Hey, pinball pals! The Belles & Chimes SATX – Summer 2024 #5 Season Final was a blast, and I’m here to give you the lowdown on all the action. This tournament brought together 18 passionate players who duked it out over 5 rounds, with 2 games per round. The competition was fierce, but the vibe was totally chill, as everyone was there for one thing—good times and great pinball. On a balmy August evening, with temperatures soaring to 98°F and feeling even hotter at 108°F, the cozy confines of What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters provided the perfect cool-down space for some sizzling pinball action.
Sipping and Flipping at What’s Brewing?
What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters isn’t just your run-of-the-mill coffee spot. Right in the heart of San Antonio at 138 West Rhapsody Drive, this place is a great place for both caffeine addicts and pinball fanatics. You walk in, greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee—arguably some of the best in town—and right behind that, you’re hit with the sight of over 50 pinball machines. It’s like stumbling upon a hidden treasure trove. With a mix of old-school classics and modern marvels, there’s something here for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned player or just looking to have a little fun while enjoying a cup of joe. And don’t worry if the little ones are tagging along; they’ve got stools so the kids can join in on the fun too!
Round 3 Showdown on Stranger Things (Pro)
The highlight of the evening? That would have to be the intense match on Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern. If you’re not familiar with this 2019 release, it’s a game that’s all about diving into the upside-down world of the hit Netflix series. The atmosphere was electric as Tricia Gronnevik, Alice Young, Cinthia Whitefield, and LouAnn Bailey squared off on this eerie, Demogorgon-filled battlefield. The game’s Eleven Telekinesis ball lock feature was put to the test, with Tricia mastering it like a pro, securing her the top spot for this round. Alice fought valiantly, her ball control nearly supernatural, but in the end, Tricia’s precise flipper skills and deep understanding of the game’s rule set pushed her ahead. Cinthia and LouAnn gave it their all, but the forces of the upside-down proved too tricky to conquer this time around.
Tournament Guide: The Pinball Lineup
With 55 machines to choose from, the tournament offered a pinball smorgasbord for every kind of player. Let’s dive into a few of the standout games:
- AC/DC (Pro) by Stern (2012): Rock out with this high-energy machine that’s all about the iconic band. The game’s music-driven features, like the Bell shot and the rocking song selection, make it a crowd favorite. Players had to keep the rhythm going while battling through hits like “Highway to Hell” and “Thunderstruck” to rack up those points.
- Firepower by Williams (1980): A classic from the golden age of pinball, Firepower is all about speed and reflexes. With its innovative multi-ball feature and fast-paced gameplay, it’s no wonder this game still holds up after more than four decades. Players needed quick reflexes and precision aiming to master the machine’s tricky shots and fast playfield.
- Black Hole by Gottlieb (1981): This machine is famous for its unique lower playfield and eerie sci-fi theme. The reverse gravity lower playfield adds an extra layer of challenge, making it a true test of skill. It’s not just about keeping the ball in play but navigating it through the depths of space.
- Led Zeppelin (LE) by Stern (2020): Rock and roll with the legends! This machine takes you on a journey through some of Led Zeppelin’s greatest hits. The Electric Magic spinner and custom light show bring the concert experience to the pinball world. Players needed to synchronize their flipper action with the rhythm of the music to score big.
- Medieval Madness by Williams (1997): A fan favorite, Medieval Madness combines humor, challenge, and fantastic gameplay. The castle destruction feature is a blast, literally, as players aim to topple the king’s fortress. With trolls popping up and catapults launching, this game is as much about fun as it is about skill.
Shoutout to the Winners
Big congrats to our top players for their pinball prowess! Cinthia Whitefield clinched the first place spot, showing everyone why she’s ranked 123rd in the state and 2983rd in the IFPA. Her steady hands and sharp reflexes earned her a well-deserved win. Coming in second was Lori Love, who’s no stranger to the winner’s circle with her 97th state ranking and 2968th IFPA rank. Alice Young took third, proving once again that her 34th state ranking and 1175th IFPA rank are no fluke. And let’s not forget Amanda Fincher from Austin, who rounded out the top four with a solid performance. With a 131st state rank and 3730th IFPA rank, Amanda showed that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Denton | 697.24 |
| 2 | Jack Revnew | The Woodlands | 473.31 |
| 3 | Wesley Johnson | College Station | 352.94 |
| 4 | Gilbert Herrera | San Antonio | 327.17 |
| 5 | Clark McCoy | Denton | 320.55 |
| 6 | Ray Ford | Austin | 289.33 |
| 7 | Lee Balusek | Conroe | 273.18 |
| 8 | Ken Kemp | Collinsville | 271.69 |
| 9 | Colin MacAlpine | Austin | 262.24 |
| 10 | Keith Shahan | Abilene | 250.67 |
Closing Thoughts
This tournament was a fantastic way to cap off the summer, with great players, a welcoming location, and, of course, plenty of pinball. Hats off to Christina Cheeseman for organizing another stellar event and to What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters for hosting. If you’re in the area and love pinball, you owe it to yourself to drop by. And for those who couldn’t make it, stay tuned to GobbleHole.com for all the latest pinball news and highlights. Remember, the Alamo isn’t the only landmark worth visiting in San Antonio—there’s also a pinball machine with your name on it waiting for you at What’s Brewing. See you next time!