Hey pinball enthusiasts! If you were looking for some high-stakes action, you missed out on a real showdown at the John Wick Launch Party tournament held at Dyno Bar on August 18th. Twenty-five players gathered for this Group Knockout Tournament, battling it out over eight intense rounds, where players got the boot after racking up five strikes. The Fair Strikes system kept things fair, but with a fierce lineup, no one got off easy.
A Night Out at Dyno Bar
Located at 3367 India Street in San Diego, Dyno Bar is a gem for anyone who loves old-school arcade vibes. This spot isn’t your typical flashy, ticket-spitting arcade—it’s a true haven for gamers who appreciate the classics. With a mix of pinball machines and vintage cabinets, there’s always something to keep your fingers busy. And let’s not forget the drink selection—definitely fire, according to the regulars. Whether you’re crushing it on James Bond 007 or diving into a co-op beat-em-up on Golden Axe II, Dyno Bar delivers the goods. It’s a must-visit whenever you find yourself in San Diego.
A Thrilling Match on JAWS
The highlight of the tournament definitely came in Round 4 on the JAWS (Pro) machine. Imagine it: you’re stranded in the deep blue sea, the iconic JAWS theme music playing in your head, and every flip is a battle for survival. Gaizah Wagschal took the win, navigating the treacherous waters with precision, while David Green CA fought valiantly but couldn’t escape the shark’s bite, finishing second. Tom Isaak held their own but ended up third, proving once again that JAWS can sink even the best players if they’re not careful.
Pinball Machines to Remember
The tournament featured a stellar lineup of pinball machines, but a few stood out from the pack. The James Bond 007 (Pro) from Stern, released in September 2022, is a true crowd-pleaser with its sleek design and cool gadgets, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of a spy mission. Then there’s Deadpool (Pro), a fan-favorite since 2018, where humor meets action in a game that never gets old. Stranger Things (Pro) brought the Upside Down to life with its eerie atmosphere and interactive Demogorgon toy. And of course, the spotlight was on John Wick (Pro), fresh off the production line in May 2024, delivering all the action you’d expect from a pinball game based on the legendary assassin.
Hats Off to the Winners
What a battle it was, and the final results were nothing short of impressive. Mark Maleko Schulz, ranked 80th in the state, claimed the top spot, showing everyone that his 345 IFPA events have paid off. Tom Isaak, a well-known name in the community, finished second, further solidifying their place as one of California’s top players. Mark Brown CA snagged third, adding another strong finish to his record. And let’s not forget Gaizah Wagschal, who, despite being relatively new to the scene, played like a veteran, rounding out the top four. Well done to all the winners!
California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Hansen | Sunnyvale | 951.21 |
| 2 | Arvid Flygare | Lund | 881.53 |
| 3 | Nic Stein | Davis | 818.56 |
| 4 | Escher Lefkoff | 803.85 | |
| 5 | Jason Zahler | 778.2 | |
| 6 | Daniele Celestino Acciari | Rocca di Papa | 713.66 |
| 7 | Viggo Löwgren | Furulund | 667.76 |
| 8 | Germain Mariolle | Redmond | 623.47 |
| 9 | Zach McCarthy | Conifer | 617.17 |
| 10 | Andrei Massenkoff | San Francisco | 592.71 |
Wrapping It Up
This tournament was a blast, and it’s all thanks to Mark Schulz for organizing such an exciting event at Dyno Bar. Congrats again to Mark Maleko Schulz for taking the top spot and to all the players who competed. We can’t wait to see what the next event brings. Stay tuned to GobbleHole.com for more pinball updates and stories!