Silverball Sunday 5/5: A Night of Pinball Magic

Pinball Frenzy at Silverball Sunday 5/5

On the evening of May 5, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered at HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom for the Silverball Sunday 5/5 tournament. Starting at 6:35 PM, 18 players faced off in a 5-round format, with one game per round. The competition was fierce, and the action was non-stop for 2 hours and 15 minutes. The scattered clouds and 79°F temperature provided a perfect backdrop for this exciting event, expertly organized by Mark Farina Jr. For more details, check out their website: Multiball Monday.

Revving Engines: The Hot Wheels Showdown

Round 4 featured a standout match on Hot Wheels by American Pinball, released on June 1, 2020. The game’s high-speed theme and vibrant design set the stage for an electrifying showdown. Alex Cardwell zoomed ahead, claiming first place with his skillful maneuvers. Elaine Hecht from Chandler, AZ, put up a great fight to secure second place. Chris Madison and John Magyar from Arizona added to the high-octane excitement, making this a race to remember.

Celebrating the Silverball Sunday Champions

A round of applause for the top players who showcased their pinball prowess:

  1. Alex Cardwell (IFPA rank 874) – With 238 IFPA events, Alex’s experience and precision earned him the top spot.
  2. Mark Farina Jr from Gilbert, Arizona (IFPA rank 2366) – Mark’s strategic play and home advantage secured him a well-deserved second place in his 102nd event.
  3. Alex Kee from Stardust (IFPA rank 4765) – Alex’s impressive performance landed them in third place in just their 37th event.
  4. Walter Dony from Phoenix (IFPA rank 375) – Walter’s consistent gameplay earned him fourth place in his 142nd event.

Spotlight on the Pinball Machines

The tournament featured a fantastic selection of 9 pinball machines. Here are five that stole the spotlight:

  • JAWS (Pro) by Stern (released January 04, 2024): Dive into the thrilling world of JAWS with intense gameplay and immersive features.
  • Venom (Pro) by Stern (released July 15, 2023): Experience the dark and edgy universe of Venom with fast-paced action and striking visuals.
  • Foo Fighters (Premium/LE) by Stern (released March 01, 2023): Rock out with the Foo Fighters in this high-energy pinball adventure.
  • Rush (Pro) by Stern (released January 01, 2022): Journey through the iconic music of Rush with intricate design and engaging gameplay.
  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (released August 01, 2018): Join Deadpool in a humorous and action-packed pinball quest with vibrant artwork and exciting modes.

HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom: A Pinball Paradise

HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom, located at 5055 W Ray Rd #2, Chandler, AZ, was the perfect venue for this pinball extravaganza. The atmosphere was lively, and the addition of a kitchen soon means even more delights for visitors. With a solid selection of pinball machines and a welcoming vibe, it’s a must-visit for any pinball fan. Check out more about them at HOP Central Brewery.

Thank You and Stay Tuned

A big thank you to Mark Farina Jr for organizing this fantastic tournament and to HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom for hosting us in their wonderful venue. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting events from the world of pinball!

Until next time, keep those flippers flipping!

Highlights from the Space City: Belles & Chimes Houston April 2024

Overview of the Event

The Space City: Belles & Chimes Houston April 2024 pinball tournament took place on a warm and partly cloudy afternoon at Wormhole in Houston, Texas. This engaging event, organized by Space City Pinball, spanned nearly 4.5 hours and saw 43 competitors engage in fierce pinball action. The tournament structure consisted of 5 rounds, with each player striving to accumulate the highest total points across 2 games per round to clinch victory.

Featured Game Breakdown

One of the tournament’s highlights occurred in Round 3 on Galactic Tank Force (Signature) by American Pinball. This intense match showcased a formidable display of skill and strategy, with Kyrra Warren taking the lead, followed closely by Valli Irvine, Lauren Drullinger, and Leslie Speights. Their performances underscored the competitive spirit and high stakes of the tournament.

Tournament Champions

Congratulations to the tournament’s overall winners who stood out with their exceptional pinball skills:

  • Alice Young topped the charts, leveraging her experience across 125 IFPA events.
  • Tracy Abrahams showcased their prowess in a very competitive field, marking their 162nd IFPA event.
  • Veronica Seymour made a significant impact with her third-place finish in only her 7th IFPA event.
  • Elizabeth Dronet continued to demonstrate why she is a stalwart of the pinball community with her consistent high-level play.

Pinball Machine Highlights

The tournament featured an eclectic mix of 24 pinball machines, each offering unique challenges and excitement:

  • Warlok by Williams (1982): Known for its intricate playfield and mystical themes.
  • Star Trek: The Next Generation by Williams (1993): Engages players in space exploration missions with its deep rule set.
  • High Speed by Williams (1986): A fast-paced game that tests reflexes and timing.
  • Cosmic Princess by Allied Leisure (1979): A rare gem that provided a retro pinball experience with classic mechanics.
  • Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (2016): Always a favorite, with its engaging modes and interactive gameplay.
  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern (2018): Combines humor and action for an entertaining game experience.
  • Jim Henson’s Labyrinth by Barrels of Fun (2023): Recently released, offering fresh challenges with its innovative design.
  • James Bond 007 (LE) by Stern (2022): Delivers espionage-themed excitement and sophisticated play features.
  • Future Queen by Bell Games (1987): Captures the essence of the 80s arcade with its vibrant art and gameplay.

Venue and Atmosphere

Though the Wormhole in Houston doesn’t have extensive reviews, the venue provided a perfect setting for a pinball showdown, with enough space and ambiance to keep the adrenaline pumping and flippers flipping throughout the event.

Appreciation and Acknowledgments

A special thank you to Christina Cheeseman and the team at Space City Pinball for organizing such a thrilling event and to Wormhole for hosting the tournament. Their efforts ensured a smooth and memorable competition for all involved.

Spring Fling at the Belles & Chimes SATX Tournament

Highlights from the Tournament

On the balmy evening of April 12, 2024, the Belles & Chimes SATX – Spring 2024 #2 pinball tournament unfolded at What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters in San Antonio. This engaging event, masterfully organized by Christina Cheeseman, spanned approximately 2.5 hours. The air was crisp with a hint of broken clouds as 14 players dove into 5 rounds of pinball magic, each round consisting of 2 games. The culmination of their efforts led the top 4 scorers into a gripping finals round that featured three games to determine the ultimate winners.

Spotlight on a Stellar Game

The tournament kicked off with a remarkable session on Led Zeppelin (LE) by Stern, setting a high standard for skill and competition. Cinthia Guadiana clinched the top spot in this round, leading Nadia Didehbani, Hope Love, and Stephanie Stone through a tough battle that showcased their impressive abilities and strategic play.

Celebrating the Victors

A huge congratulations to Cinthia Guadiana, who emerged as the tournament champion with her strategic prowess, followed closely by Nadia Didehbani from Austin, TX. Hope Love and Stephanie Stone also showed commendable skill and determination, securing the third and fourth positions respectively.

Tour of the Tables

This tournament featured an impressive collection of 46 pinball machines, providing a diverse playing field for all participants. Key machines included:

  • Champion Pub by Bally (1998): A boxing-themed game that challenges players to a virtual fight in the ring.
  • Fish Tales by Williams (1992): Known for its angling antics and fast-paced play.
  • Evel Knievel by Bally (1977): A classic game that pays homage to the legendary daredevil.
  • Stranger Things (Pro) by Stern (2019): Captures the essence of the popular series with immersive gameplay.
  • Surfer by Gottlieb (1976): Takes players on a nostalgic ride with its retro surfing theme.
  • Hot Wheels by American Pinball (2020): Revs up the excitement with racing-themed action and dynamic visuals.
  • Ghostbusters (Pro) by Stern (2016): Offers a ghost-hunting adventure filled with supernatural fun.
  • Congo by Williams (1995): Takes players deep into the jungle with its adventurous and exploratory gameplay.

A Coffee Shop with Character

The venue, What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters, provided a unique and laid-back setting that perfectly complemented the night’s festivities. The ambiance was relaxed and welcoming, making it a hit among attendees who enjoyed not only the pinball but also the excellent coffee and delightful treats like hot cocoa with extra whipped cream and cinnamon rolls.

Gratitude and Goodbyes

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Christina Cheeseman for organizing a seamless and enjoyable pinball tournament and to What’s Brewing? Coffee Roasters for hosting us in such a charming and eclectic space. Their efforts made the evening not only a competition but a memorable gathering for everyone involved.

Keep flipping through GobbleHole for more updates and features from the pinball world!

Multiball Mayhem: A Recap of the Multiball Sunday Showdown

An Evening of Pinball Perfection

The Multiball Sunday 4/7 pinball tournament, a whirlwind of flippers and silver balls, descended upon HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom in Chandler, Arizona, wrapping up in a swift 2 hours and 30 minutes. Organized by the indefatigable Mark Farina Jr, whose passion for pinball shines through on https://multiballmonday.com/, the event brought together 21 pinball enthusiasts for a fierce but friendly competition under the clear Arizona sky.

Godzilla Roars in Round 1

The tournament hit the ground running with a fierce competition on the Godzilla (Pro) machine. John Magyar, hailing from the local pinball community, showcased his skills and secured the top spot, setting a high standard for the rounds to follow. This match was more than just a game; it was a testament to the precision and strategy that pinball demands.

Champions of the Silver Ball

As the final ball drained and the scores were tallied, Andy Olson emerged as the tournament victor, demonstrating consistent excellence across all rounds. Not far behind, Mark Farina Jr himself showed that he’s as skilled in playing as he is in organizing, claiming the second spot. Alex Cardwell and John Magyar rounded out the top four, each leaving their mark on the tournament with their remarkable gameplay.

A Showcase of Pinball Wizardry

The tournament featured a diverse lineup of 9 pinball machines, each bringing its own flavor to the competition. Players had the opportunity to test their skills on recent hits like James Bond 007 (Pro) and Venom (Pro), the adrenaline-pumping Rush (Pro), the rock-inspired Foo Fighters (Premium/LE), and the racing excitement of Hot Wheels. Each machine offered a unique challenge, adding to the overall excitement of the event.

A Hub of Community and Craft Beer

HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom proved to be the perfect backdrop for this pinball showdown. Known for its exceptional selection of craft beers and welcoming staff, it’s a favorite spot among Chandler locals not just for the drinks, but also for the vibrant community events like this pinball tournament. The inviting atmosphere and the opportunity to bring in food from nearby eateries made the evening all the more enjoyable.

A Round of Applause

As we flip back through the memories of this fantastic evening, a huge thank you goes out to Mark Farina Jr for organizing a seamless and thrilling tournament, and to HOP Central Brewing Co and Taproom for hosting us in their wonderful space. The Multiball Sunday 4/7 tournament was a celebration of skill, strategy, and community, reminding us why we keep coming back to the pinball tables. Here’s to many more flips, wins, and cheers in the future!