Torching the Competition: Highlights from the SCPL NASA 3X Tuesday Tournament

The SCPL: NASA 3X Tuesday tournament on January 14, 2025, had a unique vibe, setting the stage for pinball players from around the state to put their skills to the test in a Group Knockout format. Hosted at the iconic Game Preserve NASA, this event lasted nearly five hours, with 17 participants battling it out across 11 rounds, each hoping to avoid the dreaded 3 strikes. The weather added to the atmosphere, with overcast skies and a brisk 51°F—perfect for an indoor tournament full of pinball action. The night was a showcase of precision and perseverance, with players doing their best to avoid elimination. The suspense was high, and the competition fierce—especially when a marathon game of Torch stole the spotlight!

The Game Preserve NASA – A Houston Retro Gem

If you’re ever in the Houston area, The Game Preserve NASA is an absolute must-visit for any pinball fan. Located at 20810 Gulf Freeway in Webster, TX, the venue is not just another arcade—it’s a place where you can relive the golden days of gaming. With its rich mix of pinball machines and arcade classics, this spot isn’t just for gamers; it’s a perfect place to make memories with the family. One couple, celebrating their 37th anniversary, recalled how they encountered a collection of games from the year they got married, making it a nostalgic experience. If you’re after a fun, retro gaming experience, The Game Preserve has got you covered.

For more details, check out their website.

Game Spotlight – A 66-Minute Torch Marathon

In a tournament full of fast-paced action, one game stood out above the rest for its sheer endurance. Torch by Gottlieb, a 1980 classic, became the ultimate test of patience and skill during Round 11, when Marc Gammons pushed it to an incredible 66-minute game time. This game, which typically runs much quicker, took on a life of its own, with both Marc and Erich Stinson navigating its challenging layout and trying to outlast the clock.

Designed by Ed Krynski, Torch is a unique title in Gottlieb’s lineup with a distinctive playfield that combines drop targets, spinners, and a set of lanes that give players multiple ways to rack up points. The centerpiece of the game is its Torch mechanism, which requires players to hit specific targets to raise the playfield’s flame and unlock bonus multipliers. It’s a game that demands strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and a solid understanding of how to trigger the various scoring options, which explains why this match lasted so long. The clock was ticking, but with every skill shot, the tension grew, and that’s what made this round unforgettable.

The Torch machine isn’t just about flipping balls around a brightly-lit playfield; it’s about precision and setting yourself up for bigger rewards. Players have to manage their resources carefully, balancing the playfield’s multipliers while staying aware of the game’s many hazards that can quickly turn a high-score run into a lost ball. That long-lasting game was a prime example of how a combination of strategy and a little bit of luck can keep a game running well past its expected duration.

The longer-than-usual game on Torch was a rarity, but it highlighted just how special some of these older pins can be in terms of gameplay dynamics. It wasn’t just a game of survival—it was a tactical battle, with every shot counting towards the possibility of keeping the flame alive just a little longer.

Pinball Machines – A Lineup of Legends and Newcomers

The SCPL: NASA 3X Tuesday tournament featured a stellar lineup of 23 machines, ranging from the golden age of pinball to modern marvels. Let’s dive deeper into some of these iconic machines, their history, and what makes them such favorites among players.

• Metallica (Pro) by Stern (April 2013): Inspired by the legendary rock band, Metallica delivers an intense experience for both metalheads and pinball enthusiasts. Designed by John Borg, the game features fast ramps, multi-ball modes, and the iconic Creeping Death song that amps up the action. The Pro version, while a bit less complex than its Premium and LE counterparts, is beloved for its straightforward layout and high-speed gameplay. Stern’s implementation of a metal soundtrack and fast-paced mechanics makes this machine a staple for competitive play. The game’s strong fanbase is a testament to its wide appeal.
• Beat Time by Williams (September 1967): A true piece of pinball history, Beat Time is a rarity that draws vintage pinball collectors and players alike. Produced by Williams, it features an early solid-state design with a rhythm-based theme. With a swinging beat and fun, interactive playfield, Beat Time was ahead of its time. Its simple, yet engaging layout keeps players coming back for more, making it a hidden gem for those looking to experience pinball’s roots.
• The Addams Family by Bally (January 1992): Arguably one of the most iconic pinball machines of all time, The Addams Family was designed by Pat Lawlor and featured artwork by Doug Watson. With its eerie theme based on the hit TV show and movies, the machine was a massive success for Bally, becoming the best-selling pinball game in history. Known for its unique Thing hand mechanism and challenging gameplay that requires precision to activate the Vault and Museum modes, The Addams Family has become a beloved classic in both casual and competitive pinball circles.
• Pioneer by Gottlieb (March 1976): Released in the mid-70s, Pioneer represents the early days of electronic pinball machines. Featuring a wild west theme, it was one of the first machines to feature multiple scoring features, offering players the chance to rack up points through various skill shots. While its simple gameplay and aesthetic make it less complex than more modern machines, Pioneer holds a special place for its nostalgic appeal and introduction of new features at the time.
• Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (August 2018): This machine brings the irreverent humor of Marvel’s Deadpool to life with bold artwork by Zombie Yeti and a design by John Borg. Fast-paced and full of jokes, Deadpool keeps players on their toes with its chaotic multi-ball modes and quirky “chimichanga” shots. The humor and dynamic game features appeal to a wide audience, from newcomers to seasoned pinball competitors. Stern’s clever integration of Deadpool’s sarcastic humor, along with a robust scoring system, makes it an exciting machine for competitive play.
• Congo by Williams (November 1995): Based on the 1995 film Congo, this Williams machine was designed by Brian Eddy and features dramatic, jungle-themed artwork. The game offers challenging shots through ramps and its signature “Diamond Mine” multi-ball mode. Congo became known for its innovative use of audio, with voice clips from the movie adding a layer of immersion to the game. Players love it for its deeper strategy elements, like aiming for the multi-ball jackpots and achieving the “Map of the Jungle” progression.
• Mata Hari by Bally (September 1977): One of the early pinball machines to feature a spy-themed narrative, Mata Hari is a classic from Bally. The design by Larry DeMar combines art deco style with espionage themes, and the gameplay is all about navigating the various spy elements that score points. Known for its challenging ramps and precise flipper control, it requires accuracy and patience to fully unlock the game’s scoring potential.

These machines are not just part of the tournament; they represent the evolution of pinball, from early solid-state machines to the modern, multi-layered games of today. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, there’s something for everyone in this remarkable lineup.

Tournament Winners – Standing Tall After the Final Strike

After all the action, it was Marc Gammons who clinched the win, snagging 1st place at the SCPL: NASA 3X Tuesday tournament, despite coming in with an IFPA rank of 1386. With over 300 tournament events under his belt, Marc’s experience paid off as he outlasted his competitors, including 2nd-place finisher Erich Stinson, ranked 2329. Erich was not far behind, showing great consistency throughout the rounds, while Cory Westfahl (3rd) and Spence Gaskin (4th) put up solid performances but ultimately couldn’t secure the top spots. The last game on Torch proved to be a true test of endurance, and Marc’s victory was well-earned.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the top 10 players in Texas based on their current IFPA standings:

Closing – Congratulations and Keep Flipping

Congrats once again to Marc Gammons, our SCPL: NASA 3X Tuesday champion! This was a tournament packed with drama, unforgettable matches, and some truly epic pinball moments. And if you’re looking for more tournaments to attend or just want to check out a great place to play, The Game Preserve NASA should be at the top of your list. It’s the kind of spot that makes you fall in love with pinball all over again.

Keep flipping, and follow along for more pinball news and events!