A Day of Flippers and Silver Balls
On a clear sky afternoon with temperatures grazing a comfortable 82°F, pinball enthusiasts congregated at the Bank of Pinball, Terre Haute. The clock struck 3 PM and the Pinball at the Bank 2023 tournament commenced. Tyler Becker, a well-known figure in the pinball community, had organized what turned out to be an almost 3-hour-long adrenaline rush. 23 competitors, 7 rounds, but only 8 would proceed to the finals.
The Thrones’ Decree
It was in Round 4 that the audience was treated to an edge-of-the-seat game on the Game Of Thrones (Pro) by Stern. Derek Vandevier displayed a masterclass, clinching the top spot, while Steve Rolsing, with his IFPA rank of 461, fiercely secured the second.
And the Pinball Maestros Are…
The dazzling array of lights and the rhythmic clinks marked the end of the tournament, revealing the grandmasters of pinball:
- 1st: Tyler Becker (IFPA rank 301)
- 2nd: Robert Trail (IFPA rank 4609)
- 3rd: Mike Howard from St. Louis (IFPA rank 888)
- 4th: John Miller MO (IFPA rank 164)
- 5th: Derek Vandevier (IFPA rank 0)
- 6th: Preston Surdo (IFPA rank 2134)
- 7th: Steve Rolsing (IFPA rank 461)
- 8th: Michael LaFrieda, the extraterrestrial enthusiast from Planet Earth (IFPA rank 1293)
Legacy in Machines
16 pinball machines, each with its own history and challenges, graced the venue. Among them, a few stood out:
- The Godfather (LE) by Jersey Jack Pinball, the latest 2023 release
- Game Of Thrones (Pro) by Stern, the arena of the epic Round 4 battle
- Houdini: Master of Mystery by American Pinball, reminding us of the magical escape artist
- Foo Fighters (Premium) by Stern, resonating with rock vibes
- Monster Bash by Williams, a throwback to 1998
Venue Vibes
The Bank of Pinball isn’t just about games; it’s about experiences. Whether you’re on a date or with friends, there’s something for everyone. And with the promise of unlimited games for a mere $10 post 8 PM on weekends, it’s a haven for night owls. Word to the wise, the Bank has now relocated across from the Ulta at the main entrance, making it even more accessible!
IFPA Indiana’s Top 10 Pinballers
The state of Indiana boasts some of the best pinball players. Here’s a look at the crème de la crème:
| Rank | Player Name | City | Wppr Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andy Dill | Martinsville | 378.56 |
| 2 | Joshua Franklin | Fort Wayne | 349.34 |
| 3 | Ryan Quinn | Bluffton | 347.43 |
| 4 | Preston Currie | Fishers | 225.31 |
| 5 | Austin Deventer | Fort Wayne | 207.56 |
| 6 | Scott Elliott | Columbia City | 199.58 |
| 7 | Sydnee Deventer | Fort Wayne | 195.63 |
| 8 | Chris Fogel | Fort Wayne | 178.93 |
| 9 | Mattison Ogden | Kendallville | 174.65 |
| 10 | Ryan Donohue | Indianapolis | 171.38 |
As the sun set on Terre Haute, the pinball realm was abuzz with tales of epic games, close misses, and triumphant victories. Until the next tilt, keep those flippers flipping!