Welcome to the Saturday! Pinball Extravaganza

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!

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!

Legendary Night at the John Wick Premium Launch Party Women’s Tournament

The John Wick Premium Launch Party Women’s Tournament was a blast, held on June 23, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The competition was fierce, with 16 talented players battling it out across 10 intense games. Only the top 8 advanced to the finals, where they faced off in single-game rounds. This fast-paced event wrapped up in just 2.5 hours, showcasing some serious pinball prowess.

Discovering the Magic of Pinball Gallery

The tournament took place at the renowned Pinball Gallery, located at 81 Lancaster Ave #20, Malvern, PA 19355. This spot is a haven for pinball enthusiasts, featuring a stellar mix of old and new machines, alongside classic video games. The atmosphere is electric, with a perfect blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge pinball action. Check out their website here for more information. Bill Disney, the organizer, has truly created a paradise for arcade lovers.

Pinball Highlights: Aztec and JAWS Steal the Show

Aztec by Williams (July 1976) – Aztec, designed by Norm Clark, features an intriguing mix of 4 pop bumpers, 2 slingshots, and 3 banks of drop targets. Its vibrant and colorful artwork by Christian Marche captures the spirit of the mid-’70s. The gameplay emphasizes precision, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a challenging and skill-oriented experience. The playfield’s layout encourages strategic shooting, and players must navigate through a series of targets to maximize their scores.

JAWS (Premium) by Stern (January 2024) – Stern’s JAWS Premium model offers a gripping experience, combining advanced technology with a classic theme. The game boasts a moving shark mechanism that interacts with the ball, creating thrilling moments. With detailed artwork and immersive sound effects, players feel like they’re part of the iconic movie. The multi-ball feature and various modes, including a “shark attack” mode, keep players engaged and on their toes for extended play periods.

Dive into the World of Classic Pinball Machines

  • Terminator 2: Judgment Day by Williams (July 1991) – This pinball machine is a blast from the past with its fast-paced action and iconic movie theme. It features a cannon that players can aim and fire at targets, adding an exciting interactive element.
  • Count-Down by Gottlieb (May 1979) – Known for its vibrant artwork and challenging gameplay, Count-Down tests players’ skills with its unique drop target sequences and classic chimes.
  • Jurassic Park (Premium) by Stern (October 2019) – This modern classic offers an immersive experience with its captivating theme, dynamic ramps, and multi-level playfield. The animatronic T-Rex is a crowd favorite.
  • Metallica (Pro) by Stern (April 2013) – Rock out with Metallica’s high-energy gameplay, featuring band members’ voices and music. The electric chair toy and Snake ramp keep players on their toes.
  • Mustang (Premium) by Stern (January 2014) – Rev up your engines with this automotive-themed pinball machine. Its unique gear shift and drag strip modes add a layer of excitement to the gameplay.

Celebrating Our Pinball Champions

The finals were a true test of skill, with players showcasing their mastery on Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by Stern. Let’s give a big round of applause to our top competitors who lit up the night with their remarkable performances:

  1. Cait Ceccola – Cait emerged as the ultimate champion with 4 decisive wins, demonstrating impeccable precision and strategy. Her journey to the top was marked by consistent high scores and flawless gameplay.
  2. Tina Kirby – Although unranked by the IFPA, Tina’s 5 wins were nothing short of spectacular. Her ability to remain calm under pressure and execute complex shots was impressive.
  3. Tessa Morton – With 5 wins, Tessa proved why she holds a high state and IFPA rank. Her focus and determination throughout the tournament were evident in every game.
  4. Terri Morton – Matching her sister Tessa with 5 wins, Terri showcased her prowess and competitive spirit. Her gameplay was both strategic and entertaining to watch.
  5. Sherry Disney – Sherry’s 6 wins highlighted her dedication and skill, making her a formidable opponent in every round.
  6. Lumi Legato – Lumi’s 5 wins, backed by her high IFPA rank, showcased her technical skill and deep understanding of the game.
  7. Kim Smith – Representing local talent with pride, Kim’s 5 wins demonstrated their exceptional skills and familiarity with the Pinball Gallery’s machines.
  8. Jamme Thomas – Jamme’s strategic play and 4 wins earned her a well-deserved spot in the top 8, showcasing her competitive edge.

Pennsylvania’s Pinball Powerhouses: Top 10 Standings

Rank Player Name City Wppr Points
1 Aleksander Kaczmarczyk Pittsburgh 251.45
2 Cryss Stephens 243.94
3 Jared Schmidt Pittsburgh 206.26
4 Dave Lancaster Pittsburgh 167.98
5 Lewis Bevans Pittsburgh 164.99
6 Gary Hartz Pittsburgh 143.84
7 John Delzoppo Cleveland 143.6
8 David Riel Pittsburgh 139
9 Daniel Gilbert Trappe 105.88
10 Mahesh Murthy Pittsburgh 98.87

Wrapping Up a Night to Remember

The John Wick Premium Launch Party Women’s Tournament at Pinball Gallery was nothing short of spectacular. With a mix of classic and modern machines, players were treated to an exciting and diverse pinball experience. From the precision required on Aztec to the thrilling shark encounters on JAWS, the tournament showcased the best of what pinball has to offer.

The competition was intense, with Cait Ceccola emerging as the champion after a series of nail-biting matches. Tina Kirby and the Morton sisters demonstrated incredible skill and determination, making the finals an unforgettable spectacle. The event highlighted the growing community of talented women in pinball, celebrating their achievements and sportsmanship.

A huge thank you to Bill Disney for organizing this fantastic event and to the Pinball Gallery for hosting. Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their remarkable performances. We look forward to more exciting pinball tournaments and stories in the future!