High Scores and Heroic Saves: Pinball Monday at Free Play Dallas

On February 10, 2025, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Free Play Dallas for the Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday tournament. The event, organized by the ever-dedicated Chris Delp, kicked off at 7:00 PM and spanned approximately 3.5 hours. Despite the overcast skies and a chilly 44°F evening, the atmosphere inside was electric, filled with the nostalgic sounds of flippers and bumpers.

Stepping into Free Play Dallas: A Gamer’s Paradise

Nestled in the vibrant Trinity Groves neighborhood at 3015 Gulden Lane, Free Play Dallas is a prime destination for both pinball wizards and arcade aficionados. With over 160 arcade and pinball machines set to free play, it’s easy to lose track of time amidst the beeps and boops. The ambiance is a delightful blend of retro charm and modern flair, complemented by a bar serving a vast selection of drinks and a menu featuring unique arcade-inspired bites. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or creating new ones, Free Play Dallas offers an immersive experience that’s hard to beat.

The Mandalorian Showdown: Round 11 Highlights

Round 11 saw an epic duel on The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern, released in May 2021. Designed by Brian Eddy, this game captures the essence of the hit Star Wars series, featuring dynamic missions, intense multiball action, and interactive playfield elements, including a tilting mini-playfield. In this intense match, local favorite Zach Christopoulos faced off against Arlington’s own Daniel Martin. As the game progressed, Zach skillfully navigated the Razor Crest multiball, racking up impressive points. Not to be outdone, Daniel activated This Is The Way mode, showcasing his mastery of the Force. In the end, Zach clinched the top spot for this round, but both players demonstrated prowess worthy of a Mandalorian bounty hunter.

Spotlight on Standout Machines

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 21 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges. Here are some crowd favorites:

• Terminator 2: Judgment Day (Williams, July 1991) – Designed by Steve Ritchie, this machine was the first Williams pinball to feature a dot-matrix display, bringing a new level of immersion to players. It includes an interactive plasma cannon shot, fast-paced ramps, and a rule set that encourages risk-taking with its Super Jackpot feature.
• Pulp Fiction (SE) (Chicago Gaming, March 2023) – Inspired by 80s and early 90s solid-state pinball, this game strips back modern complexity in favor of fast and brutal gameplay. It features movie-inspired modes, inline drop targets, and a satisfying loop shot that rewards skillful play.
• John Wick (Pro) (Stern, May 2024) – One of the newest machines in the tournament, this high-speed shooter immerses players in John Wick’s world with kinetic combos, deep objective-based gameplay, and a thrilling Adjudicator multiball sequence where players must take down waves of enemies.
• Gorgar (Williams, January 1979) – A true classic, Gorgar is known as the first talking pinball machine, featuring a seven-word vocabulary that taunts players as they aim for its signature snake pit. With straightforward but unforgiving gameplay, it remains a test of pure flipper skill.
• Cactus Canyon (Remake LE) (Chicago Gaming, November 2021) – This remake of Bally’s cult-classic Western-themed game brings enhanced animations, deeper rules, and expanded shootouts where players take on outlaws in quick-draw sequences.
• Lethal Weapon 3 (Data East, January 1992) – A chaotic, fast-playing game featuring dynamic callouts from the movie, ramp shots that activate action sequences, and an exhilarating gun handle ball launch, giving players a sense of movie-like control.
• Guardians of the Galaxy (Stern, November 2017) – This game is known for its challenging Orb Multiball, awesome soundtrack featuring songs from the movies, and Groot’s massive mouth serving as a central shot for locking balls.

Celebrating the Champions

After intense competition, the final match on Guardians of the Galaxy determined the tournament’s top players. Daniel Martin showcased exceptional skill, especially during the Cherry Bomb multiball, securing his victory. Congratulations to the winners:

1. Daniel Martin: Hailing from Arlington, Texas, Daniel’s consistent performance throughout the tournament solidified his first-place finish.
2. Chris Delp: The organizer and North Texas native demonstrated impressive skills, earning him the second spot.
3. Zach Christopoulos: Representing Dallas, Zach’s notable plays, especially in Round 11, secured him a commendable third place.
4. John Richardson: From Grand Prairie, John’s strategic gameplay earned him a respectable fourth-place finish.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a snapshot of the current top 10 pinball players in Texas:

Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Evening

The Free Play Dallas Pinball Monday tournament was a resounding success, bringing together a passionate community of players and fans. A hearty congratulations to Daniel Martin for clinching the top spot. For those eager to dive into the vibrant pinball scene or simply relive the excitement, Free Play Dallas offers an unparalleled experience. Stay tuned for more pinball news and upcoming events!