91 Minutes of Pinball Madness: Space City Winter League Delivers a Thriller

Greetings, pinball wizards and enthusiasts! The recent Space City: Eureka Heights Winter League #5 tournament was a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and a dash of overcast ambiance. Held on February 12, 2025, at the vibrant Eureka Heights Brew Co., 36 players gathered to flip, tilt, and nudge their way through two intense rounds, each featuring three games. The competition spanned approximately 4.5 hours, keeping everyone on their toes from start to finish.

Eureka Heights Brew Co.: Where Beer Meets Pinball Magic

Located at 941 West 18th St in Houston, Texas, Eureka Heights Brew Co. isn’t just a brewery; it’s a haven for those who appreciate finely crafted beers and the nostalgic charm of pinball. The spacious interior offers a clear view of the brewing equipment, making patrons feel like they’re part of the brewing process. With both indoor seating and a welcoming patio, there’s ample space to relax, sip on a diverse selection of beers, and, of course, challenge friends to a pinball duel. The addition of pinball machines adds a playful twist, ensuring that both beer aficionados and pinball enthusiasts find common ground.

Epic Showdown: The 91-Minute Dungeons & Dragons Duel

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the marathon match on Stern’s Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye (Pro), a machine that debuted just last month. This game, inspired by the rich lore of D&D, features an animatronic dragon named Rath the Relentless, who challenges players with his dynamic movements and pinball-spewing antics. In Round 2, players faced off against Rath in a grueling 91-minute battle. Ty Katsarelis emerged victorious, showcasing not only his pinball prowess but also his endurance. Jim Mueller secured second place, with Craig Hughes and Brenden Macaluso rounding out the top spots. This match was a testament to the game’s intricate design and the players’ unwavering determination.

Spotlight on the Machines: Five Pinball Titans

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 18 pinball machines. Here are five that stood out:

• Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams (1993): Designed by the legendary Steve Ritchie, this wide-body machine immerses players in the Star Trek universe with missions that mirror episodes from the beloved series. Notably, it features voice recordings from all eight main cast members, enhancing the authenticity. The game is packed with interactive elements, including dual cannons that launch balls at targets and a Borg ship that presents a formidable challenge. Its complex rule set and engaging gameplay have solidified its status as a classic in the pinball community.

• Batman 66 (Premium) by Stern (2016): Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic 1960s TV series, this machine brings the campy charm of Gotham City to life. Players can engage with classic villains like the Joker, the Riddler, and Catwoman, all while being guided by custom voiceovers from Adam West and Burt Ward. A standout feature is the interactive crane toy, reminiscent of the one from Stern’s earlier “Batman: The Dark Knight” game, adding a dynamic element to the playfield. The game also boasts a full-color high-definition display, showcasing actual footage from the original series, which enhances the nostalgic experience.

• Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern (2020): Designed by Keith Elwin, this machine invites players to join Earth’s mightiest heroes in a quest to thwart Thanos. The playfield is rich with features, including a gravity-defying Avengers Tower magnetic lock ramp that captures pinballs in midair, setting the stage for Iron Man Multiball. The interactive Dr. Strange spinning kinetic sling ring disc aids in opening portals and starting Infinity Gem quests. Additionally, the game includes custom intricate wireform ramps, a Thor captive ball, and a Hulk spinning target, all contributing to a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience.

• Pulp Fiction (SE) by Chicago Gaming (2023): This machine transports players into Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic film with a retro-inspired design reminiscent of 1970s pinball. The playfield, crafted by designer Mark Ritchie, features over 250 iconic lines of dialogue and five licensed songs from the movie’s soundtrack, including “Misirlou” and “Jungle Boogie.” A notable feature is the mysterious briefcase that opens and lights up during certain modes, adding a unique visual effect. The game also includes a “Royale With Cheese” burger sculpt, custom figures of Vincent Vega and Jules Winnfield, and a Pawn Shop multi-ball lock mechanism, all contributing to an immersive experience that captures the essence of the film.

• Rick and Morty (SE) by Spooky Pinball (2019): Based on the popular animated series, this machine takes players on interdimensional adventures with the eccentric duo. The game features custom voice lines from the show’s cast, a unique layout with portal-themed shots, and various modes that reference fan-favorite episodes. The interactive “Slam Ring” and “Anti-Gravity” features add to the chaotic and entertaining gameplay, making it a hit among both pinball enthusiasts and fans of the show.

Celebrating the Champions: A Round of Applause

A hearty congratulations to the tournament’s top performers:

• 1st Place: Travis Hanna, ranked 12th in the state and 927th globally, showcased his extensive experience from 284 IFPA events to clinch the top spot.

• 2nd Place: Elizabeth Dronet, hailing from Space City Houston, demonstrated remarkable skill, advancing from her 161st state ranking and 2633rd IFPA ranking, with participation in 442 events.

• 3rd Place: Daniel Koba, representing The Woodlands, TX, leveraged his experience from 159 events to secure his position, moving up from 147th in the state and 3846th globally.

• 4th Place: Don Dura, with a state rank of 215th and an IFPA rank of 2031, showcased his dedication across 169 events to round out the top contenders.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

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

Wrapping Up: Until the Next Tilt

As the final ball drained and the tournament wrapped up, one thing was clear—Space City Pinball delivered yet another fantastic competition. The mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars made for some intense matchups, and the selection of machines ensured that every player had a chance to showcase their skills. Eureka Heights Brew Co. proved to be the perfect setting, with great beer, a welcoming atmosphere, and a lineup of pins that kept players engaged all night long.

That 91-minute showdown on Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye will definitely go down in tournament lore—proof that pinball isn’t just about quick reactions, but also endurance, patience, and maybe a little bit of dragon-slaying luck.

Keep your flippers up and your tilts in check—there are always more tournaments to come. Until next time, may your multiballs be plentiful and your outlanes merciful!