Hey, pinball wizards! Buckle up as we dive into the action-packed NWPC 2024 PreTourney at Olaf’s. This knockout tournament was full of twists and turns, and we’ve got all the juicy details for you. From epic gameplay to stand-out locations, let’s get into it!
A Night of Friendly Competition
The NWPC 2024 PreTourney at Olaf’s brought together 12 talented players who faced off in a Basic Knockout format. Over the course of 10 rounds, these pinball enthusiasts battled it out in intense two-player games. Each player had three strikes to their name—once those were gone, it was game over. The competition was fierce, lasting a little over six hours as the players pushed their skills to the limit. With scattered clouds overhead and a cool 66°F temperature outside, it was the perfect evening to be inside focusing on flippers and bumpers.
Olaf’s: The Place to Be
If you’re ever in Seattle and looking for a spot that screams “perfect pinball vibes,” Olaf’s at 6301 24th Ave NW is your go-to. This place is everything a pinballer could dream of. The atmosphere is just the right blend of chill and excitement, making it ideal whether you’re a seasoned player or just dropping in for some Friday night fun. And don’t get me started on the machines—Olaf’s has a selection that keeps you on your toes. It’s the kind of place where the crowd’s a bit older, which means you won’t be fighting for a spot on the machines with a bunch of teenagers. The bartenders are friendly, and while the food remains a mystery, the drinks definitely hit the spot. Whether you’re there to play or to unwind, Olaf’s doesn’t disappoint.
Epic Duel on Deadpool (Or Was It?)
The spotlight of the night was an unbelievable (and a bit suspicious) match on Deadpool (Pro) during Round 10. According to the official records, this game stretched on for a whopping 241 minutes. Now, I don’t know about you, but that’s enough time to play a game, grab dinner, and maybe even sneak in a quick nap. So, was this really the longest game in history? Or maybe there was a bug in the system—or perhaps our players decided to take a break mid-game? Either way, Matthew Roggenkamp and Lupe Bryan battled it out with everything they had. When the dust settled, it was Matthew who came out on top, showcasing their pinball prowess. Despite the questionable game time, the showdown on Deadpool was intense, with the game’s playful, irreverent theme keeping things fun throughout the match.
Tournament Guide: Machines That Made the Night
Olaf’s lineup of 19 machines offered something for every type of player. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout games that kept participants on their toes:
Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium) by Stern (2019): This spooky classic from designer Dennis Nordman was a hit with its hilarious callouts and eerie atmosphere. Players loved the interactive Elvira figure and the way the game balanced humor with challenging shots.
Seawitch by Stern Electronics (1980): A vintage gem, Seawitch is known for its unique four-flipper layout and fast-paced action. Players found themselves caught in a whirlpool of intense gameplay as they navigated the tricky shots and tight ramps.
Black Hole by Gottlieb (1981): Black Hole’s multi-level playfield and mesmerizing spinning disc had players hooked. This machine’s futuristic theme and innovative design, courtesy of John Osborne, made it a standout.
Indianapolis 500 by Bally (1995): Racing fans had a blast with this game, designed by Dennis Nordman and featuring fast loops and turbo boosts that replicated the high-speed thrills of the Indy 500.
The Walking Dead (Pro) by Stern (2014): Based on the hit TV show, this game was all about survival. The intense gameplay, with its mix of brutal shots and zombie-themed missions, kept players on the edge of their seats.
Hats Off to the Champions
What a night it was for the winners! Huge congratulations to Matthew Roggenkamp for taking first place. With a state ranking of 19th and an IFPA rank of 490, Matthew showed us all why they’re a force to be reckoned with. But let’s not forget about the fierce competition. Lupe Bryan secured second place with an impressive performance, proving their skills despite a state ranking of 49th. Third place went to Kiki V, who brought their A-game with a solid showing that left everyone impressed. And rounding out the top four, Mandy Woodard held her own in a field full of tough competitors, showing that perseverance and skill go a long way in this sport.
Washington IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lonnie Langford | Seattle | 700.88 |
| 2 | Conrad Rustad | Bremerton | 489.69 |
| 3 | Leslie Ruckman | Seattle | 479.87 |
| 4 | John Robinson WA | Bothell | 476.5 |
| 5 | Richie Terry | Seattle | 463.53 |
| 6 | Jarrett Gaddy | Seattle | 457.96 |
| 7 | Dave Stewart | Carnation | 444.15 |
| 8 | Jaran Jones | Seattle | 399.13 |
| 9 | Joshua Francis | Edmonds | 395.02 |
| 10 | Jon Salzman | Seattle | 378.41 |
Wrapping It Up
The NWPC 2024 PreTourney at Olaf’s was a night to remember. A huge shoutout to Germain Mariolle for organizing such a stellar event and to Olaf’s for being the perfect backdrop for some serious pinball action. Whether you were a player or a spectator, this tournament was all about good times and great games. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the calendar for more pinball excitement coming your way. Until next time, see you around the Space Needle!