When the weather’s cold and the rain’s coming down, what better place to be than surrounded by the flashing lights and ringing bells of the Next Level Pinball Museum? On December 27, 32 dedicated pinballers came together for the Match Play at Next Level Part 2 tournament. Over the course of three rounds, each featuring two games, players battled it out for top honors. With a runtime of about three and a half hours, this tournament was the perfect way to light up a rainy evening in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Next Level Pinball Museum: More Than Just a Venue
Next Level Pinball Museum isn’t your average arcade—calling it a “museum” feels just right. Tucked in Hillsboro at 1458 Northeast 25th Avenue, this spot offers more than 400 machines, a flat-rate play-all-you-want system, and walls packed with pop culture treasures. Think vintage GI Joes, comic books, and bobbleheads galore. And the pinball machines? Impeccably maintained. You might even catch an employee armed with Windex or tools keeping everything running smooth as butter. Whether you’re a fan of Eight Ball Deluxe or looking to relive your childhood favorites, there’s always something new—or old—to discover here. Oh, and let’s not forget the cleanliness and the easy access to hand sanitizers, proving it’s a space that’s both fun and well-loved.
A 66-Minute Battle on Lord of the Rings
Round 3 gave us a marathon match on Lord of the Rings by Stern, a game as epic as the movies it’s based on. Clocking in at a whopping 66 minutes, this match was a test of endurance and precision. Players navigated through the game’s iconic modes, like the “Fellowship of the Ring,” where every shot can feel like guiding Frodo to Mount Doom.
Connor Stowe, ranked 3774 in the IFPA, proved that sometimes, the underdog gets to wear the Ring. He claimed first place with steady, focused play, leaving Brooke Borcherding (rank 6660) to battle Gollum in second. Maureen Hendrix, a higher-ranked player from Seattle (3302), found herself third, perhaps lost in the Mines of Moria. Meanwhile, Stephanie Davidson, the highest-ranked competitor in this group at 2383, couldn’t quite escape the clutches of Sauron and landed in fourth. If anything, this match showed us that in pinball, rankings can’t always predict who will claim victory.
Tournament Guide: A Few Machines Worth Mentioning
With 187 pinball machines on-site, the variety at the Next Level Pinball Museum was enough to make any pinball fan’s heart skip a beat. Here’s a deeper look at some of the standout games from the tournament lineup:
The Addams Family (Bally, 1992)
This fan-favorite game remains the best-selling pinball machine of all time, and it’s no mystery why. From the eerie flick of Thing Flip, where Thing himself takes a shot for you, to the electrifying “Tour the Mansion” wizard mode, every detail screams Addams Family charm. The “Seance” and “Graveyard” modes keep players on their toes with creative objectives, and the sound effects—like Lurch’s groans—are the icing on this spooky, kooky cake.
Xenon (Bally, 1980)
A true pioneer in pinball design, Xenon was the first game to use a synthesized female voice. With its futuristic tube shots and mesmerizing light displays, it feels like stepping into a neon-soaked sci-fi adventure. The game’s layout is simple yet elegant, offering smooth flow and rewarding ramp shots that make players feel like they’re traveling through time and space.
Black Rose (Bally, 1992)
Ahoy, matey! Black Rose plunges players into the swashbuckling world of pirate life, complete with ship battles and treasure hunts. The game’s standout feature is its cannon, which allows players to physically shoot pinballs at targets to “sink ships.” With a playfield full of ramps, whirlpools, and pirate booty, this game is a fast-paced thrill ride that keeps the action flowing.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Williams, 1991)
Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t just star in the movie—he’s an integral part of this game, lending his voice and iconic catchphrases like “I’ll be back” to enhance the experience. The gatling gun plunger makes for a dramatic start to every ball, and the gameplay focuses on precision shooting with challenging ramp and target combos. The “Payback Time” and “Skynet” modes give players the chance to take the fight straight to the machines, just like in the movie.
Mr. & Mrs. Pac-Man (Bally, 1982)
Part pinball, part video game, this hybrid machine was ahead of its time. The playfield features traditional pinball elements combined with a Pac-Man-inspired maze that players navigate by triggering certain targets. Its quirky design and nostalgic charm make it a unique addition to any arcade lineup. Plus, who doesn’t love a little retro arcade romance?
A White Water Finish: Tournament Champions
The tournament’s final showdown on White Water by Williams was nothing short of thrilling. This game’s whirlpools and challenging upper-playfield ramps make it a white-knuckle adventure, and the competitors didn’t disappoint.
- David Krueger: Ranked 7340, David may not have been the favorite on paper, but he rafted his way to victory with precision shots and calm under pressure. With 225 events under his belt, this win was a splash of brilliance.
- Noah Sicard: Ranked 1637, Noah’s consistency and skill shone through, landing him in second. His 62 events have clearly sharpened his game.
- Connor Stowe: Fresh off his Lord of the Rings win, Connor (ranked 3774) secured third, proving his versatility across machines.
- Matthew Peterson: Portland’s own powerhouse, ranked 301, rounded out the top four. With over 1100 events to his name, he’s a player to watch.
Signing Off from Hillsboro
Kudos to Next Level Pinball and their incredible team for hosting a tournament that brought players together in style. From the epic battles on Lord of the Rings to the flurry of activity on White Water, this was a night to remember. If you’re ever in Hillsboro, consider stopping by the Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve nearby—just don’t get too distracted from pinballing at Next Level.
Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights! See you at the next event, flippers ready!
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