Valentine’s Day was less about romance and more about ruthless competition at A Table For Two: Split Flip 2025, where 42 players gathered for a battle of endurance. This group knockout tournament pushed competitors through 13 rounds, with players racking up strikes until only the strongest remained. With three-strike eliminations in play, every match had the potential to shake up the standings. After five and a half hours of intense gameplay, the pinball warriors of San Antonio crowned a new champion.
Where Coffee Meets Flippers
What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters is no ordinary café—it’s a pinball hideaway disguised as a coffee shop. Tucked away in San Antonio, this spot offers a laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere, with an impressive lineup of machines and a solid caffeine selection to keep players wired for competition. The industrial vibe gives it a cool edge, while the hidden pinball rooms add a sense of discovery. And if you’re into trying something different, their mint chocolate cold brew comes highly recommended. Whether you’re chasing high scores or just chilling with a cup of decaf, this place has you covered.
Spy Games: A Standout Battle on James Bond 007
Right from Round 1, the action kicked off with a thrilling match on James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern. Much like a Bond mission, this game demands precise shots, quick thinking, and the ability to escape disaster. Designed by George Gomez, this machine is packed with references to classic Bond films, including the innovative Jetpack Multiball and the Q Branch Mode, which can turn the tide of a game. Eugenio Gonzalez, ranked 213th in Texas, played like a secret agent on a mission, skillfully navigating the multiball chaos and snagging first place. David Bailey, a local San Antonio competitor, held his own and locked in second. Meanwhile, the duo of Jeannie & Dan found themselves shaken (but not stirred) in third, and Alexa Hart, despite her respectable state rank of 138th, landed in fourth. Just goes to show, even on a spy mission, anything can happen.
Machines That Made an Impact
With 49 different machines in the tournament lineup, players had plenty of chances to showcase their skills. Some standouts included:
- Indianapolis 500 (Bally, 1995) – Designed by Dennis Nordman, this machine is as fast-paced as the real-life IndyCar race, featuring a Turbo Boost shot and Light Lock system to keep the action rolling. The playfield includes a unique Speedway Orbit that challenges players to nail precise ramp shots at high speeds.
- Ghostbusters (Premium) (Stern, 2016) – This machine, designed by John Trudeau, is infamous for its brutal outlanes and Scoleri Brothers Drop Targets, which pop up at the worst possible times. Featuring callouts from the original cast and a satisfying Mass Hysteria Multiball, it’s a ghostly challenge for even the most skilled players.
- Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure (Williams, 1993) – One of the most beloved wide-body pins ever made, this machine features four multiballs, a Path of Adventure upper playfield, and clips from the first three Indiana Jones films. Designed by Mark Ritchie, it remains a grail game for many collectors.
- Diner (Williams, 1990) – A classic System 11 game by Mark Ritchie, this machine invites players to serve up orders to a cast of quirky customers. Its Cup Multiball and Cash Register Jackpot make for an incredibly fun, high-energy game.
- NBA Fastbreak (Bally, 1997) – One of the few sports-themed pins that truly captures its theme, this machine integrates a basketball scoreboard system and even allows for full head-to-head gameplay. The fast-paced scoring and dunk animations make it a blast.
- White Water (Williams, 1993) – A true flow masterpiece, this game by Dennis Nordman features a unique Whirlpool Ramp, a treacherous upper playfield, and one of the most satisfying jackpot shots in pinball history.
- The Addams Family (Bally, 1992) – The best-selling pinball machine of all time, this Pat Lawlor-designed game introduced the now-iconic Thing Hand, Electric Chair Multiball, and the addictive Tour the Mansion mode.
Victory Tastes Sweet (Like a Good Cup of Coffee)
When the dust settled, it was Mario Garza who emerged victorious. Coming in at 118th in the Texas rankings, Mario showed that experience (47 total IFPA events) counts when it matters most. Emmett Gronnevik secured second place, proving that persistence in 101 events pays off. Jessica DeNardo, a veteran with 315 events under her belt, took third, adding yet another strong finish to her record. And rounding out the top four was Lori Love, whose 214 IFPA events of experience helped her push through the knockout gauntlet. Congrats to all these players for their skill and determination!
Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Garrett Shahan | Southlake | 185.1 |
| 2 | Clark McCoy | Southlake | 94.57 |
| 3 | Jonathon Morales | Austin | 94.07 |
| 4 | Eric Anderson | Fort Worth | 78.32 |
| 5 | Thomas Shipman | Arlington | 78.29 |
| 6 | Michael Hew | 73.01 | |
| 7 | Andrew Hassell | 69.21 | |
| 8 | Travis Hanna | Conroe | 57.23 |
| 9 | John Walter | 56.71 | |
| 10 | Daniel Martin | Arlington | 56.3 |
Finishing It Up
A Table for Two: Split Flip 2025 was an absolute blast, thanks to the incredible pinball community, an exciting lineup of machines, and the top-tier hosting by What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters. A big shout-out to Christina Cheeseman for organizing such a well-run event. And of course, congratulations to Mario Garza for taking home the win!
Stay tuned for more pinball action, and if you enjoyed this tournament recap, give it a rating below. See you on the flippers!
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