouded in a bit of mystery.

Game Spotlight: A Diner to Remember

The longest game of the tournament—and possibly the longest game of pinball ever—took place on the classic Williams machine, Diner from 1990. Round 10 saw a game that supposedly lasted an incredible 848 minutes. Now, before you start imagining players with endless quarters and nerves of steel, let’s be realistic. This almost certainly was a reporting issue in MatchPlay, likely contributing to the wild claim of a 25-hour tournament. But it’s fun to think about, isn’t it? Kudos to Keb Gallows for clinching the top spot in this marathon session, with Nikolas Poklitar and Jonathon Morales close behind.

The Machines That Made It All Possible

With 18 pinball machines in play, the Frog Fry offered an impressive lineup. Here are a few highlights:

• Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (1993, Williams): An absolute classic, this machine takes you through the most thrilling moments from the Indiana Jones films. With its Path of Adventure and the iconic ‘Raiders Multiball,’ players are thrown into the heart of the action, battling traps, and collecting treasures.
• Jurassic Park (30th Anniversary) (2023, Stern): The latest in the Jurassic Park series, this machine is all about capturing dinosaurs and escaping the island. The interactive T-Rex and the complex game modes make it a favorite among players who enjoy a bit of chaos in their gameplay.
• Venom (Premium) (2023, Stern): This machine is a wild ride, reflecting the dark and dynamic world of Venom. With its fast-paced gameplay and challenging modes, it’s a test of skill and reflexes, perfect for those who thrive under pressure.
• Star Trek (Pro) (2013, Stern): For the sci-fi fans, this machine delivers an experience that’s out of this world. Players can relive their favorite Star Trek episodes, complete with missions to explore strange new worlds, seek out new life, and boldly go where no pinball has gone before.
• The Munsters (Premium) (2019, Stern): This quirky machine brings the iconic TV family to life with its unique playfield design and humorous references. It’s a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern pinball technology.

Celebrating the Champions

After hours of intense competition, Jonathon Morales emerged victorious, securing first place with a skillful performance that was nothing short of spectacular. Known for his precision and strategy, Jonathon’s win was well-earned, adding another achievement to his impressive career. Coming in second, Keb Gallows proved that determination can lead to great results, even if his ranking suggests he’s usually an underdog. Nikolas Poklitar, representing Austin, TX, took third, demonstrating that he’s a force to be reckoned with. And let’s not forget Victor Evans, who rounded out the top four with a commendable effort.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up the Frog Fry

The Frog Fry was nothing short of legendary, even if the details left us scratching our heads. From the marathon games to the mysterious location, it was a tournament that will be talked about for a long time. A big thanks to Ray Ford for organizing such a unique event and to the undisclosed location for hosting these dedicated players. Congratulations again to Jonathon Morales for his outstanding victory! Look forward to more exciting pinball updates and stories!