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.