The Girl Dinner: Women’s (& Non-Binary) Wine, Whoppers & WPPRs tournament lit up the San Francisco pinball scene on December 27, 2024. Hosted by Blame It On The Drain Pinball, this event brought 29 talented players together at Outer Orbit for a fast-paced evening of five preliminary rounds, each with one game, followed by a three-game finals showdown. Despite the overcast skies and a chilly 53°F outside, the action inside was anything but dreary. The tournament clocked in at just under two and a half hours, leaving plenty of time for camaraderie, competition, and celebration.
Outer Orbit: Where Retro Meets Modern
This arcade-bar hybrid doesn’t just offer an impressive lineup of machines but also serves up some of the tastiest vegetarian-friendly Hawaiian dishes around. The Guava Impossible Pork Sliders and Malasadas are crowd favorites, perfectly paired with the retro-futuristic atmosphere that immediately wows you upon stepping inside. With sleek arcade design, warm lighting, and friendly service, Outer Orbit isn’t just a place to play pinball—it’s an experience.
The Spotlight Showdown: Disney TRON Legacy
Round 1 delivered the most epic match of the night, as Disney TRON: Legacy became the battlefield for a game that stretched an incredible 67 minutes. This Stern masterpiece, released in May 2011, brings the neon-soaked digital world of TRON to life with a stunning light show, glowing ramps, and thrilling gameplay. Lucy Cachux, Samantha Stanko, Julie Driscoll, and Laura Masana battled it out under the pulsing glow of the machine’s signature Lightcycle multi-ball mode. With Lucy leading the charge, the players flipped and strategized their way through the game’s dazzling maze of challenges. Lucy’s skill on the Recognizer shot sealed her victory, while Samantha, Julie, and Laura kept the match competitive until the final moments.
Tournament Guide: Breaking Down the Games
The tournament featured an array of eight incredible machines, each offering its own flavor of fun and challenge. Let’s take a look at five standouts:
Disney TRON: Legacy (Stern, 2011)
TRON: Legacy dazzles with its iconic neon aesthetics and engaging gameplay. The Lightcycle multi-ball and Daft Punk’s unforgettable soundtrack keep players immersed, while the challenging Recognizer target tests your precision. A perfect game to kick off the tournament!
Batman 66 (Premium) (Stern, 2016)
Holy jackpot, Batman! This machine brings the campy charm of the 1960s Batman TV series to life. Players must thwart villains like the Joker and Catwoman while chasing super jackpots. Its rotating turntable feature is both a blessing and a curse, making for strategic and chaotic moments.
Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) (Stern, 2019)
The Black Knight’s taunts and rage-filled voiceovers make every shot feel personal. This game’s upper playfield and interactive shield toy create layers of complexity that separate casual flippers from true pinball warriors.
Elton John (Jersey Jack Pinball, 2023)
Released just last year, Elton John combines dazzling LED displays with chart-topping hits like “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer.” The piano-shaped ramp is a clever nod to Elton’s musical legacy, and the multi-ball sequences are as flamboyant and fun as the man himself.
Godzilla (Premium/LE) (Stern, 2021)
Arguably one of the best modern machines, Godzilla delivers a cinematic experience with jaw-dropping animations and a monster-packed storyline. The magnetic grab feature adds a layer of unpredictability, while the destruction jackpot rewards those brave enough to target buildings.
Congratulations to the Champs
When the dust settled, Lucy Cachux emerged as the champion, showcasing her skills in the finals on Disney TRON: Legacy. Her mastery of the machine’s multi-ball modes and control over the Recognizer target truly set her apart. Julie Driscoll made an impressive climb to claim second place, proving that rankings are just numbers when you bring your A-game. Samantha Stanko and Laura Masana rounded out the top four, displaying grit and determination throughout the tournament.
- Lucy Cachux (1st) – A well-deserved win for the Californian, whose 161 IFPA events have clearly honed her precision and focus.
- Julie Driscoll (2nd) – With her 83 IFPA events, Julie’s local knowledge and persistence paid off big time.
- Samantha Stanko (3rd) – A steady performance from Samantha, who kept her cool in high-pressure moments.
- Laura Masana (4th) – Laura’s consistency and skill shone through in every round of the competition.
Closing Thoughts
The Girl Dinner tournament was a triumph of skill, fun, and community, perfectly orchestrated by Blame It On The Drain Pinball and hosted at the vibrant Outer Orbit. There was a symmetry to the tournament—opening with an epic 67-minute battle on Disney TRON: Legacy and closing with the championship-deciding match on the very same machine. Congratulations to Lucy Cachux on her stellar performance and to all the participants who made the event memorable. Pinball tournaments like these remind us of the joy and camaraderie that keep this hobby alive and thriving.
Stay tuned for more pinball stories, updates, and tournament recaps right here. Until next time, keep flipping!
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