In the darkest depths of the night, when overcast clouds shrouded the moon, and the temperature hovered around a spine-chilling 52°F, a sinister gathering took place on Friday the 13th, October 2023. It was no ordinary night—it was the Sparkseasy Friday the 13th pinball tournament, a chilling battle of flippers and nerves that unfolded at the Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar in Chesterfield, MI. Organized by the enigmatic Joe Wade, this event would go down in history as a spine-tingling showdown.

The Tournament: A Battle of Horror and Skill

As the clock struck 7:30 PM, 32 brave souls gathered to face the terror of 10 grueling pinball games. These players fought relentlessly for a coveted spot in the top 8, where the finals would take place over three harrowing rounds, with no margin for error.

The atmosphere was electrifying, as the arcade’s eerie lighting and the sounds of countless pinballs filled the air. The top players brought their A-game, determined to outshine the competition.

Godzilla: The King of the Pinball Monsters

One machine reigned supreme with six spine-tingling games played—Godzilla (Premium/LE) by Stern, released on September 14, 2021. This monstrous pinball machine was a favorite among the contestants, offering a relentless challenge reminiscent of the iconic movie monsters.

Elvira’s House of Horrors: A Standout Nightmare

The Mistress of the Dark’s spectacle reached its peak in Round 1 when players gathered around Elvira’s House of Horrors (Premium/LE) by Stern, born from the nightmares of September 18, 2019. The game unfolded with heart-pounding intensity, leaving us with these results:

1st Place: Scott Styles, hailing from New Baltimore, with an IFPA rank of 2009. 2nd Place: Daniel Walczak, an IFPA contender with a rank of 2282. 3rd Place: Chris Beaugrand, whose IFPA rank added to the mystery. 4th Place: Mike Stewart Jr., from parts unknown, with an IFPA rank of 513.

Scott Styles’ gameplay was nothing short of supernatural, earning him the top spot and sending shivers down the spines of his competitors.

Champions of Horror and Glory

When the final ball settled, it was Joe Wade who emerged as the champion of this bone-chilling tournament. With five wins under his belt and an IFPA rank of 1720, his victory was a testament to his mastery of the eerie pinball realm. He was closely followed by Daniel Walczak, who proved to be a formidable adversary with a rank of 2282 and 93 IFPA events.

Other notable champions included Mike Bradley, Chris Grace, Scott Styles, Chris Phillips, Chris Beaugrand, and Mike Stewart Jr., each showcasing their own unique brand of pinball terror.

The Haunting Lineup of Pinball Machines

The tournament featured an astonishing array of 45 pinball machines, each one a portal to a different dimension of fright and excitement. Among them were classics like Champion Pub, The Getaway: High Speed II, The Addams Family Gold, Rush (Pro), Monster Bash, hey look, it’s me! Bride of Pinbot, Star Wars Episode I, Elvira and the Party Monsters, and The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern. These machines added an extra layer of thrill and horror to the tournament.

Venue and Atmosphere: Where Scares and Fun Collide

The Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar provided the perfect backdrop for this night of horror-themed pinball mayhem. The atmosphere was infused with a unique blend of nostalgia and eeriness, with most pins priced at just 75 cents, including the newer Stern machines at a dollar.

IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Sterling Mitoska	Brooklyn	458.31
2	Rodney Minch	Grand Rapids	450
3	Rick Knopik	Evansville	402.06
4	Dominic Labella	Bay City	328.72
5	Matthew Stacks	Grand Rapids	313.85
6	Alex Harmon	Spring Lake	301.12
7	Jason Humphrey	Jackson	276.37
8	Ethan Magnum		257.11
9	Sean Burke	Waterford Township	220.52
10	Philip Salminen	Midland	212.95

These rankings demonstrate the sheer talent and horror-infused competition that the Michigan pinball scene has to offer.

In the realm of pinball, Friday the 13th was more than a date; it was an unforgettable experience of terror, triumph, and flippers. Stay tuned for more updates from the spine-tingling world of pinball!

On a drizzly October evening, with the unmistakable sound of pinball machines blending with the patter of raindrops, Fraser, Michigan became the epicenter of the pinball world.

When The Clock Struck 7:30

Free Play – Pinball Arcade, with its neon signs and the nostalgic hum of vintage games, threw its doors open for the Speakeasy Free Play 10-6-2023 pinball tournament. Organized by Joe Wade, this event attracted 30 pinball aficionados who battled it out in 5 grueling rounds.

In the Heart of the Action: Game Spotlight

As the night unfolded, and strategies were tested, round 4 emerged as the most nail-biting of all. Taking place on the newly-released James Bond 007 (Pro) by Stern, players engaged in a clandestine war of flippers and flashing lights. Jon Lents, with his keen eye and precise shots, emerged victorious, leaving Jake Piornack, Tim Carpenter MI, and Jeff Gordon in the wake of his pinball prowess.

The Rain-Soaked Champions

As the rain intensified outside, the stakes got higher inside. By the end of the tournament, the leaderboard featured:

• Jake Piornack: The master of maneuvering, stealing the top spot.
• Ryan Jurado from Ann Arbor: A close second, showcasing impeccable strategy.
• Jeremy Bell: The wild card, proving it’s not about how many events you’ve attended, but how well you play.
• Joe Wade: The organizer showing he’s not just good behind the scenes but also at the flippers.

Machines of Legend

Among the pinball machines lighting up the arena, these stood out:

• The Addams Family: Chilling and thrilling, every time.
• James Bond 007 (Pro): The secret weapon of the night.
• Legends of Valhalla (Classic/Deluxe): Where heroes are made.
• Godzilla (Pro): A monstrous delight.
• Hercules: The biggest pinball machine ever!

Where Magic Happened

Free Play Pinball Arcade, with its timeless charm, was more than just a venue. For many, like Vince, it’s a haven of nostalgia and camaraderie. Offering unbeatable value, it’s the kind of place where you enter in the morning and leave only when the night reminds you.

IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Sterling Mitoska	Brooklyn	458.29
2	Rodney Minch	Grand Rapids	450.01
3	Rick Knopik	Evansville	402.07
4	Dominic Labella	Bay City	328.69
5	Matthew Stacks	Grand Rapids	313.85
6	Alex Harmon	Spring Lake	301.12
7	Jason Humphrey	Jackson	276.37
8	Ethan Magnum	—	257.11
9	Sean Burke	Waterford Township	220.49
10	Philip Salminen	Midland	212.94

With the rain wrapping up the event like a curtain drop, the night in Fraser proved that passion for pinball shines, come rain or shine. We’ll be back with more from the world of pinball. Until then, keep the balls rolling and the scores soaring!

Imagine spending 7 hours and 18 minutes in a room filled with the nostalgia-laden dings and whizzes of pinball machines. That’s exactly what transpired at the Belles & Chimes GR Sept 2023 tournament on September 9th, organized by the indefatigable Karen Cummings. But don’t let the nostalgia fool you; the tournament format brought a modern, intense structure that made the experience even more electrifying.

The Format: Where Every Flipper Counts

Unique to the event was its format. With a total of 9 players, the tournament featured 12 games for each contestant in the initial phase. Players went head-to-head, earning points based on their finishing positions. Talk about marathon pinballing! But that wasn’t all. The top 4 players moved onto the Finals, which consisted of two grueling rounds with three games per round. This format not only tested the players’ skill but also their endurance and strategy, making it a holistic pinball championship.

A Venue with a Pinball Soul

RLM Amusements in Grand Rapids, Michigan, provided an atmosphere that felt like every pinball lover’s dream living room. The venue hosted 27 machines ranging from vintage to modern, all in pristine working condition.

The Unforgettable Godzilla Round

Amidst the pinball pandemonium, a stand-out game took place on the Godzilla machine from 1998. Lisa LaBelle took the win, stamping her authority on the game and marking herself as one to watch for the rest of the tournament.

Machines That Were More Than Just a High Score

Several machines became the unsung heroes of the event, including the evergreen “300” by Gottlieb and the Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium) which had the longest average game duration. Newcomers like Venom (Pro) by Stern showcased the bright future of pinball.

The Grand Finale

The Finals were a high-tension affair, with Lisa LaBelle from Holland, MI, clinching the first place. Robin Abbott, Karin Tessin, and Karen Cummings followed, each with an impressive number of wins and IFPA events under their belt.

Michigan’s Best: A Quick Look

And since we’re talking champions, let’s give a nod to the IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Sterling Mitoska	Brooklyn	450.93
2	Rodney Minch	Grand Rapids	444.74
3	Rick Knopik	Evansville	376.77
4	Matthew Stacks	Grand Rapids	306.04
5	Dominic Labella	Bay City	296.29
6	Alex Harmon	Spring Lake	273.51
7	Ethan Magnum	–	249.27
8	Jason Humphrey	Jackson	240.07
9	Sean Burke	Waterford Township	219.34
10	Philip Salminen	Midland	212.86

All said and done, the Belles & Chimes GR Sept 2023 tournament proved to be a pinball extravaganza unlike any other. It showcased the skill and passion of players who dedicated their day to the love of the game. No wonder folks were flipping out. Stay tuned for more updates from the buzzing, clattering, tilting world of pinball!

Ah, Chesterfield, MI – where the skies may be overcast, but the pinball sparks fly brighter than ever. On an evening with the cool air setting in at 64°F, 24 passionate players gathered for the Sparkeasy 9-8-23 pinball tournament. If you ever wondered what dedication looks like, it’s witnessing the event last just shy of 3 hours, with every game packed with suspense.

The Spectacle of Sparks Pinball Museum | Arcade & Bar

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the tournament, let’s talk about the venue. Sparks Pinball Museum is not your average arcade – it’s a time machine. The aura of the place is such that you can almost hear the echoes of decades past, mingling with the clinking and clanking of the present-day machines. What’s not to love about a place that serves history with a side of fun? For those new to the scene, it’s like a mini-museum where you can actually touch (and play) the exhibits!

The Machines That Made the Night

Now, onto the real stars of the show – the pinball machines. The Indiana Jones: The Pinball Adventure by Williams was an absolute crowd-puller, recording six games for the evening. But the one machine that caught everyone’s attention was the Halloween (Blood Sucker Edition) by Spooky Pinball. With an average game duration of 20 minutes, players were on the edge, fully immersed in the ghostly thrill it offered.

Special mention to Funhouse, Stars, and Red & Ted’s Road Show, which kept the old-school charm alive. And of course, the The Mandalorian (Pro) by Stern, where the drama of Round 1 unfolded.

A Game to Remember

The confrontation in Round 1 on The Mandalorian was like the battle scenes from the series itself. Bill Mann took the lead, with Mike Stewart Jr. not far behind. Jeff Catenacci and Jimmy Piornack gave their best shots, with Jeff coming from Roseville, making his hometown proud.

The Titans of the Tournament

Aaron Grabowski’s success was one for the books. While having an IFPA rank of 5573, his 4 wins showcased pure skill. However, the surprise element was Mike Stewart Jr. With 7 wins under his belt, the player made quite the impression. And let’s not forget Bill Mann, Kevin Rowe, and the rest of the top 8, each bringing their A-game.

The Best in Michigan

Here’s a glimpse at the creme de la creme of Michigan’s pinball wizards:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Sterling Mitoska	Brooklyn	450.93
2	Rodney Minch	Grand Rapids	444.73
3	Rick Knopik	Evansville	376.76
4	Matthew Stacks	Grand Rapids	306.04
5	Dominic Labella	Bay City	296.28
6	Alex Harmon	Spring Lake	273.59
7	Jason Humphrey	Jackson	240.05
8	Ethan Magnum		237.89
9	Sean Burke	Waterford Township	219.36
10	Philip Salminen	Midland	212.86

A whirlwind evening at Sparkeasy, full of twists, turns, and terrific gameplay! But, as they say in pinball – the game is never truly over. So, stay tuned for the next exciting update from the buzzing world of pinball!

On September 1st, 2023, as the clear sky shimmered at a comfortable 72°F, Fraser, MI turned into a pinball paradise. The Free Play Pinball Arcade at 34830 Utica Rd. buzzed with excitement. With 35 participants and countless enthusiasts, the Free Play Sep 1 tournament was all set to unroll. Joe Wade, the genius behind this showdown, ensured a blend of nostalgia and competition.

A Nostalgic Venue with a Modern Twist

Free Play Pinball Arcade isn’t just a gaming arena. It’s a trip down memory lane, packed with the bells and whistles of the 80s. One visitor recounted bringing their daughter along to share a piece of their own childhood. “She really enjoyed playing the pinball machine for the first time,” they said, eyes gleaming with nostalgia. With friendly staff and a convivial crowd, it felt less like a competition and more like a gathering of old friends.

Pinball Machines – The Stars of the Show

Among the 28 pinball machines, some stood out, not just for their gameplay but for their legacy. Rush (Pro) by Stern, the newest in the lineup, contrasted starkly with Rolling Stones by Bally, which wafted in memories from 1979. Guardians of the Galaxy and Disney TRON: Legacy brought in a touch of modern cinematic charm, while Whirlwind by Williams took players back to the start of the 90s. The diverse range made sure everyone had a favorite corner.

Avengers Assembled and So Did The Players!

One cannot talk about this tournament without mentioning the thrilling game on Avengers: Infinity Quest (Pro) by Stern in Round 4. Celebrating its 3rd anniversary, Jenny Herzenstiel, a Michigander ranked 4983, showed that sometimes, home advantage does play a part, claiming the top spot. Luke Daniels and Chelsea Robinette, both unranked, showcased impressive skills, proving that in the world of pinball, surprises are the norm.

And the Pinball Wizard Is…

While many showed promise, the crown went to the deserving tyrus eagle, with an impressive IFPA rank of 336. Jeff Catenacci from Roseville clinched the second spot, while Dean Sondey and Gary Herzenstiel wrapped up the third and fourth, respectively.

Michigan’s Pinball Mavericks

Peek into the IFPA Michigan Pinball Top 10 Standings:

Rank	Player Name	City	Wppr Points
1	Rodney Minch	Grand Rapids	433.98
2	Sterling Mitoska	Brooklyn	427.34
3	Rick Knopik	Evansville	376.76
4	Matthew Stacks	Grand Rapids	296.01
5	Dominic Labella	Bay City	286.65
6	Alex Harmon	Spring Lake	273.61
7	Jason Humphrey	Jackson	240.06
8	Sean Burke	Waterford Township	219.36
9	Ethan Magnum		211.42
10	Philip Salminen	Midland	208.34

From novice players to seasoned pros, the Free Play Sep 1 tournament was a testament to the undying charm of pinball. Keep your flippers ready and your eyes on the ball, because the world of pinball always has another surprise in store!

On February 2nd, RLM Amusements hosted their weekly pinball tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With a total of 34 players and 19 pinballs, the competition was fierce. Rodney Minch took the top spot, followed closely by Tim Mayhew, Matthew Stacks, Nate Timperley, and Dominic Labella.

The pinball machines in the tournament included classics such as Genesis, Meteor, Nitro Ground Shaker, and Space Shuttle, as well as more recent releases like Avengers: Infinity Quest (Premium), Total Nuclear Annihilation, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Iron Maiden: Legacy of the Beast. Players had to utilize skill, strategy, and luck to make it to the top of the leaderboard.

This was the second tournament that RLM Amusements hosted and it was a huge success. Organizer Rodney Minch said, “I’m really excited with how the tournament went. Everyone had a great time and we got to see some amazing pinball shots.” With events like this, RLM Amusements is quickly becoming a pinball hub in Grand Rapids.

If you are interested in participating in the next tournament at RLM Amusements, you can check out the website for more information. For the latest updates and results, follow the official RLM Amusements tournament page at https://rlmamusements.com/tournaments. We look forward to seeing you at the next tournament!

The current standings in the IFPA North America Championship Series Michigan is extremely competitive with Matthew Stacks of Grand Rapids coming in at number one with an impressive 87.2 points. Closely behind is Sterling Mitoska of Brooklyn with 64.41 points and Rodney Minch from Grand Rapids in third place with 61.44 points. Mike Schudel of Kalamazoo, Mike Stewart Jr from Grand Blanc, and Allen Robertson from Sour Lake are all within striking distance of the podium and vying for the championship title. With less than ten points separating the top ten competitors, the competition is sure to be exciting as the season progresses!