Terry’s Terrace Hosts Intense Pinball Action at the Speakeasy Special

The Speakeasy Special at DK Arcade brought together 18 players for an afternoon full of competition, strategy, and, of course, plenty of pinball. Held on January 12, 2025, at Terry’s Terrace, the event faced off against overcast skies and chilly temperatures, but the atmosphere inside was warm and lively. With 5 rounds of single-game play to determine the top 8 finalists, the day wrapped up in just under 4 hours, providing plenty of thrills for both players and spectators.

Terry’s Terrace Where Classic Meets Cozy

Terry’s Terrace, located at 36470 Jefferson in Harrison Township, MI, is a place that feels like home the moment you walk through the door. Known for its friendly atmosphere, it has become a staple in the community, offering great food, a welcoming staff, and, of course, an arcade that always draws in families. The festive holiday decorations add a special charm, and the local fans are always ready to enjoy a game of pinball while catching a bit of football. If you’re looking for a spot to get your pinball fix with a side of classic diner vibes, this is the place to be.

Attack from Mars – A Close Encounter with Victory

Round 1 saw some truly exciting action on Attack from Mars (Bally, 1995), a game that’s as iconic as it is fun. In this session, the player who truly shone was Mike Stewart Jr. (State Rank: 55th), whose skills under pressure made him stand out from the pack. With his expert use of the “Martian Multiball” mode, Mike managed to rack up impressive points while keeping his cool despite the tense competition. Rob Simmons (State Rank: 59th) followed closely behind, holding his own with solid shots and a strong approach to the game’s various modes. Meanwhile, Daniel Walczak and Mish Bingham battled it out for the third spot, with Walczak’s well-timed ramps and Bingham’s precision on the martian saucer shots making the round even more engaging.

Pinball Machines at the Speakeasy Special

The tournament featured a variety of machines, each with its own unique design and gameplay quirks. Here are a few standouts:

• The Mandalorian (Pro) (Stern, May 2021): This machine has taken the pinball world by storm with its deep integration of Star Wars themes, from Bounty Hunter modes to the exciting “The Child” feature that adds an element of surprise to every shot. The art package is stunning, with vibrant colors and animations that pop off the screen.
• Godzilla (Premium/LE) (Stern, September 2021): This machine’s premium features, including a movable Godzilla toy and a destructible building, set it apart. The game’s modes bring to life the destruction of Tokyo, and the ramp shots really stand out for their satisfying feel.
• Monopoly (Stern, September 2001): A favorite for its fun and playful theme, Monopoly brings out the gambler in every player. The various modes involve collecting properties, and the game’s random outcomes always keep players on their toes.
• JAWS (Pro) (Stern, January 2024): Released just this year, this new JAWS machine is already making waves. Its dynamic shark feature adds both challenge and excitement, and the integration of classic movie quotes creates a nostalgic vibe for fans of the film.
• Monster Bash (Williams, July 1998): One of the most beloved machines in the pinball world, Monster Bash combines fantastic humor and great mechanics. With its multiple modes focused on gathering the classic monster characters, it’s a game that both newcomers and seasoned pros love.

The Top Players Take the Spotlight

The Speakeasy Special’s top finishers showed incredible skill and determination throughout the day, but it was the experience that helped set them apart. Here’s a breakdown of how they performed:

1. Brandon Blake – St. Clair Shores, MI
   Ranked 30th in the state and with 66 IFPA events under his belt, Brandon proved why he’s consistently in the top tier. His experience and steady play style were evident throughout the day, especially when the pressure was on. Securing the win was no easy task, but his confident approach and knowledge of the games kept him at the forefront, outshining even more highly ranked players.
2. Mike Stewart Jr.
   As the 55th-ranked player in the state and a veteran of 653 IFPA events, Mike has a lot of experience in high-stakes tournaments. His performance here in the Speakeasy Special reflected that, as he clinched second place after an intense showdown in the finals. Despite not being ranked in the top 50, Mike’s skill on machines like Attack from Mars helped him edge out other competitors with less experience.
3. Brent Edwards – Berkley, MI
   Coming in at 79th in the state and with a solid 147 IFPA events to his name, Brent showed that experience matters. Though he didn’t take the top spot, his performance in this tournament was impressive, particularly on games that required precise shots and quick thinking. Brent’s third-place finish was a testament to his consistency and understanding of the game flow.
4. Marco Vendetti
   Ranked 97th in the state with 261 IFPA events, Marco fought hard in the earlier rounds. His resilience kept him in the running all the way to the final moments, but in the end, it was his cautious approach on high-pressure shots that kept him from reaching the podium.
5. Rob Simmons – Ann Arbor, MI
   Ranked 59th in the state, Rob’s performance was one of the surprises of the tournament. With just eight IFPA events under his belt, he might not have had the same deep experience as some of the other players, but his sharp strategy and clever play in Attack from Mars allowed him to navigate through tough competition and secure a top-five finish.
6. Isaiah Bingham – Ann Arbor, MI
   Ranked 109th in the state, Isaiah’s 55 IFPA events gave him a strong foundation. Though his play in the finals didn’t result in a podium finish, his focus and adaptability through the rounds showed he’s more than capable of holding his own in competitive pinball.
7. Daniel Walczak
   State-ranked 36th and a seasoned player with 204 IFPA events, Daniel brought some serious firepower to the tournament. However, despite his impressive ranking and experience, his performance here wasn’t enough to get him higher than 7th place. That said, his quick thinking and ability to take calculated risks still made him a tough contender for the others.
8. Mish Bingham – Ann Arbor, MI
   Mish, who ranks 169th in the state and has played in just five IFPA events, put up a solid fight throughout the day. His sharp reflexes and ability to make key shots when needed kept him competitive, but ultimately he couldn’t break into the top spots. Still, his determination and skill were evident as he battled through the competition.

Michigan IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s the current leaderboard for Michigan’s top 10 pinball players:

Another One for the Books

A huge thanks to Joe Wade for organizing such an engaging and seamless tournament, and to Terry’s Terrace for hosting with style. Despite the overcast skies and cold air outside, the tournament inside was nothing but electric. Make sure to check back for future tournament news and updates—you won’t want to miss out on the action! If you’re ever in the Harrison Township area, don’t forget to stop by Terry’s for a bite, and be sure to take in the beauty of the nearby Metro Beach. See you at the next one!