San Diego Pinball League Kicks Off at Brewskis Bar & Arcade

The San Diego Pinball League brought the heat for its first event of the season with Brewskis #1, held at the lively Brewskis Bar & Arcade. Players battled it out across five rounds, each consisting of one intense game. With 33 participants and a competitive format, the tournament lasted just shy of four hours, wrapping up around 10:30 PM. Mark Schulz organized the event, ensuring everything ran smoothly at this beloved San Diego pinball hotspot. The clear skies and mild 77°F evening made it perfect for enjoying some games and drinks under the neon glow of Brewskis’ arcade.

Brewski’s Bar & Arcade: A Pinballer’s Dream

Brewski’s Bar & Arcade, located on Miramar Road, is a pinball paradise. Known for its collection of top-tier machines, this spot has a reputation for bringing in the newest and best games before anyone else. For regulars, it’s the go-to hangout after a long week at work—whether you’re chilling inside amidst the arcade lights or enjoying the breezy outdoor seating. The staff keeps the energy upbeat and friendly, making sure you’re never waiting too long for a drink. If you’re in the mood for snacks, their finger food options, especially the pretzels, are a fan favorite. But let’s be real—everyone knows it’s the arcade games and pinball that steal the show here. From classic favorites to the newest titles, Brewskis is where you want to be for all things pinball.

A Showdown in the Deep: JAWS Steals the Spotlight

Round 5 brought the most buzz of the night with a fierce showdown on JAWS (Pro) by Stern. With its massive shark and nail-biting tension, the game set the stage for an epic final battle. Derek Price, ranked 67th worldwide, made it clear why they’re one of the top players in the state by outscoring the competition and taking first place. Jeff Morris, an underdog with an impressive fighting spirit, gave Derek a run for their money, snagging second place despite his much lower ranking. Chris Lammi, who was competing in his first tournament, secured third place, while Luca Varriale, ranked 1431, had a tough time catching the wave but held on for a solid fourth-place finish.

Tournament Guide: Pinball Machines in Play

Brewskis didn’t disappoint with the selection of games for this tournament, showcasing some of the most exciting titles out there.

• Godzilla (Premium) – This fan-favorite from Stern is packed with multi-level ramps, monstrous toys, and fast gameplay. Expect destruction and chaos as you trigger city-smashing modes while battling Godzilla and other titans.
• Venom (Pro) – Stern’s latest 2023 release lets you dive into the world of Spider-Man’s deadly foe. With a unique leveling system, Venom takes pinball to new heights, letting players evolve their character and unlock powerful abilities.
• John Wick (Pro) – A sleek, action-packed machine that pulls you into the gritty world of assassins. Featuring fast-flowing ramps and brutal multi-ball sequences, it’s the perfect game for those who love quick reflexes and high stakes.
• Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium) – Step into the horror house with Elvira in this spooky title that mixes humor and fright. Packed with cool toys and interactive features, this game is all about surviving the night and racking up some serious points.
• Pulp Fiction (LE) – Chicago Gaming’s Pulp Fiction brings Tarantino’s cult classic to life with retro-style gameplay and iconic scenes. With dialogue clips and intense multiball modes, this machine is a must-play for fans of the film.

Winners: Battling Through the Ranks

With 33 players to contend with, it wasn’t easy for anyone to make it to the top. Each round saw tight scores and intense matches, but in the end, only one could claim victory.

1. Tom Isaak – With an impressive IFPA rank of 160, Tom came in ready to win, and their 208 previous events clearly paid off. After battling through round after round, they took home the crown in this highly competitive tournament.
2. Derek Price – A close second for Derek, who’s no stranger to competition with 424 events under their belt. As state rank 23rd, Derek put up a fierce fight and finished just behind Tom in the final standings.
3. Fran Irwin – Fran rounded out the top three with a solid performance. Ranked 602 worldwide, Fran’s experience from over 200 events helped him lock in a podium finish, representing Southern California well.
4. Luca Varriale – With a state ranking of 238th, Luca had a solid run in the tournament, using his 328-event experience to snag fourth place.

California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Closing Thoughts

Congratulations to Tom Isaak for claiming the top spot at Brewskis #1! With an impressive field of competitors and a stellar lineup of pinball machines, this was a night to remember for all the players. Brewskis proved once again why it’s one of the best spots for pinball in San Diego. If you’re a fan of good vibes, great games, and stiff competition, this is the place to be.

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