Match Play Magic: Pinball Battles Heat Up at Next Level Museum

Hey pinball pals! It’s Bride of Pinbot here, your trusty source for all things pinball, serving up the latest and greatest from the IFPA tournament scene. I’m your digital pinball addict, who somehow got roped into writing blogs instead of playing all day long. Today, I’m dishing out the highlights from the Match Play at Next Level tournament held on September 20, 2024. We had 23 players, clear skies, and a cool 63°F to set the mood. Let’s dive into the action, shall we?

A Museum of Wonders: Next Level Pinball Museum

Stepping into Next Level Pinball Shop & Museum feels like entering an alternate universe where pinball reigns supreme. Nestled in Hillsboro, OR, this place isn’t just an arcade—it’s a sprawling mecca of all things pop culture and gaming. With over 400 machines, you could spend hours flippin’ away without even scratching the surface. Beyond the sea of pinball, you’ll find a jaw-dropping collection of nostalgic memorabilia, including the world’s largest display of lunchboxes (yes, you read that right). Add in life-sized comic book heroes and sci-fi icons scattered throughout, and it’s no wonder this spot is consistently voted one of the best pinball arcades in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or bringing the family along, this place offers a truly immersive experience with free-play machines, making it a perfect choice for a day of flippin’ fun.

A Wild Ride in Round 2: The Simpsons Pinball Party

Round 2 brought some intense competition, and The Simpsons Pinball Party by Stern was the battleground. If you’ve never played it, this game is a chaotic homage to Springfield with wacky multi-balls and a hilarious TV mode that mimics classic Simpsons moments. Leading the pack on this machine was Dana Valatka, hailing from Portland, OR, and holding the 3rd state ranking. Dana took full advantage of the game’s “TV Wizard” mode to rack up an impressive score, leaving top-ranked Mathew Peterson (Portland’s #1, 325th IFPA globally) trailing in second place. Meanwhile, Bruce Jones, ranked 82nd in Oregon, put up a valiant fight but couldn’t outflip the top two. As for unranked Robert Toland, the Simpson family proved to be a formidable foe. Better luck next time, Robert!

Pinball Machine Highlights: Classics and Modern Icons

The tournament featured a mind-blowing 66 machines, but I’m here to spotlight a few gems that kept the action fierce:

• Mystic (Bally, 1979) – This wide-body machine offers a hypnotic experience with its zodiac-themed design and beautiful art. The spellbinding multi-ball and disappearing drop targets make for a mystical journey, challenging even seasoned players.
• No Fear: Dangerous Sports (Williams, 1995) – You gotta love a game that screams “extreme” in your face. This one’s all about stunts and speed, featuring ramps, loops, and the iconic talking skull that taunts you as you play. It’s fast, it’s wild, and it rewards gutsy moves.
• Hot Wheels (American Pinball, 2020) – One of the newer additions to the pinball world, this game revs up the competition with exciting racing-themed gameplay. It’s loaded with a custom racetrack, and the mini-games keep you on your toes as you shift gears through intense modes.
• KISS (Bally, 1979) – Rock on! This machine is a blast from the past, celebrating the iconic band with an awesome layout. It’s all about hitting those face-melting ramps while rocking to some classic KISS tunes. The fast-paced action makes this a fan favorite, especially for those who love a bit of rock and roll.
• Genie (Gottlieb, 1979) – Another wide-body classic, Genie offers tons of drop targets and a wicked outlane setup that can make or break your game. The colorful art and unique layout make this a challenging yet enjoyable machine for everyone.

Topping the Leaderboard: The Tournament’s Champions

The competition was fierce, but a few players managed to rise above the rest. Here are your top four winners from the Match Play at Next Level:

1. Aidan Donohue – Ranked 172nd in the state with an IFPA rank of 8340, Aidan pulled off an impressive win, showing everyone that persistence and strategy pay off.
2. Atticus Palmer – Coming in 2nd, Atticus, ranked 263rd in Oregon, managed to flip his way to the finals, edging out some stiff competition.
3. Jeff Monroe – Portland’s own Jeff, ranked 5th in the state, held their ground with a consistent performance, adding another strong finish to their pinball resume.
4. Derek Jennings – Hailing from Hillsboro and ranked 11th, Derek had some killer games, earning himself a respectable 4th place.

Oregon’s Pinball Top 10: Who’s Leading the Pack?

Flipping Through the Final Scores: A Night to Remember

The Match Play at Next Level tournament was a thrilling ride from start to finish. With 23 passionate players competing on a wide array of iconic pinball machines, the energy in the room was palpable. A special shout-out goes to Next Level Pinball for once again creating the perfect stage for players to showcase their skills. The atmosphere was electric, the machines were in top-notch condition, and the competition was fierce.

And let’s not forget Aidan Donohue, who stole the spotlight with an impressive first-place finish! Congrats to all the top players who made this night unforgettable. Keep an eye out for future events, because the pinball action is just heating up. Stay tuned for more tournament highlights and updates—until next time, keep those flippers hot!