The Saturday! IFPA pinball tournament on June 29, 2024, was nothing short of spectacular. Starting at 3:46 PM and rolling through 21 action-packed rounds, the competition was fierce and the excitement palpable. Held at the buzzing Arcade Super Awesome, the tournament spanned seven and a half hours of non-stop pinball fun. Despite the moderate rain and the humid 87°F weather outside, the energy inside was as hot as a summer movie premiere. From novice players to seasoned pros, everyone had their moment to shine in this unforgettable event.

A Hidden Gem: Arcade Super Awesome

Arcade Super Awesome, located at 2415 Scioto Harper Dr, Columbus, OH 43204, is the perfect backdrop for a pinball tournament. Nestled in a cozy neighborhood and business park, this open-air arcade offers a vibrant mix of modern and classic vibes. With a food truck serving up delicious bites and a bar offering a range of drinks, from refreshing sodas to craft beers, it caters to all tastes. The atmosphere is family-friendly, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The arcade boasts an impressive collection of pinball and video games, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment. Want to know more about this fantastic venue? Check out their website here.

Round 4 Showdown: Popeye Saves the Earth

Round 4 saw a standout game on the quirky and environmentally themed “Popeye Saves the Earth” by Bally from February 1994. This game, featuring Popeye’s mission to save the planet from the evil Bluto, provided the perfect battleground for our contenders. John Geiger, hailing from Arcade Super Awesome with a state rank of 335th, clinched first place, demonstrating their home turf advantage. Ben Sauter, ranked 120th in the state, followed closely, with Kyle Sauter from Granville, Ohio, placing third. Kyle’s 110th state rank highlighted the fierce competition.

A Pinball Paradise

The tournament boasted an impressive lineup of 34 pinball machines, each offering a unique challenge. Here are a few highlights:

• Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast (Premium) by Stern, April 2018: A high-energy game with fast-paced action and incredible artwork, designed by Keith Elwin.
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (CE) by Spooky Pinball, January 2024: A horror-themed pin with spine-chilling effects, capturing the essence of the iconic film.
• Scooby-Doo (CE) by Spooky Pinball, February 2023: A family-friendly game with engaging gameplay and beloved characters, designed by Bowen Kerins.
• Total Nuclear Annihilation by Spooky Pinball, January 2017: Known for its retro style and intense gameplay, designed by Scott Danesi.
• Led Zeppelin (Pro) by Stern, December 2020: A rock-themed pin featuring classic hits and a dynamic playfield, designed by Steve Ritchie.
• Halloween (CE) by Spooky Pinball, August 2021: Another horror classic with thrilling gameplay, designed by Dennis Nordman.
• Ultraman: Kaiju Rumble (CE) by Spooky Pinball: A must-play for fans of the iconic Japanese series.
• Class of 1812 by Gottlieb, January 1991: A quirky and humorous pin with a unique soundtrack.
• Elvira and the Party Monsters by Bally, January 1989: A cult classic with captivating art and gameplay, designed by Dennis Nordman.

Celebrating the Champions

The final game on “Viper Night Drivin’” by Sega crowned the champions of the tournament. The neon-lit night driving theme added an extra layer of excitement as the contenders battled for the top spot. Congratulations to our winners:

1. John Geiger from Arcade Super Awesome: With a total of 126 IFPA events, their skill and consistency shone through, securing first place.
2. Kyle Sauter from Granville, Ohio: Demonstrating impressive skills across his 30 IFPA events, Kyle took the second spot.
3. Ben Sauter: With 102 IFPA events under his belt, Ben’s experience earned him third place.

IFPA Ohio Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Stephen Prusa	Cleveland	735.83
2	Aaron RIch		668.11
3	Jesse Baker	Cincinnati	588.22
4	Galvin Morgan	Olmsted Falls	424.21
5	Andrew Lee	Cleveland	423.8
6	Carlos Delaserda	Columbus	390.8
7	Cryss Stephens		369.09
8	Cody Webb	Westerville	327.92
9	John Delzoppo	Cleveland	319.3
10	Mark Brown OH	Cleveland	291.31

Wrapping Up the Fun

The Saturday! IFPA pinball tournament was an absolute blast, much like the final boss battle in your favorite video game – thrilling, intense, and unforgettable. A huge shoutout to John Geiger for pulling off this epic event at Arcade Super Awesome, where the vibe was as electric as a concert and as welcoming as a friend’s house party. Also congrats to John Geiger for their standout performance, and a big high-five to all the participants who brought their A-game and made it a day to remember. Stay tuned for more pinball adventures and stories – it’s going to be as exciting as the latest blockbuster sequel! Keep practicing those flipper skills for the next epic showdown!