Pinball Pros and Underdogs Clash at Free Gold Watch

The San Francisco Pinball Department’s second Spring 2025 tournament drew a strong crowd on January 29, with 66 players battling it out at Free Gold Watch. Over the course of a single round of five games, participants navigated a lineup of 57 machines, each one testing their skill, patience, and endurance. With clear skies and a crisp 49°F evening, players brought their A-game to this tightly run, two-and-a-half-hour showdown.

Pinball in San Francisco

Free Gold Watch, located at 1767 Waller St. in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, is a favorite for pinball lovers. Originally a screen-printing shop, it now boasts the city’s most extensive pinball selection. The machines are well-maintained, and the lighting setup is ideal—bright enough to play comfortably but without the harsh glare that can ruin a shot. First-time visitors often leave with plans to return, pockets full of quarters and a newfound respect for this local pinball institution.

Did That Game Really Last 142 Minutes?

Something unusual happened in the first round of the tournament: the match somehow clocked in at 142 minutes. Considering the entire tournament wrapped up in 2.5 hours, this seems… unlikely. While I’d love to believe someone mastered the art of infinite multiballs, this one is probably a case of MatchPlay data going off the rails. But since we’re talking about NBA Fastbreak, let’s go over some tournament strategies.

NBA Fastbreak (Bally, 1997) takes a different approach to scoring—no traditional points here. Instead, you’re aiming to rack up basketball scores, with 100 considered an impressive achievement.

• Scoring Basics: Completing shots to spell S-H-O-O-T activates Shoot Around Multiball, which is crucial for maximizing points.
• Fast Breaks: The game’s layout is designed for smooth combos—hitting consecutive ramp shots builds up score multipliers quickly.
• Multiball Madness: One of the best ways to stack points is through Around the World Multiball, which requires sinking shots into different areas of the playfield. If you can keep control of both balls and aim strategically, you’ll have a huge advantage.

Tournament Machines: A Blend of Classics and Modern Hits

The event boasted a lineup of 57 machines, with players navigating a diverse mix of vintage and contemporary games. Here are a few standout titles that shaped the competition:

Eight Ball Deluxe (Bally, 1981): Considered one of the greatest solid-state pinball machines, Eight Ball Deluxe channels the spirit of a smoky pool hall. The game’s rules emphasize skill shots, requiring players to hit targets in numerical order to complete the eight-ball rack. Patience and precision are crucial, making it a thinking player’s game.

Metallica Remastered (LE) (Stern, 2024): The newest iteration of Metallica pinball cranks the volume to 11 with enhanced visuals and a new ruleset. Featuring an array of multiball modes and fan-favorite songs like “Master of Puppets” and “Enter Sandman,” it rewards players who can keep up with its fast pace and high-energy gameplay.

John Wick (Pro) (Stern, 2024): One of the hottest new releases, John Wick throws players into the relentless action of the film series. The machine is designed around combo-building, with shots flowing seamlessly from ramp to ramp. Multiball modes are critical for high scores, and players who can chain together combos will dominate the leaderboards.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (Williams, 1993): A dark, atmospheric game that still terrifies players decades after its release. The game’s famous Mist Multiball—where a ball eerily moves across the playfield as if by supernatural force—adds to its mystique. Tournament players know that stacking multiballs is the best strategy for maximizing points.

Foo Fighters (Premium) (Stern, 2023): This rock band-inspired machine delivers chaotic fun with inventive layouts and unique “Overlord” battle modes. Players must complete mission objectives while being treated to a soundtrack of Foo Fighters’ biggest hits. It’s a game where keeping the ball in play long enough to trigger major bonuses can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Rising to the Top: Tournament Winners

With 66 players in the mix, advancing to the top four required a mix of skill, consistency, and a little bit of luck.

1. James Squires emerged victorious, proving that persistence pays off. Having played in over 100 IFPA events, they brought experience to the table and maneuvered through the competition with steady, tactical gameplay.
2. Dan Dempsey fought his way to second place, showcasing why he holds a solid spot in California’s competitive scene. As a state-ranked player within the top 150 and an IFPA rank of 189, he is no stranger to high-stakes competition and nearly clinched the win.
3. Gabe Da Silveira took third, demonstrating that home-field advantage in San Francisco matters. A veteran of 131 IFPA events, he played with confidence and control, securing a well-earned podium finish.
4. Andrei Massenkoff, a seasoned competitor with over 350 IFPA events under his belt, rounded out the top four. His extensive experience showed as he navigated the field, though he ultimately fell just short of the top spot.

California IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Wrapping Up a Thrilling Night

The SFPD Spring 2025 #2 tournament delivered intense competition and highlighted the strength of San Francisco’s pinball scene. Congratulations to James Squires for navigating a crowded field and claiming the top prize!

Free Gold Watch continues to be a cornerstone of competitive pinball, offering an unmatched variety of machines in a welcoming space. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just discovering the joy of pinball, it’s a location worth visiting.

Stay tuned for more pinball coverage, tournament results, and insights into the best places to flip your way to victory!