EinStein’s Matchplay²: A Tournament of Underdogs and Upsets

On February 23, 2025, pinball enthusiasts gathered at EinStein’s Pub & Arcade in Richmond, Texas, for the EinStein’s=MatchplayCompetition². The tournament featured 14 players battling through seven rounds, each consisting of a single game. The top four players advanced to the finals, which included a single round of three games. The competition kicked off at 1:00 PM and wrapped up in about three and a half hours.

EinStein’s Pub & Arcade: Where Pinball Dreams Come True

Nestled at 16733 West Airport Blvd., Suite 290, Richmond, Texas, EinStein’s Pub & Arcade offers a unique blend of classic pub fare and arcade excitement. While the menu might not boast an extensive variety, it pairs well with their drink selection, embodying the essence of traditional bar food. The arcade section is a treasure trove for gaming aficionados, featuring around ten well-maintained pinball machines alongside other engaging games. However, a word to the wise: always check for signage on machines to avoid any hiccups during your gaming spree. For more details, visit their website at https://einsteinspubarcade.com/.

A 76-Minute Spy Thriller on James Bond 007 (LE)

The finals witnessed an epic showdown on Stern’s James Bond 007 (LE), released in September 2022. This machine captures the essence of the legendary spy with an immersive experience featuring classic villains, action-packed modes, and intricate ramps that echo the daring escapes of Agent 007 himself. One of its standout features is the Aston Martin DB5 toy, which can trap the ball and release it for dramatic multiball action.

The game also boasts six different film-based missions, each corresponding to an era of Bond’s espionage. During the tournament, players had to strategize which missions to complete while managing the villain modes that threatened to derail their progress. In a grueling 76-minute battle, each flipper press carried weight, each multiball mode felt like a high-stakes MI6 mission, and by the end, Don Dura secured the victory—perhaps earning himself a license to win.

Spotlight on the Machines: Five Pinball Marvels

Foo Fighters (LE) by Stern (March 2023)

Stern’s Foo Fighters (LE) pays homage to the legendary rock band with electrifying gameplay. Players are treated to a setlist of the band’s greatest hits, complemented by a playfield that captures the energy of a live concert. This machine takes an unconventional approach by weaving a sci-fi story where the Foo Fighters battle an alien overlord attempting to silence music across the galaxy.

Gameplay-wise, the machine is packed with fast-flowing ramps, a unique “van” ball lock mechanism, and an innovative upper playfield where players engage in mini-missions to save the music. Tournament players had to master combo shots and multiball modes triggered by the band’s iconic songs. The machine’s dynamic light show and sound system make every game feel like an arena performance.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (LE) by Stern (June 2020)

Cowabunga! This machine transports players to the streets of New York City, battling villains alongside Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael. Designed for high-speed, high-risk gameplay, TMNT (LE) features a spinning pizza disc that can send balls flying unpredictably and an upper loop that demands pinpoint accuracy.

One of the machine’s defining characteristics is the cooperative play mode, allowing players to join forces in their fight against Shredder and the Foot Clan. During the tournament, competitors had to master the machine’s deep rule set, using their selected turtle’s unique power-up to stack bonuses and execute the highly rewarding team-up attacks.

Monster Bash (Remake LE) by Chicago Gaming (October 2018)

A revival of a classic, Monster Bash brings together Universal’s iconic monsters for a rock concert like no other. This game originally debuted in 1998 and became one of the most sought-after titles in pinball history. Chicago Gaming’s remake enhances the original with modern LED lighting, an upgraded sound system, and a polished playfield, ensuring both nostalgia and contemporary quality for players.

The goal? Assemble the monster band by activating Dracula on vocals, the Creature from the Black Lagoon on bass, the Wolf Man on drums, and so on. Tournament players had to navigate stacking multiballs efficiently while completing the monster modes to achieve the legendary Monsters of Rock wizard mode—a feat that few manage during competitive play.

Celebrating the Champions

A hearty congratulations to the tournament’s top performers:

• 1st Place: Don Dura – Ranked 105th in the state and 2067th in the world, Don is no stranger to competition, having played in 173 IFPA events. He proved that experience and consistency matter, holding his own against a mix of seasoned players and rising challengers. His ability to stay cool under pressure in the grueling James Bond 007 (LE) marathon was the kind of pinball endurance that separates champions from the rest.
• 2nd Place: Ty Katsarelis – Sitting at 75th in Texas with an IFPA rank of 2027, Ty has built a strong reputation in just 42 competitive events. His rapid climb up the rankings suggests he’s a player to watch. While Don had the experience advantage, Ty made him work for every victory, showing that sometimes hunger and raw skill can shake up the established order.
• 3rd Place: Matt Quantz – Representing Houston, Matt brought serious tournament mileage to the competition with a staggering 451 events under his belt. Ranked 131st in Texas and 3475th in the world, his tournament experience showed in his strategic decision-making. He may not have cracked the top two this time, but anyone who plays that many events knows that pinball is a long game—and he’s in it for the big wins ahead.
• 4th Place: Robert Cothran – With only 23 events to his name, Robert was the true underdog of the finals, punching above his ranking at 128th in Texas and 8754th in the world. While the others had triple-digit event counts, Robert brought fresh energy and proved that any given tournament day can produce surprises. Making the finals in a field like this is no small feat, and it’s likely just the beginning of his competitive journey.

Texas IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Flipping the Final Page

The EinStein’s=MatchplayCompetition² was a testament to the vibrant pinball community in Texas. Kudos to Space City Pinball for organizing such a stellar event and to EinStein’s Pub & Arcade for providing an inviting venue. As the sun set over Richmond, players and fans alike left with memories of epic battles, near-miss saves, and thrilling victories.

Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights—keep flipping, and we’ll see you at the next event!