Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday: A Night to Remember

Where the Magic Happens

Free Play Arlington is the ultimate destination for pinball enthusiasts. Located at 400 East South Street, Arlington, TX, this arcade is a haven for both casual gamers and hardcore pinball wizards. With an entrance fee that promises you more bang for your buck, Free Play Arlington boasts an impressive collection of classic and modern arcade games. From Guitar Hero and NBA Jam to an array of pinball machines that cater to all tastes, the games here are meticulously maintained, ensuring an optimal gaming experience. And let’s not forget the bar – while the food might be a tad pricey, it’s worth every penny. Check out their website for more details: Free Play Arlington.

Tournament Overview

The Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday held on July 1, 2024, was a spectacle of skill and strategy. With 36 players battling it out in 5 rounds of intense pinball action, the top 8 players advanced to the finals. The event, organized by Chris Delp, spanned 2 hours and 30 minutes, filled with nail-biting moments and spectacular comebacks. Under the clear skies and a sweltering 97°F, the tournament was a perfect summer showdown. For more details about the event, visit here.

Epic Showdown on Avengers: Infinity Quest

The semifinals saw an electrifying match on the Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) pinball machine. This game, themed around the epic Marvel saga, set the stage for an intense battle. Garrett Shahan, ranked 1st in the state and 98th in the IFPA, demonstrated unparalleled mastery, outmaneuvering Greg Gibson from Plano, TX, Clark McCoy from Denton, TX, and Daniel Martin. Garrett’s precise shots and strategic use of the game’s multiball feature led him to victory, mirroring the triumphs of the Avengers themselves.

Pinball Machines That Stole the Show

The tournament featured 23 stellar pinball machines. Here are a few highlights:

  • The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern: Released in May 2021, this game immerses players in the Star Wars universe, featuring missions and battles that capture the essence of the hit TV series.
  • Star Wars (Pro) by Stern: This June 2017 release takes players on a journey through the original trilogy, with iconic characters and memorable scenes.
  • Attack from Mars by Bally: A classic from January 1995, known for its humor and engaging gameplay as players defend Earth from a Martian invasion.
  • JAWS (Pro) by Stern: The newest addition from January 2024, this game brings the suspense of the iconic film to life, challenging players with thrilling objectives.
  • Metallica (Pro) by Stern: Released in April 2013, this machine is a must-play for fans of the legendary band, featuring their greatest hits and electrifying modes.
  • Godzilla (Pro) by Stern: Since September 2021, players have been battling the king of monsters in this action-packed game.

The Champions of the Night

The finals culminated in a dramatic showdown on Cyclone, manufactured by Williams. Here’s how the top players ranked:

  1. Steven McMullin from Stephenville, TX, claimed the top spot. With a state rank of 34th and an IFPA rank of 1365, Steven’s consistent performance and strategic prowess secured his victory.
  2. Clark McCoy from Denton, TX, finished in second place. His impressive state rank of 4th and IFPA rank of 449 highlight his dedication and skill in the pinball arena.
  3. Brian Krivonak from Corpus Christi, TX, took third place. Ranked 12th in the state and 288th in the IFPA, Brian’s experience and precision were evident throughout the tournament.
  4. Daniel Martin, with a state rank of 39th and an IFPA rank of 1095, rounded out the top four, showcasing his competitive spirit.

IFPA Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Garrett Shahan Denton 663.23
2 Jack Revnew The Woodlands 428.56
3 Wesley Johnson College Station 328.64
4 Clark McCoy Denton 315.16
5 Gilbert Herrera San Antonio 272.99
6 Ray Ford Austin 262.31
7 Lee Balusek Conroe 254.95
8 Colin MacAlpine Austin 251.96
9 Keith Shahan Abilene 248.21
10 Ken Kemp Collinsville 237.39

Wrapping Up

The Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday was a night to remember, filled with spectacular plays and memorable moments. Congratulations to Steven McMullin for his outstanding victory. If you’re ever in Arlington, make sure to visit Free Play Arlington for an unforgettable arcade experience. Stay tuned for more pinball news and updates on past events!

Pinball Pandemonium: A Night at Free Play Arlington

June 3, 2024, was a night to remember for pinball enthusiasts at Free Play Arlington. The Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday event brought together 39 players, each vying for the top spot in a thrilling series of matches. With overcast skies and a cozy temperature of 77°F, the atmosphere was perfect for some heated competition.

The Battle Begins

As the clock struck 7:00 PM, the games kicked off with players diving into five intense rounds, each round featuring one game. The competition was fierce and after nearly three hours of flipping, nudging, and high scores, the top 8 players emerged to face off in the finals.

Rockin’ Semifinals on Rush

One of the standout moments of the night was the semifinal match on Stern’s Rush (Pro) pinball machine. This game, inspired by the legendary rock band Rush, set the stage for an epic showdown. The players’ intense focus mirrored the frenetic energy of Rush’s music, with every flip and bumper hit echoing the band’s iconic rhythms. Garrett Shahan, IFPA rank 105, played like a maestro, hitting all the right notes to secure first place in this crucial game. Keith Shahan, from Abilene, Texas, and Nathan McMullin from Texas followed closely, but it was Garrett who truly rocked the scoreboard.

And the Winners Are…

After all the dust settled, the tournament champions stood proudly at the top. Here’s a shout-out to the winners:

  1. Jack Revnew – IFPA rank 86
  2. Nathan McMullin – IFPA rank 3675
  3. Chuck Hill – IFPA rank 24786
  4. Rick Miller – IFPA rank 412

Each player brought their unique flair to the tournament, and their final placements reflect their dedication and skill in the pinball arena.

Marvelous Machines

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of 24 different pinball machines, each with its unique charm. Highlights included:

  • Rush (Pro) by Stern: Released in January 2022, this previously mentioned machine pays homage to the legendary band Rush, with intricate playfield designs and challenging gameplay.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy by Stern: With its cosmic theme and vibrant artwork, this November 2017 release transports players into the universe of Star-Lord and his crew.
  • Rollergames by Williams: A retro gem from June 1990, combining fast-paced pinball action with the excitement of roller derby.
  • Godzilla (Pro) by Stern: Released in September 2021, this machine brings the King of Monsters to life with thrilling multi-ball modes and epic battles.
  • JAWS (Pro) by Stern: The latest addition from January 2024, offering a jaw-dropping experience with a terrifyingly good theme.
  • Deadpool (Pro) by Stern: Launched in August 2018, this machine captures the irreverent humor and action-packed adventures of the merc with a mouth.
  • Metallica (Pro) by Stern: Rock out with this April 2013 release featuring music and imagery from the iconic metal band.
  • Black Knight: Sword of Rage (Premium) by Stern: From March 2019, this game challenges players with medieval-themed gameplay and the infamous Black Knight.
  • James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern: A September 2022 release, letting players step into the shoes of the world’s most famous spy.

A Retro Haven

Free Play Arcade – Arlington provided the perfect backdrop for the tournament. Located at 400 East South Street, Arlington, TX, this arcade is a nostalgic paradise. With a fantastic selection of retro games, delicious food, and refreshing beverages, it’s a haven for gamers. The $11.99 all-day pass offers unbeatable value, and the no-minors policy after 9 PM ensures a mature, fun-filled environment.

Texas Pinball Top 10 Standings

Here’s a look at the current top players in Texas:

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Garrett Shahan Denton 501.9
2 Jack Revnew The Woodlands 347.95
3 Clark McCoy Denton 241.25
4 Colin MacAlpine Austin 238.33
5 Wesley Johnson College Station 234.61
6 Lee Balusek Conroe 228.51
7 Ken Kemp Collinsville 225.44
8 Keith Shahan Abilene 197.53
9 Travis Hanna 194.57
10 Nicholas Gustafson Spring 181.66

Wrapping Up

A huge thank you to Chris Delp for organizing this fantastic event and to Free Play Arcade for hosting us in their incredible venue. Congratulations to Jack Revnew for taking the top spot and to all the players who participated and made this tournament a memorable one. Stay tuned for more pinball action and stories from the Bride of Pinbot!

Pinball Excitement at Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday

A Night to Remember: Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday (5/6/24)

On May 6, 2024, pinball enthusiasts gathered at Free Play Arlington for an electrifying evening of competition. The event, starting at 7:00 PM, featured 26 players battling it out over 5 rounds, with one game per round. The top 8 advanced to the Finals, which consisted of 2 intense rounds. The entire tournament lasted 2 hours and 30 minutes under overcast skies with a warm 81°F temperature. Kudos to organizer Chris Delp for putting together such an exciting event. For more details, visit Free Play Arlington Pinball.

Shark Attack: The JAWS Semifinal Showdown

The semifinals brought an unforgettable match on JAWS (Pro) by Stern, released on January 4, 2024. Just like the terrifying thrill of the movie, the game kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX, took the top spot, displaying impeccable skill. Garrett Shahan followed closely, with Boss Hernandez from Dallas and Savannah Archuleta from Corinth, TX, adding to the suspense and excitement.

Crown the Champions: Free Play Arlington Pinball Monday Winners

Let’s congratulate the top players who showcased their pinball prowess:

  1. David Whitlock from Flower Mound, TX (IFPA rank 1122) – With 168 IFPA events, David’s experience earned him the championship title.
  2. Garrett Shahan (IFPA rank 102) – Garrett’s consistent performance secured him a well-deserved second place in his 168th event.
  3. Randy Nelson from Roanoke, TX (IFPA rank 982) – Randy’s impressive gameplay landed him in third place in his 64th event.
  4. Tom George from The Colony, TX (IFPA rank 1067) – Tom’s strategic play earned him fourth place in his 125th event.
  5. Greg Gibson from Plano, TX (IFPA rank 1222) – Greg’s skills secured him fifth place in his 64th event.
  6. Boss Hernandez from Dallas (IFPA rank 1470) – Boss’s competitive spirit earned them sixth place in their 67th event.
  7. Michael Hew from Texas (IFPA rank 3321) – Michael’s rising talent was evident as he secured seventh place in his 17th event.
  8. Savannah Archuleta from Corinth, TX (IFPA rank 2311) – Savannah’s consistent gameplay earned them eighth place in their 149th event.

Pinball Machines That Shined

The tournament featured an impressive lineup of 25 pinball machines. Here are five that stood out:

  • Creature from the Black Lagoon by Bally (released December 01, 1992): A classic game with a captivating theme and stunning holographic effects.
  • The Munsters (Premium) by Stern (released January 01, 2019): Step into the spooky world of The Munsters with vibrant artwork and engaging gameplay.
  • AC/DC (Pro) by Stern (released January 01, 2012): Rock out with AC/DC’s greatest hits while navigating fast-paced pinball action.
  • The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern (released May 11, 2021): Embark on an intergalactic adventure with Baby Yoda and the Mandalorian in this exciting pinball machine.
  • Iron Man (Vault) by Stern (released January 01, 2014): Experience the thrill of Iron Man’s battles with immersive gameplay and dynamic features.

Free Play Arlington: A Pinball Haven

Free Play Arcade – Arlington, located at 400 East South Street, Arlington, TX, provided the perfect venue for this pinball extravaganza. Visiting for the Metallica show, I decided to check out this highly recommended spot. The venue did not disappoint, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane with classic games from my teenage years and a fantastic beer selection. For more information, visit Free Play Arlington.

Thank You and Stay Tuned

A big thank you to Chris Delp for organizing this fantastic tournament and to Free Play Arlington for hosting us in their wonderful venue. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting events from the world of pinball!