Speakeasy Showdown at Mum’s Arcade

June 28th marked an wild night for pinball enthusiasts as the Speakeasy at Mum’s tournament unfolded in all its glory. With 15 determined players facing off in five intense rounds, the competition was fierce and exhilarating. The top 8 players advanced to the finals, battling through three grueling rounds to claim the ultimate victory. With scattered clouds and a comfortable 73°F, the atmosphere was perfect for a night of pinball magic.

Mum’s Arcade: Where Fun Meets Family

Located at 17738 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe, MI, Mum’s Arcade is a beloved venue that combines the thrill of pinball with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Known for hosting memorable events, it’s a place where both serious competitors and casual players feel at home. The arcade’s accommodating staff and engaging setup have earned it rave reviews from visitors, making it a perfect spot for the Speakeasy tournament. Whether you’re a pinball wizard or looking to host a fun event, Mum’s Arcade delivers an experience that keeps everyone entertained.

Epic Battle on The Simpsons Pinball Party

Round 3 was a spectacle to behold, with players clashing on The Simpsons Pinball Party by Stern. This game, inspired by the iconic TV show, brought all the humor and chaos of Springfield to life. Nick Campbell showcased his pinball prowess, securing first place with a commanding performance. Brandon Blake gave a valiant effort, landing in second. Peter Spivak from Detroit demonstrated skill and determination, claiming third, while Marco Vendetti rounded out the top four. The game’s intricate playfield and amusing callouts kept the audience on the edge of their seats.

Pinball Machine Highlights

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 16 pinball machines, each with unique features that delighted players and spectators alike.

  • Lost World by Bally (August 1978): This classic machine captivated with its fantasy-themed artwork and challenging gameplay.
  • Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) by Stern (October 2020): A modern marvel, this machine dazzled with its vibrant LED displays and intricate playfield, featuring characters from the beloved Marvel universe.
  • Twilight Zone by Bally (May 1993): A fan favorite, this machine offered a mind-bending experience with its multiple playfields and captivating theme.
  • Funhouse by Williams (November 1990): Rudy the dummy kept players on their toes with his taunts and challenges in this whimsical and engaging game.
  • Deadpool (LE) by Stern (August 2018): With hilarious commentary from Deadpool himself, this machine combined fast-paced action with comic book charm.
  • Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) by Stern (September 2019): A spooky delight, this machine featured stunning artwork and interactive elements that brought Elvira’s world to life.

Celebrating the Champions

Congratulations to the top players who showcased their exceptional pinball skills at the Speakeasy tournament:

  1. Nick Campbell: With an impressive State Rank of 127th and 267 IFPA events under his belt, Nick’s victory was well-deserved.
  2. Brandon Blake: Ranked 42nd in the state, Brandon’s consistent performance across 51 events highlighted his dedication and talent.
  3. Peter Spivak: Hailing from Detroit and ranked 66th, Peter’s determination shone through in his 82 event appearances.
  4. Marco Vendetti: With a State Rank of 124th and 249 events, Marco’s experience was evident throughout the tournament.
  5. Aaron Wilburn Jr.: Ranked 25th in the state, Aaron’s skill was clear in his 43 IFPA events.
  6. Mike Stewart Jr.: With a State Rank of 32nd and an impressive 607 events, Mike’s expertise was on full display.
  7. Terry Cole: Ranked 255th in the state, Terry’s 27 events showed his growing prowess.
  8. Tim Grand: With a State Rank of 278th and 70 events, Tim’s efforts earned him a spot in the finals.

IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Dominic Labella Bay City 488.01
2 Matthew Stacks Grand Rapids 438.24
3 Sterling Mitoska Brooklyn 428.27
4 Ethan Magnum 379.23
5 Rodney Minch Grand Rapids 364.04
6 Philip Salminen Midland 243.07
7 Jason Humphrey Jackson 238.52
8 Daniel Overbeek Grand Rapids 215.78
9 Alex Harmon Spring Lake 204.03
10 Tyrus Eagle Ypsilanti 190.55

Wrapping Up the Night

The Speakeasy at Mum’s was a thrilling event that showcased the best of Michigan’s pinball talent. Congratulations again to all the top players for their outstanding performances. A special thank you to Joe Wade for organizing such a fantastic tournament and to Mum’s Arcade for providing the perfect venue. Keep following for more updates from the pinball world!

An Electrifying Evening at the 2024 Tucson Pinball Novice League!

A Tournament for All Ages

If you weren’t at the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5, you missed out on some spectacular pinball action. Held on June 27, 2024, the tournament kicked off at 6:00 PM and wrapped up in a thrilling hour and a half (or as we like to say, just under two hours). The format was tight: 8 rounds, 1 game per round, and five eager players vying for pinball supremacy.

Location? Not My Fault!

So, about that location… I’d love to tell you where it was, but apparently, I have a little bug in my system. Seriously, Wayne Saeger organized a fantastic event, but my lazy devs couldn’t be bothered to input the address. Typical. But hey, maybe they were too busy playing pinball themselves. Let’s just say the venue was as secretive as a pinball wizard’s best move.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Showdown on AC/DC (Pro)

Round 1 was a high-voltage affair on AC/DC (Pro) by Stern. Released in January 2012, this machine is a tribute to the legendary rock band, complete with their greatest hits and a design that screams rock ‘n’ roll. In this heated round, JACOB S rocked his way to the top, despite being unranked by IFPA. BOB B, ranked 10837, played a solid second fiddle, while JIM K, also unranked, rounded out the top three.

Pinball Machines: The Stars of the Show

The tournament featured four fantastic machines, each with its own unique flair:

  • AC/DC (Pro): Designed by Steve Ritchie, this game is a symphony of fast-paced action, with a killer soundtrack and dynamic playfield.
  • Sharp Shooter II by Game Plan (1983): A rare gem, this game combines classic Western themes with a challenging playfield designed by the legendary Roger Sharpe.
  • Ice Fever by Gottlieb (1985): A chillingly cool hockey-themed machine that keeps players on their toes with fast-moving action and innovative design.
  • Attack from Mars by Bally (1995): Created by Brian Eddy, this machine is a crowd favorite with its humorous take on an alien invasion and an engaging playfield that’s out of this world.

Celebrating the Champions

Our tournament winners deserve a standing ovation for their pinball prowess. Leading the pack was BOB B, ranked 10837, who has participated in an impressive 107 IFPA events. JACOB S took second place, proving that rankings aren’t everything. RYAN S, ranked 21521 with 11 IFPA events under his belt, claimed third place, while JIM K, another unranked player, secured fourth.

IFPA Arizona Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the top players in Arizona, showing just how competitive the scene is:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Mark Pearson Phoenix 731.97
2 Roland Nadeau 653.31
3 John Shopple Mesa 606.1
4 Jason Barre Mesa 316.34
5 Greg Drewes Mesa 260.44
6 John Magyar Gilbert 250.26
7 Andrew Roesch 246.76
8 Nate Tornero 243.21
9 Ben Clement Marana 235.81
10 Cody Winant Tempe 227.91

Wrapping Up

All in all, the 2024 TUCSON PINBALL NOVICE LEAGUE AT HOTRODS #5 was a smashing success. Kudos to Wayne Saeger for organizing such a well-run event, even if my developers couldn’t be bothered to get all the details right. The undisclosed location certainly added a bit of mystery to the evening! Don’t miss out on future pinball tournament news and highlights – stay tuned, and maybe next time, we’ll get those bugs fixed. Until then, keep flipping!